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PTP → SXM
Which side of the plane to sit from Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet (Pointe-a-pitre) to Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side offers a front-row seat to the volcanic 'Inner Arc' of the Leeward Islands, featuring breathtaking views of Montserrat, Nevis, St. Kitts, and the dramatic island-rock of Saba.
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Soufrière Hills
The massive, active volcano on Montserrat, visible with its dramatic ash-scarred flanks and steam vents.
Nevis Peak
A near-perfectly conical volcanic peak rising 3,232 feet straight from the center of Nevis.
Brimstone Hill Fortress
The UNESCO World Heritage site on St. Kitts, clearly visible as a massive stone fortification on the coastline.
Saba
The spectacular sight of the 'Unspoiled Queen,' a sheer volcanic rock rising vertically out of the ocean.
St. Barthélemy
The rugged, indented coastline of St. Barts, known for its luxury villas and the red roofs of Gustavia.
The right side is essential for geography enthusiasts. Keep your camera ready shortly after takeoff to catch Montserrat. For the best photography, aim for morning flights when the sun illuminates the eastern slopes of the volcanoes. The descent usually passes very close to St. Barts, offering a great look at its mountainous terrain.
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Caribbean Horizon
Expansive views of the deep blue Caribbean Sea contrasted with vibrant turquoise reef patches near the islands.
Cruising Corridors
High probability of spotting large cruise ships and cargo vessels navigating the passage between Guadeloupe and the northern islands.
Maho Beach Approach
On final descent into SXM, the left side offers a unique perspective of the famous beach and the Princess Juliana runway perimeter.
Choose the left side for afternoon flights to avoid the harsh tropical sun glare. While mostly over open water, the approach into SXM provides a great view of the southern coastline of St. Maarten and the yachts in Simpson Bay.
Get eSIMs for Guadeloupe
Get eSIMs for Netherlands AntillesDistance: 259 km (161 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: PTP (16.265301, -61.531799)
Arrival: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Route Type: International
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