Loading map...

SJU destination photo
PLS destination photo

SJUPLS

Our Recommendation
8.8

Right Side of the Plane

The right side offers a superior visual experience, featuring a long-duration approach over the vibrant turquoise Caicos Bank and the various cays of the Turks and Caicos archipelago.

Right Side Highlights
8.8
🌊

Atlantic Deep

The transition from the Puerto Rico Trench, the deepest part of the Atlantic, to the shallow island shelves.

💡

Grand Turk

Spot the capital island of the Turks and Caicos and its distinctive lighthouse at the northern tip.

🏝️

Middle & North Caicos

The largest and greenest islands in the archipelago, separated by narrow channels of brilliant blue water.

🚤

Caicos Bank

An incredible expanse of shallow, neon-turquoise water that creates a stunning contrast against the deep ocean.

🏖️

Grace Bay

The world-renowned white sands of Grace Bay Beach are often visible during the descent into PLS.

🏘️

Chalk Sound

A striking turquoise lagoon with hundreds of small rocky islands, located just south of the airport.

The right side is essential for the iconic 'Caribbean Blue' photos. The best lighting is usually on morning flights, as the sun is behind the aircraft. Watch for the dramatic change in water color as the plane crosses the 'wall' from the deep ocean into the shallow Caicos Bank, which is one of the most unique geographic sights in the region.

Left Side Highlights
7.4
🏙️

San Juan Skyline

Aerial view of Old San Juan, the historic El Morro fort, and the dense urban landscape of the capital city upon takeoff.

⛰️

Cordillera Central

Distal views of Puerto Rico's lush central mountain range as the plane tracks northwest along the coast.

🏖️

Dominican North Coast

The scenic shoreline of the Dominican Republic, including the Samana Peninsula and Puerto Plata's golden beaches.

🌊

Silver Bank

A submerged carbonate bank that is part of the Dominican Republic, known as a sanctuary for humpback whales.

🏝️

West Caicos

The rugged coastline of the uninhabited West Caicos island visible just before the final approach into Providenciales.

Sit on the left for the best views of Puerto Rico's northern coast immediately after takeoff. If the flight path stays south, you will get a great look at the rugged terrain of Hispaniola. Use a polarizing filter on your camera to cut through the haze and capture the deep greens of the tropical forests.

Top Activities in Providenciales
Route Information

Distance: 752 km (467 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 1 hr 15 min

Departure: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)

Arrival: PLS (21.77359962463379, -72.26589965820312)

Route Type: International

Thank you for booking your travels through our travel partners. The commissions from your bookings keep this site running.