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SJU β POP
Which side of the plane to sit from Luis Munoz Marin International Airport (San Juan) to Gregorio Luperon International Airport (Puerto Plata)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers a continuous panorama of the northern coastlines of both Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, including rugged karst mountains and tropical bays.
Old San Juan
Aerial view of the historic El Morro fortress and the colorful colonial buildings shortly after departure.
Karst Limestone Hills
The unique 'mogotes' or haystack hills of northern Puerto Rico, visible between Arecibo and Aguadilla.
Mona Passage
The deep blue transition where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Caribbean Sea between the two islands.
SamanΓ‘ Peninsula
Lush tropical landscapes and hidden beaches along this finger of land in the northeast Dominican Republic.
Cordillera Septentrional
The scenic mountain range that runs along the Dominican Republic's northern coast, providing a backdrop to the approach.
Book a window seat on the left (Port) side for the best land views. Morning flights are ideal as the sun will be behind the aircraft, illuminating the coastline without glare. During the descent into POP, keep your eyes peeled for the Pico Isabel de Torres mountain overlooking Puerto Plata.
Atlantic Horizon
Uninterrupted views of the vast, deep blue Atlantic Ocean stretching toward the northern horizon.
Silver Bank Area
A glimpse of the shallow bank area known for humpback whale migrations during the winter months.
Ocean Approach
A view of the turquoise reef patterns just offshore as the plane turns for its final approach into POP.
The right side is mostly ocean, which can be repetitive, but it is excellent for spotting varying shades of blue. If flying in the late afternoon, the right side will offer a view of the sunset over the Atlantic as you arrive in the Dominican Republic. Use a polarized filter for photos to cut through the ocean haze.
Distance: 502 km (312 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 50 min
Departure: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)
Arrival: POP (19.75790023803711, -70.56999969482422)
Route Type: International
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