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SJU destination photo
TPA destination photo

SJUTPA

Our Recommendation
8.8

Left Side of the Plane

The left side offers the most dramatic views of the Caribbean's major landmasses, including the rugged northern coast of Hispaniola and the spectacular turquoise waters of the Florida Keys during the approach.

Left Side Highlights
8.8
🇵🇷

San Juan Coastline

Bird's-eye view of Old San Juan, El Morro fortress, and the northern beaches immediately after takeoff.

⛰️

Cordillera Central

Vistas of Puerto Rico's lush, mountainous interior as the aircraft banks toward the northwest.

🇩🇴

Hispaniola North Coast

Stunning views of the Dominican Republic's mountainous terrain and the Samana Peninsula.

🏝️

The Florida Keys

Vibrant coral reefs and the long chain of islands stretching into the Gulf of Mexico.

🌉

Sunshine Skyway Bridge

The iconic yellow-cabled bridge spanning Tampa Bay is often visible during the final descent from the south.

For morning flights, the left side keeps the sun behind the aircraft, providing better lighting for photography of Hispaniola and the Keys. This side is also superior for spotting the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which is the hallmark landmark of the Tampa arrival.

Right Side Highlights
7.5
🌊

Atlantic Deep Blue

Panoramic views of the deep Atlantic Ocean and the edge of the Puerto Rico Trench.

🪸

Bahamian Cays

Distant views of the shallow turquoise banks of the Turks and Caicos and southeastern Bahamas.

🏖️

Gulf Coast Beaches

White sand views of Siesta Key and the Sarasota coastline as the plane enters Florida airspace.

🏙️

Tampa Metro Area

Views of downtown Tampa's skyline and the busy shipping ports during the final approach.

Select the right side for late afternoon flights to witness spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico as you approach Florida. This side is generally quieter visually until the final 20 minutes of the flight when the Florida coastline appears.

Top Activities in Tampa
Route Information

Distance: 1,991 km (1,237 miles)

Approximate Flight Time: 2 hrs 39 min

Departure: SJU (18.4393997192, -66.0018005371)

Arrival: TPA (27.975500106811523, -82.533203125)

Route Type: International

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