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SXM → PTP
Which side of the plane to sit from Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg) to Pointe-à-Pitre Le Raizet (Pointe-a-pitre)?
Right Side of the Plane
The right side of the aircraft offers a spectacular view of the volcanic arc of the Lesser Antilles, providing a sequence of dramatic peaks, craters, and the active Soufrière Hills of Montserrat.
Saba (Mt. Scenery)
Witness the dramatic, sheer cliffs of the 'Unspoiled Queen' which hosts the world's shortest commercial runway.
The Quill (Statia)
A perfectly formed dormant volcanic crater on St. Eustatius that rises sharply from the sea.
St. Kitts & Nevis
Fly past the massive Mt. Liamuiga on St. Kitts and the cloud-shrouded peak of Nevis.
Montserrat Volcano
A rare opportunity to see the active Soufrière Hills volcano and the 'ghost town' of Plymouth buried in ash.
Basse-Terre Rainforest
The lush, mountainous western wing of Guadeloupe featuring the highest peak in the Lesser Antilles.
The right side is the 'Volcano Side.' For the best photography, opt for a mid-day or afternoon flight when the sun illuminates the western faces of the islands. Keep your camera ready as soon as you reach cruising altitude, as the islands of the inner arc appear in quick succession due to the short flight duration.
St. Barthélemy
Look for the red-roofed villas and luxury yachts in the harbor of Gustavia shortly after takeoff.
Antigua Coastline
The jagged and complex coastline of Antigua is often visible to the east, showcasing its legendary 365 beaches.
Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin
As you descend into PTP, the turquoise lagoons and mangrove forests of northern Guadeloupe come into view.
Grande-Terre
The flatter, limestone half of Guadeloupe features white sandy beaches and turquoise waters near the airport.
Sit on the left for morning flights to avoid the direct western sun glare. This side is better for spotting the upscale resorts of St. Barts and the coral reefs surrounding Guadeloupe. Request a seat ahead of the wing if flying on a jet, or any seat on an ATR/turboprop as the high-wing design allows for unobstructed views.
Distance: 259 km (161 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 26 min
Departure: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Arrival: PTP (16.265301, -61.531799)
Route Type: International
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