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SXM → SBH
Which side of the plane to sit from Princess Juliana International Airport (Philipsburg) to Gustaf III Airport (Gustavia)?
Left Side of the Plane
The left side offers the most diverse panoramic views of the Caribbean coastline, including the northern shore of St. Maarten and the picturesque descent into the turquoise waters of St. Jean Bay.
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Maho Beach
Aerial view of the famous beach at the end of SXM runway where crowds gather to watch planes.
Philipsburg
The capital of the Dutch side, featuring the Great Salt Pond and colorful colonial architecture.
Tintamarre Island
A flat, uninhabited nature reserve island with white sandy beaches and striking red cliffs.
Saint-Barthélemy Channel
Deep blue waters contrasting with shallow coral reefs as you cross between the islands.
Baie de Saint-Jean
Stunning views of the Eden Rock hotel and the vibrant blue lagoon on final approach.
Sit on the left for the best views of the Saint Martin interior and the iconic turquoise lagoons. Morning flights (8:00 AM - 10:00 AM) offer the best lighting to capture the saturation of the water without harsh glare.
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Port St. Maarten
A top-down view of massive cruise ships docked at the Dr. A.C. Wathey Cruise Facility.
Ile Fourchue
A rugged, rocky volcanic island located halfway between St. Martin and St. Barts.
Gustavia Harbor
The world-famous horseshoe-shaped harbor filled with luxury superyachts.
Col de la Tourmente
The infamous hilltop road where the plane passes mere feet above traffic during the steep descent.
Shell Beach
A boutique beach covered in tiny shells, visible just before the final turn into the airport.
The right side is essential if you want to experience the perspective of the 'world's scariest landing.' You will see the hilltop roundabout at SBH as the pilot noses down sharply for the runway.
Book Hotels in GustaviaDistance: 32 km (20 miles)
Approximate Flight Time: 3 min
Departure: SXM (18.0410003662, -63.1088981628)
Arrival: SBH (17.904399871826172, -62.84360122680664)
Route Type: International
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