Maho Bay Review

By Kilee Mercuur

Airplanes on approach, coming in low for a landing amidst a sandy swath of beach tucked into the end of the Princess Juliana International airport, makes for a unique experience, and photos ops a-plenty!  Maho Bay beach is renowned for its close proximity to the airport, as you lay comfortably in a chaise lounge enjoying a mixed drink, a jumbo jet full of eager tourists may knock your hat off.  This is not a beach to take a siesta; this is a beach for the adventurous, those who crave action, sightseeing and a hint of adrenaline.  Maho is a great place to make new friends or to bring the family, there is always something to do.

Maho beach is very easy to get to, just follow the main road passed the big new terminal at Princess Juliana Airport (heading towards Maho) and when you get to the roundabout take the second road (you’ll be heading to your left). Parking is scarce and spread about so it’s catch as catch can.  The earlier you get there the easier it is to park.  For your own convenience you may make travel plans to stay at one of the many hotels located in the Maho area, such as Sonesta Maho Hotel, located right in the heart of Maho village or at the Caravansarai resort on the other side of Maho.

This beach is magnificent at any time of the day as long as the sun is shining and the skies are cleared and blue. Maho Bay undergoes consistent change due to tides and weather conditions. However full-sized rocks lie beneath the soft sand surface, some of which protrude; especially when the sea gulps at the layers of sand that cover these rocks so watch your step. 

When you’re ready to immerse in the water be prepared to come to a sudden drop off, made perfect for water noodles and floatable chairs. Pristine waters free from jet skis and ski-doo, but definitely not free from noise, the noise of jet engines landing and taking off. What better way to enjoy an adventure filled day with a classic lunch of burgers and fries or a more island classic- baby back ribs right on the beach at the Sunset Beach Bar. A grocery store is also conveniently located at the other end of the bay, where you can find anything and everything from breakfast items to ready- to go hot meals.

The main food and drink attraction for Maho Bay is located conveniently on the left corner of the beach (Sunset Beach Bar), a perfect spot to catch an outstanding picture of incoming planes. No need to be a professional photographer to capture a maginificent image, the environment does the work for you. Feel free to bring your drinks (alcoholic included) back to your reserved spot on the beach to finish off your beach day the right way, lying down relaxing and planning ahead to repeat your beach day the following days to come. 

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