Saint Martin / Sint Maarten: Maho Beach Airplane Landings and Scuba Diving

Saint Martin is a beautiful Caribbean island and the first stop on a Virgin Voyages cruise aboard the Resilient Lady after departing Puerto Rico. This video captures two of the most talked-about experiences on the island: watching airplanes land directly over Maho Beach and trying introductory scuba diving.

Maho “Airplane” Beach

The airport runway sits just across the road from the beach, and airplanes fly in extremely low overhead before landing. During the visit, everything from small propeller planes to commercial jets passed just above the sand. The warm sun and clear water combined with the aviation spectacle make this one of the most unique beaches in the Caribbean.

A shuttle bus from the cruise port takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach Maho Beach. Plan for a couple of hours to see a variety of aircraft sizes and enjoy the beach.

Introductory Scuba Diving

After returning from Maho Beach, the group joined a beginner-friendly scuba experience with a local tour operator. The instruction covered basic skills and safety procedures before entering the water.

GoPro cameras were not permitted, as guides emphasized that beginners should focus on skills rather than photography. After instruction, the backward entry off the boat was initially intimidating, and ear pressure was noticeable. Three of four participants made it to about nine meters depth. One person stopped early because the group pace felt stressful.

Honest Assessment

The scuba experience was interesting as a first-time try, though the group was not certain they wanted to continue long-term. The honest assessment is valuable for anyone considering their first dive experience.

For more cruise and travel content, see Carnival Breeze cruise ship and Dubrovnik, Croatia. For travel planning, check out preparing for Europe travel.

Combined with the excitement of Maho Beach, the scuba diving made for a memorable day exploring what makes Saint Martin a unique Caribbean destination.