Located on the Caribbean Island of Saint Martin, Maho Beach is marked by its pristine white sand and crystal clear turquoise water. You would expect this beach to be a nice and quiet haven to relax, but the main reason why tourists throng here is to get a close encounter with airplanes. With the close proximity to the adjacent Princess Juliana International Airport, airlines fly so closely above the beach that their wheels look like they are close enough to be touched by beach goers.

Due to the short runway length of 2,180 meters (7.150 ft), approaching aircraft must touch down as close as possible to the beginning of Runway 10, flying over the beach at minimal altitude. Watching airliners pass over the beach is such a popular activity that the surrounding bars and restaurants display daily airline departure and arrival timetables.