The Circle of Life at Maho Beach
~ A real-time look at how Hurricane Erin briefly took our sand—and why we know it will return ~
MAHO BEACH — Yesterday, August 16, 2025, Hurricane Erin reminded us once again of nature’s awesome power. Erin passed well north of St. Maarten, strengthening from a Category 4 into a Category 5 hurricane. Thankfully, we were spared any significant events, but we got rain and lots of wind — and memories of Irma and Maria in 2017 rushing back. And as I write this, a new disturbance is already forming in the Atlantic to the southeast of us (see the satellite image below in this post).
Still, Erin left its mark. One of the most noticeable changes: Maho Beach is gone—for now.
This morning, while watching the live webcam at Tortuga Restaurant in Maho, a friend sent me this note:
“This morning, Maho Beach is no more. Winds from the south have caused the erosion. They will continue throughout Monday.”
“They should ask for help from Dutch specialists for ways to stop erosion. The Dutch are masters in water management.”
Where there was once soft white sand, there are now rocks being pounded by the surf. For visitors, plane spotters, and locals who know Maho Beach as the world-famous “plane beach,” it’s a strange sight. Some will push for engineered fixes—and there’s a valid conversation to have there. But I also call this the Circle of Life. Because if history teaches us anything, it’s that the beach will naturally return. In time, the sands come back and hundreds of people—tourists and locals—will again enjoy the beach and those heart-stopping low approaches over Maho.
Watch Maho Beach Live
Since February 16, 2024, the webcam hosted by Tortuga Beach Café has streamed 24/7 from Maho, capturing every landing, every wave, and now even the temporary disappearance of the beach.
Open the live stream in YouTube
Why Maho Is Always a Big Attraction
Years ago I wrote about it: What is the big attraction of Maho Beach? It’s not just the planes. It’s the unique combination of aviation thrills, turquoise water, white sand, and a lively beachfront scene. Today the beach looks rocky, but tomorrow the sand returns—because that’s what Maho does. That’s the magic. That’s the circle of life.
