saipan travel guide

• DESTINATIONS
• EXPERIENCES

Saipan Travel Guide: Discover a Hidden Gem of the Mariana Islands

Hafa Adai! My name is Luke Scott Fernandez, better known on Instagram as @lostwithlukes . I am 24 years old, born and raised on the island of Guam. I will be sharing my experiences and time on the wonderful island of Saipan which is a neighboring island of Guam. Like Guam, Saipan is part of the chain of islands called the Mariana Islands located in Micronesia.

Saipan is home to two major indigenous Pacific Islander groups: CHamorus and Carolinians. It uses US currency and the main languages used in Saipan are English, CHamoru and Carolinian. My first trip to Saipan was in 2018. I only spent four days there but it was packed with adventure!

After those four days, I was hooked. I would come back every month to visit the friends I made and to experience the magical island of Saipan again and again. In that short time of four days, I hit many touristy sites and did a lot of hikes such as Bird Island, Forbidden Island, Mt. Tapochau and El Toro.

I was so amazed by the fact that despite how close Saipan was to Guam, the water, sand, land and sea were all so different. I made so many great memories in those jam-packed four days which only made me crave for more and that is why I constantly went back to Saipan for more visits.

Why Saipan Should be on your Bucket List

The best way to describe Saipan is that it’s one of the many gems in the Mariana Islands. Saipan’s beaches, waters and sunsets are unlike any other. Truthfully, Saipan has some of the best sunsets I have ever seen in my life. Though the Mariana Islands are close together, they each differ in history, geography, culture and people which makes them all unique.

Saipan is a wonderful place to visit and it’s a world of its own that is rooted in culture, community and family. My favorite place in Saipan is Managaha Island, a smaller island off of Saipan. You can get there easily by taking a 10-15 minute boat ride. When you first arrive you will be blown away!

Managaha is special to me because it takes you away from the main island and all you do is hangout, relax, read, sunbathe, swim and eat: there is no sense of urgency or time pressure whatsoever. In my opinion, the water is clearer and the sand is whiter in comparison to that of the main island.

6 Best Things To Do in Saipan

1. take a boat tour to the beautiful managaha island.

A little island off of Saipan with the whitest sands and clearest waters, Managaha Island is a magical place and is a must-visit when in Saipan. Day trips can be made there by scheduled tour boats. I suggest only taking a half-day trip there and then spending the rest on the main island.

When you take a boat tour to Managaha Island, bring your own food, drinks, towels, swimwear, sunscreen, hats, etc. Don’t forget to pick up your own trash, and it doesn’t hurt to pick up the trash that isn’t yours as well.

2. Start a New Day with a Hike to Forbidden Island

Forbidden Island is a cool hike down to this little flat topped island off the shores of Saipan. It’s a great way to start the day since the sun rises in that area. If you do hike all the way down to Forbidden Island, make sure you bring snorkel gear, a towel and water. You will be snorkeling in no time!

3. See Hundreds/Thousands of Birds at Bird Island

Bird Island can be appreciated on top of the designated lookout or you can hike down to Bird Island for some beach fun. The hike is fairly easy but just be cautious of your surroundings as you could fall off the ledge. The island houses thousands of birds. You can often see them flying around the island.

Tip: Don’t fly your drone near Bird Island as the birds will try and chase after your drone. Bring water, snorkels, snacks and a towel if you plan on making it a beach day at the end of the hike (which I recommend).

4. Hike down to “Old Man by the Sea” Beach

Old Man by the Sea is a fun hike! You go through a bit of jungle and then enter a beach area where the rock formation nearest to the seashore is in the shape of an old man. Many locals “kiss the old man” for photo opportunities. Bring a towel and water for a little beach relaxation.

5. Swim and Snorkel around the Grotto Seacave

The Grotto is pretty well known for being a seawater cave that has a deep connecting underwater tunnel to the ocean. If you are looking to swim at the surface level of the cave then bring a snorkel and some fins. Disclaimer: do not try to freedive the Grotto if you are not a highly trained professional

6. Trek up Mt. Tapochau for Panoramic Views

Mt. Tapochau is a great place to see the whole island. When you get to the very top you can see Saipan from end-to-end. It’s a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. Mt. Tapochau is also a great hike if you like steep mountain hikes, but you can also drive up to the top as well. Note: wind speed is strong at the top of the mountain so I don’t advise flying a drone.

My Favorite Memories from Saipan

My favorite memories from Saipan would be going to Managaha Island and spending most of the day there then making my way to Micro Beach or Mt. Tapochau to watch the gorgeous sunset over the island. Believe me when I tell you that the sunsets in Saipan are unlike any other. The island is pure magic, and I always enjoy myself whenever I get a chance to go back.

I could go on about Managaha, but it’s because this island radiates a magical aura that somehow leaves me amazed by how something so close to the main island of Saipan can feel so far away. The island is perfect with white sands and the clearest waters. I have yet to experience the sunset or sunrise on Managaha but I hope to on my next trip back.

Mt. Tapochau is another magical place because when you get to the very top of the island you can see the two ends of Saipan which is the coolest thing ever! The drive up there is a bit weird because there is a certain point where the road becomes dirt and potholes, but just drive slowly. It’s a beautiful place to watch the sunset and see the colors of the island change.

Warm & Welcoming Locals of Saipan

The culture in Saipan is deeply rooted in family and community much like nearby Guam. There is never a time when you don’t see people gathered together with good food, music and drinks – whether it’s at someone’s house, at one of the many fantastic restaurants or at the best local beach.

The community in Saipan is warm and welcoming: everyone is more than willing to show island hospitality as long as you return the favor. The local way of living is much like how other folks around the world live everyday, but the only difference is that it’s the island version of everyday living!

People have 9-5 jobs, go home to their families and face everyday issues like the rest of folks. Like Guam, Saipan’s everyday living might be slower than the rest of the world but outdoor activities such as running, hiking and swimming are great pastimes to experience the island in unique ways.

Best Restaurants to Try in Saipan

1. the shack – beachside cafe with great food.

The Shack is a little restaurant that caters to both vegetarians and vegans! They have a great mix of healthy foods such as smoothies, acai bowls, bbq plates, sushi plates and more. My personal favorites are the acai bowls and the nutella pancakes, which always makes breakfast better. They are open in the mornings and afternoons. It’s a must-try when coming to Saipan!

2. Everest Kitchen – For the Best Napalese Cuisine

A Napalese and Mediterranean style restaurant, Everest Kitchen is a great place for a lunch buffet. I personally go for the buffet but they do tend to fill up fast – trust me! If you do decide to dine there, bring cash. They are open until 2pm. I would suggest using Facebook for restaurant updates.

3. Caravan of Food – Authentic Middle Eastern

The Caravan is a Middle Eastern style restaurant and bakery that serves a great selection of healthy soups, salads and more. I always get their falafels and hummus whenever I dine there. The portion sizes are pretty big and will leave you full. When dining in or taking away, bring cash. They are open from 8am to 3pm. Again, I suggest using Facebook for restaurant updates. 

4. Surf Club Restaurant – Amazing Sunset Views

Surf Club Restaurant is a cool place for lunch or dinner. A mix of American and local cuisine, they have options for all. Surf Club has both outdoor and indoor dining. I recommend going for sunset when they have live music. It’s also a hotel with a comfortable and homey atmosphere by the beach.

5. Spicy Thai – Best Thai Food in Saipan

Spicy Thai is a must when visiting Saipan if you are craving Thai. I personally go there for the dinner buffet and my favorite dish is Pad Thai. Spicy Thai is also open for lunch and they have great vegetarian selections. They also offer indoor and outdoor dining. When dining in or taking away, bring cash. They are open from 11am to 9pm. Check Facebook for updates.

6. Himawari Restaurant – On-the-Go Meals

Himawari is a three-in-one consisting of a store, restaurant and hotel. If you are looking for on-the-go meals for a day of adventure, then this is the place to go. They offer a variety of seafood plates, soups and pastries. You can dine in at the restaurant side of Himawari. You definitely won’t regret it!

Visit Saipan for at least Seven Days

If you are planning to visit Saipan, stay for at least seven days. There are so many great adventures to have in Saipan and there is lots to explore. Take it slow and don’t try to pack every hike, beach, etc. into one single day. Enjoy the island and take your time to experience it to the fullest.

For me, coming to Saipan is like entering another world/bubble within the Mariana Islands. Saipan is so unique, much like all the other neighboring islands. From the friendly locals, to the great hikes, to the amazing food – I always leave Saipan wanting to come back in the not too distant future.

Need to Know Before you Go

Some key tips before visiting Saipan would be reading more on the island itself. Find local businesses to support beforehand and plan your trips around some of the annual island festivals. You can find more information about Saipan on their tourism website www.mymarianas.com . More tips:

• Respect locals 
• Listen to locals 
• Pick up trash even if it’s not yours 
• Leave a place as you found it if not in better condition 
• Use reef safe sunscreens 
• Bring reusable drinking containers 
• Bring reusable bags 
• Don’t be afraid to try new foods 
• Shop and invest in locally owned businesses.

BY LUKE SCOTT FERNANDEZ IG: @LOSTWITHLUKES WWW.LOSTWITHLUKES.COM

Author:  Luke Scott Fernandez

Luke Scott Fernandez is a local photographer from the island of Guam. As a homegrown native of Guam and proud Pacific Islander, the ocean is something he has always felt connected to. It has been a source of inspiration for him time and time again.

Related posts

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Post comment

Travel experiences

Accommodation.

Beaches & Islands

Food & Drink

Historical Sites

Living Abroad

National Parks

Towns & Villages

Travel Tips

Sign up to our newsletter

• Change Language

Paradise For Everyone

Escape to a place of magnificent beaches and crystal clear aqua waters, rich history, year-round outdoor activities, world-class diving and golfing, international shopping, a wide range of ethnic restaurants, and a wide variety of international and indigenous cultures adding their unique flavors to this island paradise.

Our Mission

To promote and develop the Northern Mariana Islands as a premier destination of choice for visitors from throughout the world while providing a maximum quality of life for our people. We nurture and en-courage cultural interchange and environmental sensitivity for visitors’ enjoyment and for our children’s children.

The Northern Islands

The marianas calendar, views navigation, event views navigation, coral ocean resort’s signature pool party.

✔ Date: Every Wed/Fri/Sat, 5pm-9pm ✔ Local Discounts available : Adult $39 > $29 (Must be 18yrs and above) *Exclusive for CNMI Residents ✔ Benefits ???? Unlimited free sparkling wine...

Happy Hour at Seaside Grill PIC

Visit Pacific Islands Club every Friday and Saturday for Happy Hour at Seaside Grill.

Brunch with Free Pool Pass at Coral Ocean Resort

Enjoy bountiful Friday & Sunday brunch with beach club & pool! ✔ Operation: Friday & Sunday 11:30-14:00 ✔ Free Pool Pass after brunch until 5pm with Beach Towel ???? -...

Asian Sunday Brunch at Kensington Hotel

Enjoy Asian cuisine every Sunday at Kensington Hotel's LORIA. Price : Adult $58.50 I Child(4-11yrs) $29.30 – Benefit : Complimentary Family pool access after brunch * Reservation Required : 1(670)...

Happy Hour at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort

Enjoy Happy Hour at Laolao Bay Golf & Resort's The Grill Restaurant in Kagman, Saipan! Happy Hour takes place from 3:00pm - 6:00pm.

Mari Bar’s Golden Hour

Get 25% off all food & beverage, including alcohol! Monday- Saturday 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm Sunday 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm

• Google Calendar
• Outlook 365
• Outlook Live
• Export .ics file
• Export Outlook .ics file

Press Releases

Marianas wins award for best diving area overseas, future football ambassadors beautify saipan sign, the marianas promoted at seoul flower festival, united airlines announces new tokyo-saipan schedule, mva joins brand usa australia road show, 15 airlines meet with mva, cpa to learn about the marianas, marianacation: take a look into vacation life in the marianas, 23rd annual taste of the marianas international food festival & beer garden.

The Islands

• The Marianas
• Account Registration
• Member Portal
• Contact MVA
• MVA Board Members
• Press Release & Reports

P.O. Box 500861 Saipan, MP 96950

Tel: 670 664 3200 / 3201 Fax: 670 664 3237

© 2024 Marianas Visitors Authority | All rights reserved

• 1.1 Orientation
• 3.1 By plane
• 4.2 By taxi
• 4.4 By moped
• 10.1 Budget
• 10.2 Mid-range
• 10.3 Splurge
• 12.1 Consulates

Saipan is the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands .

Understand [ edit ]

Saipan is 23 km (14 mi) long and 8 km (5 mi) wide. The best beaches and most populated areas are on the western and southern coasts, with the north and east being rugged and mountainous.

Because only one branch of the US Military - the Coast Guard - has even a small permanent presence on Saipan, many Chamorros on Saipan consider their culture more intact than on Guam. Therefore, comparisons between the two islands should take this into account. Furthermore, Chamorros on Saipan and throughout the CNMI still primarily speak Chamorro at home, while the same isn't true of Guam. While the differences between a commonwealth (as in the CNMI) and a territory (as in Guam) may not appear to be great (especially to a mainland US citizen), Saipan should not be referred to as a territory when speaking to a local. Finally, while the population of the CNMI, as on Guam, are US citizens and proud to be recognized as such, their independent identity is equally important.

Orientation [ edit ]

Talk [ edit ].

While English is certainly the lingua franca on Saipan, few people on the island (adults in particular) speak English as their first language. Nevertheless, nearly everybody does speak English to varying degrees. Many local residents, who often use English at school or at work, speak Chamorro or Carolinian (both official in addition to English) or another of the Micronesian languages at home. The majority of people living on Saipan are overseas contract laborers, however. These people come mostly from the Philippines, China, Bangladesh and Thailand. Furthermore, Korean, Japanese and (more recently) Russian and Chinese tourists make their languages fairly prevalent in the tourist areas as well.

Most hotels are geared toward a particular language/nationality such as Japanese or Korean, which represent most of the tourism. A notable exception is Pacific Islands Club, which is geared toward a multilingual/multinationial clientele. Likewise, most of the scuba shops are geared toward Japanese or Korean tourism, though the heavy reliance on Philippine dive staff ensures that many will also be able to handle English-speaking customers.

Get in [ edit ]

For entry requirements, see the main article on the Northern Mariana Islands .

By plane [ edit ]

Get around [ edit ].

There is no public transport as such, excluding shuttle buses running between hotels and the Duty Free shopping center in Garapan.

By bus [ edit ]

There is no public bus service on Saipan, but on Saipan PDI and other companies run a shopping shuttle bus to and from the Duty Free mall (DFS Galleria) in Garapan. DFS also has their own free shuttle from most of the major hotels.

By taxi [ edit ]

Taxis on Saipan are expensive but plentiful, however the only place they are allowed to pick up or drop off passengers is at the airport or a hotel, and sometimes at DFS. There is also a large network of illegal taxis run by Chinese immigrants, that will take you anywhere for $15.00. For some Saipan residents this is their only means of transportation.

Because Saipan is so small, taxis from the airport to the main hotel area of Garapan can run upwards of $25-30, so plan ahead by arranging transportation through your hotel, which often charge $10 per person flat rate.

By car [ edit ]

Car rental is a good option for getting off the beaten track, as roads are generally quite good. Most car rental offices are either at the airport or at major tourist hotels; some offer a free pick up and drop off service.

By moped [ edit ]

Mopeds can be rented for about $20, though roads are very dark at night and bugs predominate after dusk. Therefore, consider mopeds for day-tripping only, as drivers tend not to give heed to mopeds or bicyclists throughout the CNMI or Guam .

See [ edit ]

Saipan, Guam, and many other islands of the Marianas were all important battle sites during WWII , and many Japanese bunkers and armaments still exist on these islands. These sites are managed by the National Park Service under the "War in the Pacific" Parks designation. Saipan is fairly small and by renting a car or moped, it is easy to drive around the island and take in the natural splendor, as well as visit a number of parks. Scuba diving is also popular, and the underwater world should definitely be seen.

• 15.286699 145.815698 1 Banzai Cliff and 15.277094 145.809188 2 Suicide Cliff , on the northern tip of the island, were sites where thousands of Japanese civilians, trying to escape the fighting and convinced by the Japanese military that they would be killed by the American military, jumped to their deaths in the Battle of Saipan in 1944. The former is by the sea while the latter is on the rock outcropping overlooking it. Numerous Japanese memorials mark the sites.

Do [ edit ]

Scuba diving and snorkeling on Saipan are deservedly the most popular activities here among western tourists, though gambling and karaoke/hostess bars are most popular among Korean businessmen, as well as some Japanese travelers. Garapan is coastally located, so other watersports abound as well. For scuba divers, the term "Fun Dive" is used for those who have already been certified and just want to recreational dive, while "Taiken dive" is used to designate first-time divers that take classes on Saipan. The same is true for the rest of the CNMI and somewhat so for Guam. While boat dives are available, you can still drive to some awesome dive sights, like Grotto . A cavern dive to open ocean is great. If you go outside, you will need a guide as it is very easy to get turned around outside and lose track of the tunnel back in.

• 15.207943 145.718437 1 Aquasmith ( Across from DFS ), ☏ +1 670 233-5055 . American/Chamorro/Japanese dive Instructors Dive shop (Scuba diving/Skin diving/Spearfishing).  
• Tripper's Tours , ☏ +1 670 285-MIKE (6453) (6453) . Canadian dive guide/instructor/underwater photographer & videographer with 15 years' experience, including 7 on Saipan.  
• Dive Saipan . Korean dive shop  
• Speedy Tertle . Russian dive shop  
• G.O.D.I. , ☏ +1 670 287-0705 . Dive Shop. Russian-, Japanese- and English-speaking.  

For more detailed descriptions of individual dive sites in Saipan, see the Dive sites of Saipan article.

You may also want to check out one or more of the 5 golf courses. Two were designed by Greg Norman, one by Larry Nelson and another by Graham Marsh. The other course is considered a "local" course. There is also a 9-hole course that is great for beginners.

Recently, Segway of Marianas has started renting out Segway Personal Transporters for use in exploring downtown Garapan at reasonable rates.

The Saipan Hash House Harriers meet every Saturday at 3:30PM at the Bank of Guam parking lot in Garapan to run, hike, jog, climb, and otherwise trek through jungle, swamps, mountains, and other terrain. It's usually a great way to meet people and see a side of island life you might not catch otherwise.

Trekking and other land-based activities are available on the island. 15.150656 145.790489 2 The Forbidden Island , originally occupied by evil spirits and now a bird sanctuary, can be reached by an hour's hike from the edge of the town of Kagman on the east coast. Take a snorkel kit to enjoy the diving area between the island and shore.

Most trekking activities will require a guide.

• 15.265014 145.788372 3 Marianas Trekking , Mariana Resort and Spa , ☏ +1 670 322-0770 . Mountain Bike Tours, ATV Tours, and Kayak Tours and all of it is done completely first rate. The guides are super friendly, the equipment is good, and the fun factor and local knowledge is definitely better than anything you could do on your own.  

Saipan finally has a multiplex theatre run by Wallace Theaters. Now with first run movies with Dolby Digital sound.

Buy [ edit ]

There are many opportunities for shopping in Garapan. The 15.20962 145.717808 1 DFS Galleria is a large shopping center that offers duty free shopping with low tax. 15.210885 145.718175 2 Star Sands Plaza is the largest souvenir and island lifestyle store on island where U.S retail brand outlet Everblue store can be found. ABC STORES has two Saipan branches with an initial inventory that includes stocked grocery, souvenirs, drugs and cosmetics, ABC has grown to carry anything a tourist would need. There is also a popular local department star called 15.210339 145.717392 3 Joeten in Garapan that offers unique goods and items. The city of Garapan offers a variety of shops like The Athlete's Foot and more.

Duty Free Galleria, in the center of Garapan, has the top name brands and fashions available for high prices (but supposedly lower rates than in Tokyo). Locally made crafts are available in some stores on the islands, but check first to make sure the items were not manufactured in the Philippines, Thailand , or Indonesia .

There is a tiny branch of 15.174595 145.718377 4 Bestseller Books , packed full of the latest titles as well as magazines and travel guides, in the Joeten Susupe shopping center. Music And , further south on Beach Road, carries discs by local musicians.

One of the classic adventures on island is a bike tour done by Marianas Trekking up on the North Coast. The guides take you up by van to the top of Suicide Cliff and then you can ride down, with stops at all of the historical sites, and a snorkeling stop at the Blue Grotto. The tour breaks for lunch at Mariana Beach and ends at the Mandi Asian Spa. It is a treat.

Eat [ edit ]

Many nice bakeries exist in and around Garapan and local breakfast places are within walking distance of the main hotel area. Seafood from the local street markets is understandably very fresh.

Commercial chains on Saipan include Hard Rock Cafe, Tony Roma's, McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Subway. Vegetarian options are possible to find as well. For self-catering options, try one of the Joeten supermarkets for fruits and vegetables, some locally grown.

• Canton Restaurant , ☏ +1 670 234-7236 . Fantastic Chinese food and excellent service. Delicious roast duck and excellent steamed parrotfish. Oldest Chinese restaurant on the island.  
• Coffee Care , Capitol Hill . Has excellent coffee and some very good homemade pasta dishes, sandwiches, soup, and desserts.  
• Ebisuya , Susupe . Fresh bread, sandwiches, sushi, and homemade soup.  
• Esko's . One of the few local places catering locally made treats dating back to the Spanish era. Excellent place to experience the real taste of the Marianas.  
• Himawari , Garapan . Sushi, bread, pastries, and handmade fresh noodle.  
• Wild Bill's Bar & Grill . Great omelets, hash browns, and pancakes.  
• Winchell's . For donuts and coffee.  
• Bobby Cadillac's . A casual deli and pizza spot with a bar. Hot pastrami on rye with melted Swiss cheese!  
• Hong Wan ( On Beach Road, central Garapan ), ☏ +1 670 233-7259 . Sichuan, Shandong, and Pekingese cuisine. mid-range .  
• Ubu ( On Micro Beach Road, central Garapan ), ☏ +1 670 233-8701 . 11:30-14:30, 18:30-23:00 . Japanese cuisine. It's a branch of a restaurant in Tokyo, so it's fairly authentic. mid-range .  
• Herman's Modern Bakery and Tan Marikita's Cafe . The first bakery and cafe in Saipan, making traditional and American breads.  
• Coffee Care Saipan , Capitol Hill road , ☏ +1 670 323 5282 , [email protected] . Call or email for a ride. A great place to eat or enjoy some fine coffee.  
• Thai House , Garapan ( next to the Cabrera Center ), ☏ +1 670 235 8424 (for a ride) .  
• The Spicy Thai Noodle Place ( in San Antonio next to the Thailand Food Store ), ☏ +1 670 235 8603 . Has excellent Thai food  
• Giovanni's , Garapan ( at the Hyatt Hotel ). Offers the best Sunday Brunch in the Pacific for $34.00. Reservations are a must. The Hyatt also has a daily buffet lunch for $20.  
• Java Joe's ( across from the Joten/Pharmacy building in DAN DAN ). A very simple, yet outstanding little coffee shop. With a big selection on coffee, lattes, and smoothies.  

Drink [ edit ]

• Karaoke/Hostess Bars abound in Garapan all of which allow ample drinking opportunities if one is so inclined.
• Oleai Beach Club . A great 'sunset' bar and lunch spot on the beach in San Jose Village. It's popular with the locals because of their lunchtime $1 Taco Special.  

If you like to run, drink beer or both, there is an active chapter of the Hash House Harriers ( a drinking club with a running problem ). The Saipan Hash House Harriers meet every Saturday at the Bank of Guam building in Garapan at 3:30PM in Winter, and 4PM in Summer. Join the Hash if you'd like to meet people from Saipan, see some of the lesser known areas of the island, and enjoy a bit of outrageous partying. The cost is US$10 per person for the run, all the beer, soda and junk food you can consume.  

For those with a different idea of 'fun', there are plenty of night clubs, strip joints, karaoke bars and massage parlors.

Sleep [ edit ]

Most of Saipan's accommodation caters to package tourists. Rates are steep during Japanese holiday seasons but equally steeply discounted outside them. Internet bookings can regularly find rates below $60 per night, depending on the season.

Budget [ edit ]

• 15.19279 145.716561 1 Gold Beach Hotel , Garapan .  

Mid-range [ edit ]

Splurge [ edit ].

• 15.1584 145.703341 2 Saipan World Resort , Beach Rd, Susupe , ☏ +1 670 234-5900 . Susupe. Massive hotel with all the facilities you'd expect set on a beautiful beach. The best thing to do here is to borrow a kayak (free), paddle out to the rusting tank hunks a few hundred meters offshore, tie up your boat and dive in to see the corals and fish lurking nearby. World resort stay includes free usage of water park. From $195 per night.  
• 15.216209 145.717665 3 Hyatt Regency Saipan , P.O. Box 5087, Capitol Hill Rural Branch , ☏ +1 670 234 1234 , [email protected] . 5 star hotel with 325 rooms and suites. Set on the beach front and amidst tropical gardens. The hotel has a pool bar, a beach bar and a spa.  
• 15.214537 145.716774 4 Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan , ☏ +1 670 234-6412 . Coral Tree Avenue, Garapan. Located in the heart of Saipan's Tourism district, on the white sands of Micro Beach, near shopping centers and nightlife, the Fiesta Resort and Spa, Saipan is a leading resort in the Northern Mariana Islands.  

Connect [ edit ]

Many hotels and restaurants on Saipan now offer free wireless internet access to customers that bring their own laptops, including Coffee Care, McDonalds, Wild Bill's in Garapan, Java Joe's in Dandan, and Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan in Garapan. La Moda Isla in Garapan offers free wifi in its snack bar area.

• Information Technology Center , Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Susupe. The best place to get online on Saipan.

Cope [ edit ]

Consulates [ edit ], go next [ edit ].

• Managaha Island . A small island sheltered in a lagoon, this is Saipan's best spot to snorkel. There are even some introductory scuba trails laid out in rope on the sea bed, which also make for great snorkeling sightseeing tours. You have to pay for the boat ride out, but it usually includes lunch. There are amenities out on the island. It takes about 15 minutes to walk completely around the island. It really is a great place to snorkel. Some snorkel and dive operators will offer rice or fish food to feed the fish, but this is unhealthy for both the reef and the fish and good tour operators will not do this. In addition, feeding the fish means that you will see a lot of the same kind of fish (often convict tangs), and miss out on many other colorful and interesting fish.
• Tinian Island is just three miles away across the Saipan Channel.

• Has custom banner
• Has mapframe
• Has map markers
• Airport listing
• Do listing with no coordinates
• Eat listing with no coordinates
• Drink listing with no coordinates
• Northern Mariana Islands
• All destination articles
• Usable rural areas
• Usable articles
• Rural area articles
• Ruralareas with categories
• Has Geo parameter
• Pages with maps

Navigation menu

Things to Do in Saipan, Mariana Islands - Saipan Attractions

Things to do in saipan, explore popular experiences, ways to tour saipan.

Downhill Bike Adventure

Saipan in a Day- WWII Pilgrimage & Amelia Earhart Tour

Blue Grotto Snorkeling

Tinian Enola Gay to Hiroshima 2-DAY Tour (Day1: SPN; Day2: TIN)

Off-Road Buggy Adventure

Top attractions in saipan.

What travelers are saying

• Managaha Island
• Micro Beach
• Mt.Tapochao
• American Memorial Park
• Puntan Sabaneta

Getty Images

Your next trip starts here

Go from dreaming to planning with trip planning options made to help you craft your ideal itinerary.

Purchase our award-winning guidebooks

Get to the heart of Saipan with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

• Testimonials
• Meet the Team
• Work With Us
• Outlook Features
• Sign Up Today
• Travel Guides
• Middle East

Northern Mariana Islands Travel Guide

A small group of islands sat thousands of miles away from its administrative home in the US, the Northern Mariana Islands offer a warm-weather escape with plenty of nature and history to explore.

NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Described as an easy warm-weather escape northeast of Guam by Visit The USA, the Northern Mariana Islands are a dazzling group of 15 landmasses in the Philippine Sea. Now ran as US Commonwealth (with Donald Trump technically the destination’s Head of State), the Marianas are part of a chain of volcanic mountain peaks and uplifted coral reefs, making for spectacular scenery both above and below sea level. Although there are 15 islands, only six are inhabited, the three major population centres being Saipan (the capital city), Tinian and Rota. The island of Pagan was inhabited until 1981, when a severe volcanic eruption forced the evacuation of its residents. 

Besides Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands’ nearest neighbours are the Bonin Islands to the north and the Federated States of Micronesia to the south. As well as picturesque scenery, pristine beaches and charming local hosts, consistent yearly temperatures ranging between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius make for a comfortable stay all year round, although the southern islands are prone to heavy rainfall. Those interested in history will also not leave disappointed, with many preserved Second World War buildings and outposts in easy reach.

THE BUSINESS END

Around 90 percent of citizens live in urban areas, the remaining 10 percent living rurally relying primarily on subsistence farming to supplement their cash incomes. Taro, cassava, yams, breadfruit, vegetables and bananas are commonly grown. Investors from South Korea, China and the Philippines have helped industrialise parts of the economy, including the garment-making sector which has now expanded to become a major revenue generator. 

Tourism, however, is the principal economic activity. According to the latest statistics from the Marinas Visitors Authority, the 2018 financial year saw more than 607,000 arrivals, with South Koreans arriving in the biggest numbers (236,577). Other important tourist arrivals came from Japan, China, Hong Kong, Guam, the US and Russia. These figures actually represent a slight decrease on inbound tourists from 2017, although 2018 still marked the fifth busiest year in Marianas history, the record being 726,690 in 1997. A major reason behind the slight drop was the cessation of direct flights to and from Japan in May 2018, a move which saw a 25 percent reduction in Japanese tourist arrivals. However, it is very much the objective of associations such as the Marianas Visitors Authority to revive these valuable routes. 

TOURISM INSIGHTS: MARIANAS VISITORS AUTHORITY

The Marianas Visitors Authority was established in 1976, mandated to promote and develop the Northern Mariana Islands as a premier destination of choice for visitors from all over the world, at the same time providing a maximum quality of life for our people. 

“We nurture and encourage cultural interchange and environmental sensitivity for visitors’ enjoyment and for the local community,” comments Priscilla Iakopo, the organisation’s Managing Director. 

Here, Iakopo answers our questions on the developing tourism scene in the country and the future goals of the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Q&A WITH PRISCILLA IAKOPO, MANAGING DIRECTOR, MARIANAS VISITORS AUTHORITY

Since inception, how has the Marianas Visitors Authority developed and progressed in terms of its key objectives and the messages it tries to get across?

Priscilla Iakopo (PI):  One of the main objectives for the Marianas Visitors Authority is attracting high-yield segments from core target markets including but not limited to Korea, Japan, China, Taiwan, and Russia. Through effective marketing strategies, we have garnered great number of arrivals from these core target markets. Furthermore, we are putting effort into targeting other markets around the world to seek opportunity on expanding the awareness of the Marianas destination.

How would you say the Marianas has developed in recent years as a business travel hub and what are the key reasons behind its growing appeal?

(PI): The Marianas has effectively executed on properly guiding and assisting travellers to the Marianas by working closely with source travel partners from emerging markets.

Why, in your opinion, should someone visit the Marianas?

(PI): The Marianas is a perfect getaway destination with crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches, rich history, beautiful nature, and year-round warm weather for visitors to enjoy outdoor activities, world-class diving and golfing. There is also international shopping, a wide range of ethnic restaurants, and a wide variety of international and indigenous cultures. Best of all, the people in the Marianas are very hospitable and friendly.

Are there any specific attractions, landmarks or places to eat and drink that you would recommend?

(PI): Marianas has great historical landmarks. There are WW2 historical sites around the islands as well as indigenous cultural historical sites such as the Latte Stone Quarry in Rota, and the Taga House in Tinian. The Latte Stone Quarry in Rota is in the record book as being the largest of its kind. The north part of the island of Saipan has iconic sites such as Banzai Cliff where there is a great WW2 historical presence and also Grotto that is an iconic dive site that features a unique underwater cave to dive into. In addition, the Marianas offers authentic local Chamorro foods such as Chicken Kelaguen which is a lemon-based chicken mix, and Apigigi which is similar to a rice cake but made with coconut. There are also different varieties of ethnic cuisines that can be easily found around the whole destination.

What are the best ways of getting around the islands?

(PI): The best way of getting around the island is by car and tour buses offered by tour companies. Rent-a-car use has been rising in the past several years – it has been a trend taking iconic photos around the island driving convertible Mustangs and Camaros. The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority also launched a fixed-route transit service in 2017. This service is also available to tourists.

What trends are transforming the tourism industry in the Marianas at present? How are you responding to these trends?

(PI): The growing trend here in the Marianas is diving. We have been seeing increased numbers of divers visit. We also currently have an Ocean Ambassador that represents the Marianas, a famous Taiwanese celebrity by the name of Yorko Summer. Through projects with Summer, we have been able to further expose and promote diving in the Marianas to all markets with magnificent videos and astonishing photos of our Marianas dive sites.

How do you see the Marianas developing as a business travel hub over the next year to two years?

(PI): We currently have six ongoing hotel projects here in the Marianas (five in Saipan and one in Tinian). Through this we will have more available hotel rooms that will give us a leverage into having increased numbers of visitors for the upcoming years once constructions are completed. This will also open doors to foreign investors to consider the Marianas as a prime destination to invest.   

Are there any plans or projects in the pipeline that you wish to highlight?

(PI): Reviving the Japanese market is one of our main objectives as it was once the top market in the Marianas. We are working closely with Japanese travel partners with a view to having direct flights between our two countries. In addition, the Marianas Visitors Authority is working on promoting ecotourism and sports tourism.

Are you optimistic about the future of the tourism industry in the Marianas?

(PI): Very optimistic. With the growing numbers of foreign investors and interest from travellers around the world, we are confident about the future of the tourism industry in the Marianas. The Marianas Visitors Authority continues to work and adapt to the ever-changing travel trends.

SAIPAN IN FOCUS

Saipan is the administrative capital and largest island of the Marianas. It was an important battleground in the Pacific campaign of the Second World War, where Allied forces overcame the defending Japanese forces between June and July 1944. It was an important victory, for it left the US within bombing range of the Japanese archipelago and lead to the resignation of the country’s Prime Minister, Hideki Tojo. Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff are important memorial sites related to the battle, for it was here where thousands of Japanese civilians jumped to their deaths in desperate attempts to escape the fighting. 

The Marianas has been administered by the US since the end of the conflict, becoming a US commonwealth in 1978. Saipan itself is 23 kilometres long and eight kilometres wide, the most prime beaches found on the western and southern coastlines, with mountainous and rugged coastal stretches on the north and east sides. Outdoor activities are a must for visitors to Saipan, the island offering tremendous diving opportunities as well as beautiful trekking trails to the likes of The Forbidden Island. There are also five golf courses, one designed by the well-known golfing figure Greg Norman. 

OUTLOOK RECOMMENDS

Starting at $299,  Skydive Saipan  offers the chance to freefall over the beautiful Mariana Islands from 14,000 feet, its highly experienced instructors ensuring a safe experience that you will never forget. Available to people aged 18 to 65, the experience will involve around a minute’s freefall and five minutes of peaceful flying once the parachute is deployed at 5,500 feet. 

Marianas Trekking

Green Flash Dive

Kensington Hotel Saipain

Himawari Hotel

Holiday Saipan Hotel

Hyatt Regency Saipan

EAT & DRINK:

Zen Teppanyaki Restaurant Saipan

Country House Restaurant

Giovanni’s

Islander Rent-a-car

Star Marianas Air

GETTING THERE AND AROUND

Saipan International Airport is the major air transit hub of the Marianas. Flying to cities in South Korea, China, Guam and the Philippines, as well as Hong Kong, several major airlines operate out of the airport, including Delta Air Lines, Asiana Airlines, United Airlines, China Eastern, Jeju Air, Sichuan Airlines, Jin Air and PAL Express. 

From here visitors can also pick up a rental car, an increasingly popular mode of navigating the main island. Companies operating out of Saipan International Airport include Avis, Budget Rent A Car, Alamo, Islander Rent a Car, Microl and Hertz. 

Tinian International Airport is a smaller operation, handling traffic from inter-island journeys from Saipan, Rota and Guam. Aircraft landing here are single engine, able to carry up to nine passengers at a time. 

Benjamin Taisacan Manglona International Airport (Rota) is the third airport in the Marianas, again serving inter-island routes between Saipan and Guam. It can handle slightly larger aircraft than Tinian, the ATR 42 able to carry up to 30 passengers. Airlines operating here include Cape Air, Star Marianas and Arctic Circle. Another way of navigating the islands is to join a bus tour. 

Brisbane Travel Guide

French Polynesia Travel Guide

Papua New Guinea Travel Guide

The Cook Islands Travel Guide

Vanuatu Travel Guide

Palau Travel Guide

Mariana Islands Travel Guide

Solomon Islands Travel Guide

Fiji Travel Guide

Gold Coast Travel Guide

Jordan Banks : Behind the Lens

Tootbus : Travel Business

Queensland Indigenous Womens Ranger Network

Under SXM : Creating Sustainable Underwater Experiences

Hidden Spots for Cherry Blossom Season : Round Up

Urbino : The Last Stop

Enrico Costantini : Behind the Lens

Lepogo Lodges : A Sustainable Safari Experience

Casa de Olivos : Sustainability Stories 

Opulence on the Orient Express 

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address

Remember Me

Saipan Travel Guide

Saipan is the capital and largest island on the Northern Marianas. It is the most popular destination in the Marianas. This island is known for its WWII attractions, its duty-free shopping, its vibrant nightlife and festivals, its professionally designed golf courses, and its beautiful beaches where locals and tourists alike flock to for great swimming, tanning, diving, snorkeling, and other outdoor water activities.

Saipan was the scene of the famous Battle of Saipan in WWII between the U.S. marines and the Japanese, an event that was dramatized in John Woo’s movie, the Windtalkers. Today, you can visit Banadero, the command post of the Japanese Imperial Army during WWII. The Japanese tanks, cannons, war relics, and artillery are all preserved in a limestone, fortress-like cave. You can also bike or hike down the Marpi Pathway and visit the peace memorials dedicated to the soldiers and families who sacrificed their lives during WWII. You’ll also find the American Memorial Park in central Saipan, which was created to honor the lives of the more than 4,000 U.S. military personnel and Mariana islanders who died in the battle.

Saipan has many natural landscapes that can be explored by car, moped, bike, or even on foot, given the island’s small size. The famed Islan Maigo Fahang or Bird Island is a particular favorite among visitors because of its breathtaking views of the emerald bay. There are also panoramic views atop mountain and sea cliffs like the Laderan Banadero, which is more affectionately referred to as “Suicide Cliff”, and the Puntan Sabaneta (or “Banzai Cliff”). Magnificent sunsets can be enjoyed in the southern part of the island while strolling the Beach Road Pathway. And if you’re into exotic tropical flora, you should visit the award-winning Saipan Botanical Garden, which has hundreds of them.

There aren’t very many museums in Saipan, but the CNMI Museum of History and Culture is one of them. This museum showcases the life of islanders, past and present, and is a great way to learn more about the indigenous Marianas.

For those who are interested in diving and snorkeling, Grotto is one of the hot spots. It is considered one of the best cavern dives in the world and features a limestone hole that enters into a cave that has three different exit holes to the sea. Eagle Ray City is another popular dive spot with its 30 feet of rocky formation and its population of some 40 Eagle Rays. For snorkeling and other water activities, the Garapan and the Mañagaha are the places to go. The latter is an uninhabited islet that is a popular day-trip excursion for many visitors. They flock there to tan on the sandy beeches, admire the picturesque lagoon, or jet ski, parasail, and surf.

The golfing in Saipan is fantastic. There are five golf courses with four of them designed by professional golfers – two of them by Greg Norman.

Of course, Saipan is also a great shopping city with its duty-free status. The Duty Free Galleria is the main shopping center. It is located in central Garapan and sells brand name clothes and goods at supposedly cheaper prices than many other countries.

Saipan also holds a number of island festivals each year. The Annual Flame Tree Arts Festival, the Taste of the Marianas, and the Liberation Day Festival and Parade are the most popular. The Flame Tree Arts Festival in April features exciting dance performances. The Liberation Day Festival in May celebrates the island’s WWII liberation with nightly entertainment, food booths, and games. And perhaps the most popular event is the Taste of the Marianas in May. This is a food and beer festival featuring live music and dancing and international cuisine prepared by the islands’ top chefs. Also, the Garapan Street Market in downtown opens up every week at night and offers an opportunity for visitors not only to buy local arts and crafts, but to sample local delicacies like the apigigi, a local dessert made with coconut and wrapped banana leaves.

Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• American Samoa
• Antigua and Barbuda
• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• British Indian Ocean Territory
• British Virgin Islands (BVI)
• Burkina Faso
• Canary Islands
• Cayman Islands
• Central African Republic
• Cook Islands
• Cote d'Ivoire
• Czech Republic
• Democratic Republic of the Congo
• Dominican Republic
• El Salvador
• Equatorial Guinea
• Faroe Islands
• Federated States of Micronesia
• French Polynesia
• Glorioso Islands
• Guinea-Bissau
• Isle of Man
• Jarvis Island
• Juan De Nova Island
• Korea, North (North Korea)
• Korea, South
• Korea, South (South Korea)
• Liechtenstein
• Marshall Islands
• Netherlands
• Netherlands (Holland)
• Netherlands Antilles
• New Caledonia
• New Zealand
• Northern Mariana Islands
• Papua New Guinea
• Puerto Rico
• Saint Martin (St Martin)
• Sao Tome and Principe
• Sierra Leone
• Solomon Islands
• South Africa
• St Barthelemy (Saint Barthelemy)
• St Kitts and Nevis
• St Vincent and the Grenadines
• Switzerland
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turkmenistan
• United Kingdom
• United Kingdom (Great Britain)
• United States
• United States of America
• United States Virgin Islands (U.S. Virgin Islands)
• Vatican City
• Wallis and Futuna Islands
• Western Sahara

Recent Posts

• Oviedo in Asturias Tours
• South Africa Tours
• Tours in Tanzania
• Reunion Island Tours
• Getting Ready for a Belfast Vacation

Recent Comments

• Tours Discount

Expedia Rewards is now One Key™

Saipan Vacations

Book a hotel + flight or car together to unlock savings.

• Things to do

I only need accommodations for part of my trip

• payments icon Better together Save up to $580 when you book a flight and hotel together*
• lob hotels icon Find the right fit With over 300,000 hotels worldwide, it's easy to create a perfect package
• lob packages icon Rest easy Plan, book, and manage your trip all in one place

Your Saipan Vacation

From its tropical climate to its relaxed vibe and beyond, there's plenty to love about Saipan. Uncover the delights of this fascinating city with a Saipan vacation package that's customized for you. A trip to Saipan is an ideal opportunity to do a bit of sightseeing. Check out big-name attractions such as Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort , Managaha Island and Micro Beach . A few quick clicks is all it takes to build a customized Saipan vacation on Expedia.

Saipan Beach Vacation

There's nothing like a Saipan vacation to add a little spring in your step. The soothing rhythm of rolling waves and the smell of salty air will refresh your mind, body and soul. To be close to the city center on your trip to Saipan, base yourself around Micro Beach (3 miles (5 km) away). If you're going to stick around a while, browse our Saipan packages. Not only will you be able to save cash, you'll also have other beautiful beaches near you to explore, like Lau Lau Bay Beach and Managaha Beach. We call that a win-win!

Things You Should Know About Saipan

• If fresh sea air and strolls along the shore are your idea of a dream escape, why not choose one of our Saipan beach hotels ? Staying by the water is the perfect antidote to life's little stresses.
• Hotels are another popular choice for travelers planning a vacation in Saipan. Two great examples are Aqua Resort Club Saipan and Coral Ocean Golf Resort .
• Saipan has a population of around 48,200 people. Why not head out and strike up a conversation with one or two of them? It's an excellent way to pick up some local knowledge! Also look up our Saipan things to do page .
• Don't leave without stopping by Managaha Island, Bird Island and Coral Ocean Point Resort Club. With all the cash you save through our Saipan vacation deals, you can see more impressive attractions like these.

Saipan Essential Information

Saipan hotel deals.

Reviewed on Mar 28, 2024

Reviewed on Mar 4, 2024

Reviewed on Apr 9, 2024

Explore other types of vacation packages

All Inclusive Vacations

Beach Vacations

Kid Friendly Vacations

Golf Vacations

Luxury Vacations

Romantic Vacations

Ski Vacations

LGBTQ Friendly Vacations

Adventure Vacations

Where to go when

Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in saipan, managaha island.

Commune with nature and explore the great outdoors at Managaha Island during your travels in Saipan. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort

Enjoy a round of golf in Saipan at Lao Lao Bay Golf Resort. While you're in the area, stroll along the beautiful beaches.

Micro Beach

If a restful vacation is part of your travel plans, Micro Beach might be the perfect place to seek out during your trip to Garapan. While in the area, you can find time to visit its shops.

Other vacations you might like

• Destinations similar to Saipan
• Vacations from
• Best vacation destinations by month
• Expedia's Latest Trends
• Gold Coast Vacations
• Sydney Vacations
• Melbourne Vacations
• Auckland Vacations
• Brisbane Vacations
• Perth Vacations
• Adelaide Vacations
• Queenstown Vacations
• Wellington Vacations
• Canberra Vacations
• Vacations from Atlanta
• Vacations from Austin
• Vacations from Boston
• Vacations from Chicago
• Vacations from Dallas
• Vacations from Houston
• Vacations from Las Vegas
• Vacations from Los Angeles
• Vacations from Miami
• Vacations from New York
• Vacations from Orlando
• Vacations from Philadelphia
• Vacations from Phoenix
• Vacations from Pittsburgh
• Vacations from Seattle
• Vacations from Washington
• January Vacations and Deals
• February Vacations and Deals
• March Vacations and Deals
• April Vacations and Deals
• May Vacations and Deals
• June Vacations and Deals
• July Vacations and Deals
• August Vacations and Deals
• September Vacations and Deals
• October Vacations and Deals
• November Vacations and Deals
• December Vacations and Deals

Travel Guide Oceania Micronesia Northern Mariana Islands Saipan

Introduction

RC Church in Garapan, Saipan

© dadmin

Saipan is the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands and has a population of about 70,000 people. The name Saipan refers to both the island and the main settlement on the island. It is a popular tourist destination in the Pacific and the western side of the island is lined with sandy beaches and an offshore coral reef which creating a large lagoon. This island is an extremely popular tourist destination for Japanese, Korean and Chinese tour groups. All the tourist facilities are to be found on Saipan Island and if you like beaches, snorkelling and diving you came to the right place.

Sights and Activities

Saipan, Guam, and many other islands of the Marianas were all important battle sites during WWII , and many Japanese bunkers and armaments still exist on these islands. These sites are managed by the National Park Service under the "War in the Pacific" Parks designation. Saipan is fairly small and by renting a car or moped, it is easy to drive around the island and take in the natural splendor, as well as visit a number of parks. Scuba diving is also popular, and the underwater world should definitely be seen. Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff, on the northern tip of the island, were sites where thousands of Japanese civilians, trying to escape the fighting and convinced by the Japanese Army that they would be killed by the Americans, jumped to their deaths in the Battle of Saipan in 1944. The former is by the sea while the latter is on the rock outcropping overlooking it. Numerous Japanese memorials mark the sites.

• The Grotto - an amazing underwater cave voted the 2nd best in the world by Skin Dive Magazine.
• Wing Beach - This dive site includes some nice black coral, several downed World War II planes and lots of octopi.
• Eagle Ray City - a rock formation that on a good day will have up to 40 eagle rays swimming around.
• Ice Cream - Located on the west side of Saipan this seamount, like Dimple, is home to eels, anemones, eagle rays and fish.
• Lau Lau Beach - the entry to the largest reef on the island and has hundreds of animals to see. This is an ideal site for beginners.
• Dimple - a seamount on the western side of Saipan. There are several different animals there but the highlight is the abundance of butterfly fish.
• Naftan - Located on the soutehrn tip of the island this is one of the best dive sites on the whole island. With stunning visibility and fish life this a great place to dive.
• Chinsen - a large Japanese freighter the sunk over 50 years ago. This is a good spot to see red snappers and big eye emperor fish. There is even a resident white tip shark that lives under the wreck.
• Banzai Cliff - This beautiful wall is located on the north side of the island. This site is famous for large pelagic fish like sharks, also rays and dolphins are often seen here. This site is only open during certain times of the years due to its depth and currents making it an advance site.
• Spot Light - This site is located near Banzai, and similar to Banzai is closed most of the year. This is a very advance cavern dive site and is home to many large animals like sharks and turtles.
• Obyan Beach - Located near Naftan Point this site has some of the best visibilty on the island, which is up to 150 feet (50 metres). This is a great sight for photography because of large number of barracudas, sharks and eels.
• Coral Ocean Point - the most challenging golf course on the isalnd with a Par of 72 and 18 holes. Phone:670 234 7000, Email: [email protected]
• Lao Lao Golf Resort - Saipan's two newest championship golf courses. The West Course is interiorly inland with great views of Mt. Topatchao, while the East Course is a great tourist course with parts located on the coastline, especially the 6th hole that has dramatic cliffs dropping off the sides of it. Phone: 670-256-8888, Email: [email protected]

The climate on Saipan is characterised by tropical conditions with little variation regarding temperatures, and a distinct wet season. Average daytime temperatures hoover around 29 °C and the highest recorded temperatures are just a few degrees at most islands. At night, temperatures drop to a balmy 23 °C with a record low of 19 °C ! The wet season last from July to October, with August and September seeing the most rain. During December to May, conditions are much drier but occasional downpours during the late afternoon are still normal. During the wet season, tropical storms and even cyclones are a real possibility.

Getting There

Saipan International Airport (SPN) receives a number of international flights. There are direct connections with several Asian countries. From South Korea , there are flights from Seoul and Busan with Asiana while from Japan, there are direct flights with Northwest Airlines from Nagoya, Osaka and Tokyo .

Continental Airlines , via its subsidiary Continental Micronesia, has flights from the Philippines and Guam . People travelling from North America have to connect in the latter one.

On top of the regular flights, there are many seasonal charters from China (Air China from Beijing , China Eastern and Spring Air from Shanghai and China Southern from Guangzhou ) and Taiwan (EVA Air from Taipei ).

Getting Around

There is no public bus service on Saipan, but on Saipan PDI and other companies run a shopping shuttle bus to and from the Duty Free mall (DFS Galleria) in Garapan. DFS also has their own free shuttle from most of the major hotels.

Taxis on Saipan are expensive but plentiful, however the only place they are allowed to pick up or drop off passengers is at the airport or a hotel, and sometimes at DFS. There is also a large network of illegal taxis run by Chinese immigrants, that will take you anywhere for $15.00. For some Saipan residents this is their only means of transportation.

Because Saipan is so small, taxis from the airport to the main hotel area of Garapan can run upwards of $25-30, so plan ahead by arranging transportation through your hotel, which often charge $10 per person flat rate.

Car rental is a good option for getting off the beaten track, as roads are generally quite good. Most car rental offices are either at the airport or at major tourist hotels; some offer a free pick up and drop off service.

Mopeds can be rented for about $20, though roads are very dark at night and bugs predominate after dusk. Therefore, consider mopeds for day-tripping only, as drivers tend not to give heed to mopeds or bicyclists throughout the CNMI or Guam.

Many nice bakeries exist in and around Garapan and local breakfast places are within walking distance of the main hotel area. Seafood from the local street markets is understandably very fresh.

Commercial chains on Saipan include Hard Rock Cafe, Tony Roma's, McDonald's, KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Subway. Vegetarian options are possible to find as well. For self-catering options, try one of the Joeten supermarkets for fruits and vegetables, some locally grown.

• Canton Restaurant : phone="+1 670 234-7236" Fantastic Chinese food and excellent service. Delicious roast duck and excellent steamed parrotfish. Oldest Chinese restaurant on the island.
• Coffee Care , Capitol Hill. Has excellent coffee and some very good homemade pasta dishes, sandwiches, soup, and desserts.
• Ebisuya , Susupe. Fresh bread, sandwiches, sushi, and homemade soup.
• Esko's : One of the few local places catering locally made treats dating back to the Spanish era. Excellent place to experience the real taste of the Marianas.
• Himawari , Garapan. sushi, Bread, pastries, and hand made fresh noodle.
• Wild Bill's Bar & Grill . Beach Rd, Garapan. Great omelets, hash browns, and pancakes.
• Winchell's . For donuts and coffee.
• Bobby Cadillac's . A casual deli and pizza spot with a bar. Hot pastrami on rye with melted Swiss cheese!
• Hong Wan (On Beach Road, central Garapan), ☎ +1 670 233-7259. Sichuan, Shandong, and Pekingese cuisine. mid-range.
• Ubu (On Micro Beach Road, central Garapan), ☎ +1 670 233-8701. 11:30-14:30, 18:30-23:00. Japanese cuisine. It's a branch of a restaurant in Tokyo, so it's fairly authentic. mid-range.
• Herman's Modern Bakery and Tan Marikita's Cafe the first bakery and cafe in Saipan, making traditional and American breads.
• Thai House , next to the Cabrera Center in Garapan. Call them at 235-8424 for a ride.
• The Spicy Thai Noodle Place (Tel : 235-8603) in San Antonio next to the Thailand Food Store has excellent Thai food.
• Giovanni's at the Hyatt Hotel in Garapan offers the best Sunday Brunch in the Pacific for $34.00. Reservations are a must. The Hyatt also has a daily buffet lunch for $20.
• Karaoke/Hostess Bars abound in Garapan all of which allow ample drinking opportunities if one is so inclined.
• Coffee Care Saipan , is located part way up Capitol Hill road, is a great place to eat or enjoy some fine coffee. Need a ride? Call 323-5282. Or, send e-mail to: [email protected]
• Oleai Beach Club is a great 'sunset' bar and lunch spot on the beach in San Jose Village. It's popular with the locals because of their lunchtime $1 Taco Special.
• Java Joe's - A very simple, yet outstanding little coffee shop. With a big selection on coffee, lattes, and smoothies. Located across from the Joten/Pharmacy building in DAN DAN.

If you like to run, drink beer or both, there is an active chapter of the Hash House Harriers (a drinking club with a running problem) on Saipan. The Saipan Hash House Harriers meet every Saturday at the Bank of Guam building in Garapan at 3:30pm in 'Winter', and 4:00pm in 'Summer'. Join the Hash if you'd like to meet some folks from Saipan, see some of the lesser known areas of the island, and enjoy a bit of outrageous partying. The cost is US$10.00 per person for the run, all the beer, soda and junk food you can consume, and all the fun you can handle.

For those with a different idea of 'fun', there are plenty of night clubs, strip joints, karaoke bars and massage parlors.

Most of Saipan's accommodation caters to package tourists. Rates are steep during Japanese holiday seasons but equally steeply discounted outside them. Internet bookings can regularly find rates below $60 per night, depending on the season.

• Gold Beach Hotel , Garapan. $30 per night if you can prove you're a local resident.
• Saipan World Resort , ☎ +1 670 234-5900. Susupe. Massive hotel with all the facilities you'd expect set on a beautiful beach. The best thing to do here is to borrow a kayak (free), paddle out to the rusting tank hunks a few hundred meters offshore, tie up your boat and dive in to see the corals and fish lurking nearby. World resort stay includes free usage of water park. From $195 per night.
• Hyatt Regency Saipan , P.O. Box 5087, Capitol Hill Rural Branch, ☎ +1 670 234 1234, e-mail: [email protected] . 5 star hotel with 325 rooms and suites. Set on the beach front and amidst tropical gardens. The hotel has a pool bar, a beach bar and a spa.
• Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan , ☎ +1 670 234-6412. Coral Tree Avenue, Garapan. Located in the heart of Saipan's Tourism district, on the white sands of Micro Beach, near shopping centers and nightlife, the Fiesta Resort and Spa, Saipan is a leading resort in the Northern Mariana Islands.

You can use the form below to search for availability ( Travellerspoint receives a commission for bookings made through the form )

Keep Connected

Internet access is widely available. The top level domain for the Northern Marianas is .mp.

See also International Telephone Calls

The Northern Marianas are part of the North American dialing plan. The country code is 1, and the local area code is 670.

Mail is handled by the U.S. Postal Service; the state code is MP and the postal code is 96950. The main post office branch is in Chalan Kanoa, other branches are in Capitol Hill as well as Tinian and Rota. Most hotels can send mail for you. DHL and FedEx also offer courier services.

External Links

Accommodation in saipan.

We have a comprehensive list of accommodation in Saipan searchable right here on Travellerspoint.

Contributors

as well as Lavafalls (14%), Hien (4%)

Saipan Travel Helpers

We don't currently have any Travel Helpers for Saipan

Become a Travel Helper for Saipan

This is version 14. Last edited at 13:39 on Aug 22, 18 by Utrecht . 7 articles link to this page.

• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Flight + Hotel
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Trip.Best: Saipan

Popular Premium Hotels in Saipan

Popular Best Things to Do in Saipan

Popular Family Hotels in Saipan

Popular Scenic Hotels in Saipan

Top 4 4-star Select Hotels in Saipan

Saipan travel guide.

Experience Saipan

Bird Island

San Juan Beach

Saipan Helicopters Tour

Skydive Saipan LLC

NMI Museum of History and Culture

Ladder Beach

Banzai Cliff Monument

Managaha Island

American Memorial Park

Where to stay, hyatt regency saipan, grandvrio resort saipan, crowne plaza resort saipan, kensington hotel saipan, hotel americano, saipan shining star hotel, oasis boutique house, saipan skyline designers hotel, holiday saipan hotel, daora guesthouse, sea fun villa, discovery saipan hotel, what to eat.

Country House Restaurant

Surf Club Saipan Restaurant

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.(Saipan)

Jonny's Bar & Grill

Costa Terrace Restaurant

Ladder Beach Restaurant

Zen Teppanyaki Restaurant Saipan

Mura Ichiban

Moby Dick Restaurant

Cha Café and Bistro

Discover the real saipan with a local expert.

More Ways to Enjoy Saipan

Popular premium hotels near saipan.

The Westin Resort Guam

The Tsubaki Tower

Dusit Thani Guam Resort

Hyatt Regency Guam

Other recommended cities.

Popular Types of Attractions in Saipan

Popular attractions in saipan, popular restaurants in saipan, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, popular trip moments, popular travel types, more things to do in saipan.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy and Cookies
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Custom Trips
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Top 10 Attractions in Saipan

1. Mount Tapochau

2. capitol hill, 3. forbidden island, 4. mount carmel cathedral, 5. american memorial park, 6. bird island, 7. last japanese command post, 8. managaha island, 9. banzai cliff, 10. santa lourdes shrine.

Show More 

Saipan is a beautiful island in the western Pacific Ocean famous for numerous scenic Saipan attractions. Saipan is a part of the United States and the largest island of the Mariana Islands. The southern and western coast are the most populated areas and claims to own the best beaches. Whereas the north and east have irregular road patterns, stony, rocky and bumpy areas, and mountains. Saipan is often called the tropical paradise, offering beautiful white sand beaches, fresh air, and crystal clear and pure water shining under the sun. It is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in the world. Every year, visitors from all around the world visit here and witness the unforgettable Saipan attractions. If you are looking for a relaxed lifestyle, away from the hustle-bustle of the city and daily activities, then Saipan could be the best place. The Chamorros and Carolinian, local people of Saipan, are heart-warming, welcoming and they are very humble with the tourists visiting their place. Here is the list of top Saipan attractions, which you must include in your bucket list while visiting Saipan.

If you want to see the 360-degree view of the island, head to the Mount Topochau . It is the highest point on the island of Saipan with a height of 1555 ft above the sea level and offers splendid views from the top. Whether you admire it from the beaches or hike to the top, it will be impressive and inspiring.

Mount Topochau has a history too. For both the American and Japanese forces, it was a strategic location during World war II. And they choose this point because of its elevation that helped them to keep an eye on the activities of the other forces. Along with several other Saipan attractions, this place holds the past for the most severe battles, and hence the American forces named it “Death Valley” and “Purple Heart Ridge.”

The hiking to the top of the mountain is 8.3 miles on a round trip. The hiking trail is not very difficult, but the heat and humidity might make your journey demanding. The round trip can easily be completed in about 2 hours. You can also drive a dirt road to reach the top, but ensure having a vehicle with 4-wheel to maintain the grip on the bumpy and slippery tracks of the mountain. At the top parking spot, you can energize yourself with fresh, tender coconut water. After you are at the top, you will be amazed to see the view it has to offer. The clouds will appear closer. The end of the sky will appear at the beginning of the ocean and then the lush green land; all in harmony. The view cannot be described in the words until you witness it by yourself, which makes it one of the most popular Saipan attractions

The Capitol Hill was built in 1948 by the Central Intelligence Agency, and it was used as a base by the army. Now this place is the home to various government agencies and departments like the US Post Office, Department of Commerce, Legislature Building, Council for Arts and Culture and many other departments.

This place serves an important role in the Saipan as major operating bodies for the region work from here. Visiting this place can be a different experience.

Forbidden Island , do not go by the name; it is one of the famous spots among all the Saipan attractions, for tourists as well as locals. If visiting Saipan, you cannot miss this place. The hiking starts from the village of Kagman, and you can park your vehicle at the trailhead of this village. The access to this island is free. It takes around 1.5- 2 hours for a one-way hike.

Starting from the village of Kagman, you have to trek a steep path for about 30-40 minutes. The trail is short, but it will need your energy to cross the path; the trek is challenging and not for everyone. While hiking, you will find many stops overlooking the beautiful ocean with continuous crashing waves around the island. Once you are on the island, you will find several clear tide pools where you can snorkel or just cool down yourself in the water. There is a "Hidden Forbidden," a small cave with its pool formed by ocean tides. Find it, and enjoy your natural private pool kind of arrangement. Be cautious while swimming since the waves are unpredictable.

Do not forget to put on your sturdy athletic shoes while going for trekking. Climbing over the rocks night be difficult with normal shoes or sneakers. Also, bring some food to enjoy eating on the island. And bring plenty of water as you will need to be hydrated while hiking and there is no shop on the island.

Mount Carmel Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church located in the village of Chalan Kanoa and is one of the popular Saipan attractions. It is the mother church; the principal church of the Island of the Saipan. It is the largest catholic church or the Saipan and was reconstructed after world war II in 1949. The church serves a landmark for the Chalan Kanoa village. People come to this church every day to worship and offer prayers as this place provides Catholics living in the Marianas.

The exterior of the church has a beautiful Spanish style. The interior of the church is simple yet very elegant and can accommodate a lot of people. On the way to the Mount Carmel Cathedral, you will drive along the beautiful coastline. On your way towards the Church, you can save some time to enjoy the beautiful sight near the ocean and spend some time there in peace. The visit to the church can be covered in a day, but if you want to see the church at night, you can plan accordingly. You can ask the locals to know more about the history and importance of this place.

American Memorial Park was established in 1978 in the islands of Saipan. It was created after World war II to honor the sacrifices made during the war in Mariana and Palau island campaign. American Memorial Park is famous for its flag monument that was built to keep alive the memory of 4000 local islanders and United States military personnel. The American flag is there in the center surrounded by the flags of Navy, Marine Corps, Coast guard, and Army. Other than flag monument, there you will find recreational facilities and world war II museum.

The park is more than just a monumental place among Saipan attractions. It offers tribute to the serviceman, and in order to keep the patriotic sense alive among the young generations, parks offer an area for activities like baseball, running, walking, swimming, bicycling, tennis, and picnicking. And this makes this park a "living memorial." The park is spread across a 133-acre area in which 30-acre of the area covers wetland and mangrove forests. American Memorial Park; a destination where people can play, learn and explore.

The park remains open from Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. just visit there and spend some time, you will have a different experience in this park.

Bird Island beach is one of the most gorgeous Saipan attractions. It is located near the Blue Hole in northeastern Saipan Island. For thousands of different species of birds, this island is home; hence, it is called "Bird Island." It is also home to many marine species.

People view this place from above, but reaching this beautiful gem in the ocean is possible. From the steep hill, a short hike will take you to the secluded beach from where Bird Island can be seen easily. When the tide is calm and low, you can take a walk to Bird Island. On the island, you will be welcomed by the colorful birds and abundant ocean fish resting in deep pools. Fishing and hunting are not allowed in this location, hence making it rich in wildlife.

It is an excellent place to watch and enjoy sunrise or sunset. You can also bring binoculars to watch the birds from the beach or the cliff. Although the beach is accessible throughout the year, it is recommended to avoid visiting this place in the rainy season because of slippery and muddy paths.

Last Japanese Command Post is a very historic and significant place on the island of Saipan and one of the most popular Saipan attractions. Between 1918 and 1944, the Japanese invested a tremendous amount of time, money, and effort to improve life in Saipan. They did a fantastic work in uplifting the life in Sipan by building hospitals, roads, schools, sugar factories, and train tracks covering the whole island. But when the war began between Japan and America, the Japanese officers were operating from the Command Post to find a solution to save their people and forces. But after the Victory of America, the Japanese were not allowed to stay longer in that place, and hence the command post is known as the Last Japanese Command Post.

Last Japanese Command Post is a place between the two huge rocks. To reach the command post, you have to climb the stairs, and it is in the cave. The opening to the post is just above the stairs; visitors are allowed to go inside the cave, but if you are a claustrophobic person, you must avoid entering the cave. The cave is dug through the rocks that make a tunnel to reach another side of the rock where the Last Japanese Command Post was built. After getting there, you can witness the signs of the big battle that happened in the past. Taking the tour of one of the most magnificent Saipan attractions and exploring a war place is worth spending your time.

Managaha Island is a picturesque location in the Saipan. Although this place does not has any permanent residence and is uninhabited, but due to the wide sandy beaches, Managaha Island is famous among the tourists and one of the most visited attractions in Siapans. Hollywood stars call this island, "Love Island." Even local people prefer this place best for day outings and picnics. Visitors can easily do a day-trip to this island. It is well connected with the rest of the city, so reaching the beach is easy. Travelers who are photographers also will fall in love with this place. Even if you are not a professional photographer, the pictures will refresh your memory of visiting the island whenever you will see it again on your quest to Saipan attractions.

On Managaha island, you can see the wedge-tailed shearwaters. On this island, you will find several marine activities like jet-skiing, snorkeling, banana boat, and parasailing. Adventure enthusiasts will love these exhilarating water sports. Dive in to see the colorful coral reef and beautiful marine life. Simply lying on the silver-white beach and watching the ocean is an awesome experience.

The island is full of green tropical plants. The elysian beauty of this island is worth giving your time. Since there are no fees for entering and spending time on the beach, you can walk around the beach without worrying about the budget. Relish yourself with some of the famous seas food on the beach that is cost-effective. Enjoying the aquatic scene in the clear and transparent sea and the fine sandy beach will definitely make this island, your new favorite place. To experience the freshness of the gentle sea breeze, clear sky, and the blue sea, you must include this place in your bucket list of Saipan attractions.

Banzai Cliff, also known as the Longevity Cliff is a place thousands of deaths that happened during world war II. When Japanese civilians felt that the American soldiers are going to capture the, they including men, women, and children choose to commit suicide by jumping into the ocean from the 600-feet cliff. Even after the fights ended, the death toll continued to rise. The cliff has earned its name after the suicide happened because people leaping from the cliff shouted “banzai” while they plunged into death.

On the peak of Banzai Cliff , you can see a great combination of modern architecture blended with nature. The backwash of thousands of deaths is now dotted with memorials that are honored by the Japanese and call it an act of bravery. You can see many obelisks and buddha sculptures on the peak with an intention to remind people that the effect of war is devastating, and it does not end on the battlefield. Every year people from Japan visit the cliff to pay respect to the shrines and do prayers for those who lost their lives.

From the top, you will see the mesmerizing beauty of the ocean. You can often spot turtles swimming in the water. Viewing a giant turquoise water body is very calming and relaxing. You can sit there and spend the rest of the day on the cliff.

Santa Lourdes Shrine is in Notre Dame's Cave. The cave is the catholic holy place and famous among all Saipan attractions. The cave is located next to a small village surrounded by lush green trees. At the entrance of the village, you can park your vehicle and then take a walk to the shrine. Local people visit this shrine frequently to offer prayers and lit candles. Visitors can also light the candle and offer prayers. This is the only place where you will find freshwater well on the island. According to the legends, the freshwater well was found by a French boy when he met the soul of Notre Dame. People believe that taking a sip of the water from the well will bring good luck for them, if you are a believer, then you can drink some water too.

The Shrine is on the hillside of the Saipan, hence it will offer you a mesmerizing view of nature. The place is peaceful and calming because of both shrine and essence natural elements. In front of the candle chamber, there you can see a love tree; the structure of the heart emerges naturally by the leaves. Couples should not miss clicking pictures of this place. This is an Instagram worthy place. The access to this place is free. You can easily cover this place on your day trip.

After knowing about all the magnificent Saipan attractions, you might be thinking of planning your way to the Saipan. Saipan offers numerous incredible things without costing any extra bucks. Watching the phenomenal sunset by sitting on the white sands of the beaches will give you a sense of satisfaction and eternal happiness. Trying the local cuisine might make you fall in love with the food. Watching the cultural festivals of the locals will create a lifetime memory of this place and bring people of two different communities or regions more close. So, no matter where you go in Saipan, you will get something. Explore the beautiful sights, food, and culture of this place in the most efficient way. Happy roaming around the Island of Saipan!

Trending Travelogues

Popular trip moments, popular travel types, popular attractions, popular ranked lists, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback

• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• Do Not Sell My Personal Information
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Trip.Best: Saipan

Popular Premium Hotels in Saipan

Popular Best Things to Do in Saipan

Popular Family Hotels in Saipan

Popular Scenic Hotels in Saipan

Top 4 4-star Select Hotels in Saipan

Saipan travel guide.

Experience Saipan

Bird Island

San Juan Beach

Saipan Helicopters Tour

Skydive Saipan LLC

NMI Museum of History and Culture

Ladder Beach

Banzai Cliff Monument

Managaha Island

American Memorial Park

Where to stay, hyatt regency saipan, grandvrio resort saipan, crowne plaza resort saipan, kensington hotel saipan, hotel americano, saipan shining star hotel, oasis boutique house, saipan skyline designers hotel, holiday saipan hotel, daora guesthouse, sea fun villa, discovery saipan hotel, what to eat.

Country House Restaurant

Surf Club Saipan Restaurant

Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.(Saipan)

Jonny's Bar & Grill

Costa Terrace Restaurant

Ladder Beach Restaurant

Zen Teppanyaki Restaurant Saipan

Mura Ichiban

Moby Dick Restaurant

Cha Café and Bistro

Discover the real saipan with a local expert.

How much do you know about Saipan?

More ways to enjoy saipan, popular premium hotels near saipan.

The Westin Resort Guam

The Tsubaki Tower

Dusit Thani Guam Resort

Hyatt Regency Guam

Other recommended cities.

Popular Types of Attractions in Saipan

Popular attractions in saipan, popular restaurants in saipan, trending travelogues, popular destinations, recommended attractions at popular destinations, popular trip moments, popular travel types, more things to do in saipan.

• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier

• Car Rentals
• Airport Transfers
• Attractions & Tours
• Bundle & Save
• Destinations
• Trip.com Rewards

Saipan Itinerary for 4 Days : Ultimate Saipan Travel Guide

by Trip.com

December 14, 2022

• Saipan 4-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights to Saipan

• Sort by: Lowest Price
• Sort by: Earliest Flight

Crossed out prices are calculated based on the average price of the corresponding route on Trip.com.

Day 1 | Morning

Managaha island.

Opening Hours: Open 24 hours

Ticket Price: 5 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 4-5 Hours

Location: Managaha Island, Saipan 96950

If you don't go to Warship Island, it means you haven't really been to Saipan . Warship Island is located on the west side of Saipan Island, which can be reached by boat in 10 minutes. It is a must-see attraction in Saipan. The blue water here is a good place for snorkeling. Sunny beach, you can also experience a variety of exciting water sports, such as undersea walking, surfing, etc. The surrounding island is very small, and it only takes about 15-20 minutes to walk around the island. The entire island is surrounded by silver-white sandy beaches, and the sea water covered with coral reefs is refracted by sunlight, changing fantastic colors. The island is full of dark green tropical plants. The water of Warship Island is very clear. You can also have the opportunity to see large sunken ships while diving here. Distribution & Precautions The island is basically divided into three areas, the area on the side of the wharf, which is where there are lifeguards. It is suitable for people who are snorkeling for the first time. There are many people, and there are not many fish here. Going north from the side of the pier is a large white sandy beach, where there are many free deck chairs for tourists to rest under the shade of trees. Walking around the island to the other side is also a place for snorkeling. The water here is not deep, and there is no waist. The water is clear and the corals are beautiful, but it should be noted that the corals here are all hard bones. Do not stand on the corals, it is easy to slip and get injured. Tourists who do not have the conditions to dive can choose water entertainment or sightseeing submarines, and they can also enjoy the beautiful scenery. The center of Warship Island is a tropical vegetation and restaurant area. There is a small bar where you can buy drinks, rent diving supplies, etc., as well as barbecue, you can dine here. Notes on visiting the island To go to Warship Island, you need to pay the island fee of US$6, plus the round-trip speedboat of US$20 per person, for a total of about US$26. There is no time limit to stay on the island, but the island closes at 4 pm. Free use of beach mats, snorkeling gear, small refrigerator, and beach volleyball is available on the island. Special reminder: The snorkeling of Warship Island is free, but some agency companies charge 20-30 US dollars. In addition to water sports, jet skis, parasailing, surfing, water skiing, banana boats are also available on the island, and you must not miss the popular activities on the island of warships, undersea walking, as long as you wear a special space hat, you can be in the sea. 3-5 meters of seabed dance with fish. Visitors can capture this rare picture with underwater cameras.

Reviews from Real Guests:

Trip.com User: The real sea is very clean and the children are not adults. If you go next to (160 standard) there is no safety agent, but I would highly recommend the beach side with a lot of fish! In front of parasol, there are no fish, just floating around, and the place where the fish is a bit dangerous, but even if you go in a few steps, there are so many fish and the water is really clean !! You can go in and pay for the activities separately, but I recommend booking it separately! And take the snorkeling equipment and see the fish ♡

하횻: I thought it would be bad to go to another small island from the island of Saipan, but I just went and went again on the last day. The water is clean and well maintained. But I'm afraid I recommend buying a separate eye outside. And I can rent parasols and chairs and lie down and watch the sea.

Day 1 | Afternoon

Now we come to another great highlight in the city: Saipan Submarine.

Saipan Submarine

Opening Hours: Open from 0:00am-0:00am

Ticket Price: 539 RMB

Location: 6PJQ+3VH, Tanapag, Saipan 96950

The Mermaid sightseeing submarine is semi-floating in the ocean, and the snorkeling sightseeing boat allows you to enjoy the beauty of the sea and the sea at the same time. Dive to the bottom of the sea to see gorgeous tropical fish, corals, colorful underwater creatures, and a variety of coral grasses. You can also see the wreckage left by World War II and learn about the historical stories that happened in Saipan .

Trip.com User: I have been on a boat -10 feet from an Alaskan glacier, on a freighter en route to Greece, on a ferry floating down the Amazon River BUT this.. a DEEPSTAR SUBMARINE! under water! I was in a different world. If I could walk the ocean floor - the whole length and breath of the Pacific - I would! PHENOMENAL!

Day 1 | Evening

Don’t forget to book Kensington Hotel Saipan in advance, because all the tourists head to Saipan Submarine love staying at it.

Kensington Hotel Saipan

Kensington Hotel Saipan is Located on the beautiful paupau beach in San Roque, Saipan . It is 14 stories high with 313 Luxurious ocean view rooms, Stylish restaurant (International buffet, Chinese restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Ocean grill GGQ), Cocomong kids camp, Water sports, Wedding chapel, Luxury Gallery duty-free shop etc. Kensington Hotel Saipan can offer you All-Inclusive service and Free WiFi in room and public areas and Free minibar are also provided. Other amenities include a private beach, ISaipan Store.

Airport pickup service

Swimming pool

Check Availability

Day 2 | Morning

Nmi museum of history and culture.

Opening Hours: Monday-Friday9:00-11:00,13:00-16:00

Ticket Price: 3 USD

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-2 Hours

Location: 6P29+GMV, Garapan, Saipan 96950, CNMI

The Northern Mariana Islands Museum is a mini museum converted from a Japanese hospital building in 1926. This museum helps you understand the past and present of the Northern Mariana Islands. The Northern Mariana Islands have a long and complex Eurasian-American history: it was discovered by the Portuguese navigator Magellan in 1521; occupied by Spain in 1565; Spain sold it to Germany in 1899; after the outbreak of World War I, it was taken over by Japan ruled; in 1944 it was occupied by the United States; in 1947 the United Nations handed over the Northern Mariana Islands to the United States in a trusteeship. The museum displays the archipelago's vivid and diverse historical relics from prehistoric times to the reign of the above countries and after World War II to the present. Not interested in regime and war? Precious archaeological objects such as jewels, magnets and copper coins salvaged from large Spanish shipwrecks in the 18th century, as well as historical records of the French expedition to the Northern Mariana Islands in the 19th century, should not be missed by artistic young people and adventure lovers.

Day 2 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming NMI Museum of History and Culture, Nilala Spa next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-11:00pm

Ticket Price: 170 USD

Location: Coral Tree Ave, Garapan, Saipan 96950, CNMI

Ni'Lala Spa is located in the Yuetai Hotel, close to the beach, with good scenery and perfect facilities. It is the premier spa center on Saipan.

Day 2 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan

Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan is less than 20 minutes’ drive from Saipan International Airport. Saipan Country Club is a 10-minute drive away. It is situated on the white sands of Micro Beach. This resort and day spa offers 6 food and beverage outlets, 2 swimming pools surrounded by tropical gardens, and 2 tennis courts. The SPA offers a range of massages, beauty treatments, aromatherapy baths and spa packages. Guests can work out in the fully equipped fitness centre. Scuba diving and bicycle rentals are available. Each room has a balcony with ocean or mountain views, plus a TV with cable channels and pay-per-view movies. All accommodation has a desk with free Wi-Fi, in-room safe, refrigerator and air conditioning.

Day 3 | Morning

Ticket Price: 2980 RMB

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-4 Hours

Location: An undersea mountain range on the west side of Saipan

Shallow Bay is an undersea mountain range on the west side of Saipan. As soon as you get under the water, you will see a large school of red snapper swimming in the distance, and once you reach the base of the mountain, you will find thousands of various marine animals. Harrier rays, moray eels, and surgeonfish are common fish. What sets this dive site apart is that visitors can feed butterflyfish. As soon as you put food in the water, divers are immediately surrounded by thousands of yellow and white butterflyfish. They swim right next to you, and you can reach out and touch them. With depths ranging from 40 feet to 130 feet, this dive site is suitable for divers of all levels.

Day 3 | Afternoon

Having the chance to enjoy the charming Dimple, The Grotto next to it is another great place that you will never want to miss!

Opening Hours: Open from 10:00am-5:00pm

Ticket Price: Free

Recommended Length of Stay: 2-3 Hours

Location: Grotto Dr, Saipan

The Blue Hole is located in the northeast corner of Saipan. It is a natural cave connected to the Pacific Ocean and a cave diving site. The sea water shimmers like a cat's eye blue, and the breathtaking electric blue sea water and the natural stalactite scenery are beautiful. Internal and external environment The blue hole looks like a dolphin with an open mouth, and inside is a huge stalactite cave. There are two natural swimming pools in the blue hole, which are connected to the outer ocean through an undersea channel, and light penetrates into the hole through the water channel from the outer sea , The blue hole pool can reveal a light blue luster, which is quite beautiful. This penetrating electric blue is also the origin of the name of the blue hole. For those experienced deep-sea divers, it will be an unparalleled experience, so it is known as the second largest cave diving destination in the world, after the Blue Hole in Belize. Diving conditions The depth of the Blue Hole can reach up to 47 meters, so only those with an AOW diving certificate can dive deep. However, those who do not have a certificate can conduct experiential snorkeling under the guidance of an instructor. Most of the people diving here are Japanese, and there are some Europeans. Generally, tourists come here for a simple snorkeling except for a look. Because there is no diving license, very few tourists come to deep dive here. If you have a diving license, you can enter the blue hole through the LetsdiveGuam diving club. In addition, there are more than 100 steps paved with small stones to go down from the top to the blue hole. The steps are somewhat notched, steep, and very slippery. When you get to the bottom, you will see a blue sea in the cave pouring into it. Due to the influence of the tide, sometimes the level in the cave is still without waves, and sometimes it is undulating, so you must be very careful whether you are swimming or diving in the cave.

Day 3 | Evening

If you want to explore other popular attractions later, Saipan Skyline is a suitable place for you to stay and refresh.

Saipan Skyline

The Saipan Skyline Designers Hotel is located on the mountainside overlooking the Seven Colors Sea and the Managaha Island. With a sophisticated modern decoration style, it offers a variety of room types to meet all the needs for tourist. Near Saipan best hotel Kensington. Skyline is close to the Northern Scenic Area, just minutes from Paupau Beach and a 10-minute drive from the downtown city. It is within easy reach of famous attractions such as the Grotto, Banzai Cliff and so on. Special service: shuttle bus from Skyline to downtown at a fixed time every day. In order to solve the shortage of drinking water in Saipan, the hotel provides 4 bottles of drinking water per day to the guests and a free hot and cold water machine in the lobby. The hotel offers many convenient services including free WiFi, 24-hour hot water, hairdryer and toiletries. Each room is equipped with cable TV and direct access to domestic channels. The hotel also has a number of attractions and photo facilities, so you can easily take out the big red movies. The Grotto site is an 8-minute drive away, and is close to the Kalabera Cave, the Mariana Seaside Chapel, Wing Beach and St. John's Beach. San Juan Beach) and many other popular tourist attractions.

Day 4 | Morning

Bird island.

Recommended Length of Stay: 1-1 Hours

Location: Bird Island, Saipan 96950

Bird Island is located in the northeast of Saipan, not far from Suicide Cliff and Blue Hole, and is named for the numerous birds that inhabit it. Here you can enjoy the beautiful sunrise and the jewel-like deep blue of the Pacific Ocean. Although the Bird Island is not large, it provides sufficient living space for birds. There are hundreds of species of birds living on the island. At high tide, Bird Island is like an isolated island on the sea. At low tide, it is connected to Saipan. The water here is naturally divided into two shades of blue, and the whole island shines under the sunlight. There is a viewing platform not far from Bird Island, overlooking Bird Island, and there are telescopes for bird watching, through which you can see the cute birds on the island. You can also come here for bird watching at low tide and see seabirds up close. Bird Island is like a piece of green emerald isolated from the world, and it is basically a must-see for tourists who come to Saipan. In addition, in addition to bird watching, Bird Island is also a good place to watch the sunrise. Since Saipan is close to the equator, you can come here before sunrise to watch the sky full of stars, and then quietly wait for the sunrise.

Trip.com User: Bird Island, I joined the north tour for a long time, the scenery is very beautiful, it is worth a look, see a beautiful view, also near the pedestrian street in a Taiwanese beef noodles met a person with a young and handsome boss, eating and sending a drink, I think it is a good blessing for the New Year.

Day 4 | Afternoon

When time permits after visiting Bird Island, don’t forget pay a visit to Banzai Cliff.

Banzai Cliff

Recommended Length of Stay: 30-30 Minutes

Location: Saipan 96950

The Long Live Cliff is a cliff at the northern tip of Saipan, under which is the rolling Pacific Ocean. Here, you can enjoy the different-colored waters of the vast Pacific Ocean, as well as the white waves crashing against the shore under your feet. Due to historical reasons, the local indigenous people are very taboo here. Therefore, there are almost no people within a few kilometers to the north of Saipan, and the north is basically a barren land. Standing on the Wansui Cliff, facing the vast Pacific Ocean, you can see the deep blue of the sea in the distance, while the near sea is light blue, and the white waves of the huge waves crashing on the shore are under your feet. The 360-degree rough seascape here is very different from the calm west coast of Saipan. Adjacent to the cliffside railing, in addition to enjoying the wonders of the steep seaside cliffs, you can also feel the oppression of the waves and seawater.

Trip.com User: The View od Banzai Cliff is just stunning!! You can just see a perfect combination pf the cliff and the ocean. It is sugguested to go there in thr evening so that you can see the sunset together! Take a good camera for endless photos!

• Saipan 4-Days Itinerary: Cheap Flights from Saipan

* All reviews in the blog are machine-translated.

Table of Content

• Day 1: Managaha Island, Saipan Submarine
• Day 2: NMI Museum of History and Culture, Nilala Spa
• Day 3: Dimple, The Grotto
• Day 4: Bird Island, Banzai Cliff

Saipan Weather

Find What to Do in Saipan in 4 Days Tour

Sunset dinner on the 10th floor of granvello crystal tower.

• On the 10th floor of the Granvello Crystal Building, we can enjoy the delicious food while enjoying the 180° sunset view.

Skydiving and Free Transfer

<h3>besides saipan itinerary 4 days, people also search for ...</h3>.

Popular Content

• Singapore Itinerary 10 Day
• Belize City Itinerary 1 Day
• Siena Itinerary 4 Days
• Taipei Itinerary 4 Days
• Halifax Itinerary 5 Days
• Kuala Kuantan Itinerary 2 Days
• Santa Fe Itinerary 4 Days
• Best places to visit in May
• cheap hotels in koh samui
• 2022 World Cup
• Dog Friendly Beaches Los Angeles
• Cheap Hotels Tonight
• buddha purnima
• Best Breakfast in Chicago
• Osaka restaurants
• cheap hotels in cebu
• Romantic Getaways Florida
• Maldives Holidays 2022
• Sunway Lagoon
• Federal Holidays 2022
• Italy Holidays 2022
• Customer Support
• Service Guarantee
• More Service Info
• Website Feedback
• About Trip.com
• Terms & Conditions
• Privacy Statement
• About Trip.com Group

Other Services

• Investor Relations
• Affiliate Program
• List My Property
• Become a Supplier