Saipan
The main island of the Northern Marianas, holding a calm lagoon, high cliffs and the marks of the Pacific War.
Icons
The sea, the cliffs, and places kept for remembrance.
- A small island reached by boatManagaha IslandThe western lagoon
An uninhabited island offshore with shallow, clear water for snorkelling. It is a protected area with a landing fee.
- A cave dive siteThe GrottoNorth
A limestone cave filled with seawater, well known among divers. The steps are steep and entry is closed when the swell is up.
- Where the battle endedBanzai Cliff and Suicide CliffNorthern tip
Cliffs where many died in the final days of the 1944 battle, now marked by memorials. These are memorial sites before they are viewpoints.
- A rock island seen from aboveBird IslandNortheast
A small rock where seabirds gather, viewed from a clifftop lookout. The path down is frequently closed.
- A beach with tanks still on itTank BeachEast
Remains of the landings sit in the sand and just offshore. Facing east, the surf is stronger than on the west side.
- A headquarters hidden in rockLast Command PostNorth
A Japanese command position using a cave beneath the cliff, with guns and tanks outside. A museum stands beside it.
Where to go
Small, with simple roads: a day covers the island.
- GarapanHotels and restaurantsWest coast
The main strip of hotels and shops. A street market runs on certain evenings.
- The southAirport and harbourSouth
The international airport and port, with quiet coastline between. War remains are scattered throughout.
- The northCliffs and memorialsNorth
Banzai Cliff and the Last Command Post are close together. A half-day driving loop is the usual way round.
- TinianThe neighbouring islandThe sea to the south
Reached by small plane or boat. The runway from which the atomic bomb mission flew is still there.
- RotaA quiet islandThe sea to the south
Few visitors and largely intact nature. Flights are infrequent, so allow spare time.
When to go
Hot all year, split into dry and wet.
- Dry seasonDecember to JuneThroughout
Little rain and calm water. The best window of the year.
- Wet seasonJuly to NovemberThroughout
Frequent squalls that pass quickly. Humidity runs high.
- TyphoonsAugust to NovemberThroughout
Flights stop when one tracks over. The island has been badly hit before, so follow every warning.
- TemperatureAround 30C all yearThroughout
Barely any seasonal variation. The ultraviolet index is very high.
Before you go
A US commonwealth, so entry follows US procedure.
- EntryGuam-CNMI visa waiver or ESTAThroughout
Korean passport holders use either the regional waiver or an ESTA. The conditions differ slightly from Guam, so check current guidance.
- MoneyUS dollarThroughout
The same currency as the mainland US, with cards widely accepted. Smaller shops may prefer cash.
- DrivingOn the right; a car is effectively necessaryThroughout
There is almost no public transport. Road surfaces are uneven in places.
- Memorial etiquetteThe war sites are close to gravesNorth
Memorials stand where a great many people died. Keeping quiet and photographing respectfully is expected.
- Medical careFacilities are limitedThroughout
Serious treatment means evacuation to Guam or further. Check your travel insurance carefully.
- Emergency number911Throughout
The same number as the mainland US for police, ambulance and fire. If you dive, find out in advance where the nearest chamber is.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change from year to year and by season. Check the official guidance for each site and operator before you travel.