Northern Mariana Islands

The palm-fringed beaches of Saipan’s Managaha Island

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Enjoying the view at Pau Pau Beach in Saipan

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Exploring an underwater wreck in the Philippine Sea

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Rugged terrain leading to Saipan's Forbidden Island

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A fisherman and his son hauling in the day's catch at sunset

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A colorful boat bobbing in the Philippine Sea

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Sunbathing on a rocky white sand beach

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Watching the setting sun at the ocean's edge

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Major Airports:

Northern Mariana Islands (GSN)

Endless ocean views, endless island fun

The Northern Mariana Islands, more simply known as The Marianas, are an easy warm-weather escape in the western Pacific Ocean. Once you’re on the islands of this U.S. commonwealth, the only difficult decision you’ll have to make is whether to sunbathe on a beautiful beach, try your luck at a casino, play golf with dazzling views of the Philippine Sea or go scuba diving in a World War II shipwreck. Then again, there is no reason why you can’t do them all.

Saipan Aerial Tour

Though the Northern Marianas consists of 14 islands in total, the most popular are Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Saipan, the largest of The Marianas, has an area of 115.4 square kilometers. It takes about hour to traverse the island by car. Start on the sand – specifically, the blazing white shoreline of Micro Beach, popular among locals and visitors alike. Then, head to the many, many others offering lush tropical scenery and a whole range of activities. If you’re feeling adventurous, there’s always jungle treks, cavern dives and night diving.

The Marianas' resorts and country clubs are more than just sleek beach fixtures; they are gateways to the territory’s vibrant outdoor life and urban spirit. Resorts arrange hikes to hidden beaches, banana boat rides and cliff fishing. Take a windsurfing tour or tee off at one of the golf courses.

The Islands’ storied past – and especially its indigenous Chamorro and Carolinian cultures – is very much alive everywhere you look. Archeological sites, prehistoric stone structures and small villages engage you with people, past and present. Spring and summer’s San Vicente Fiesta and San Antonio Festival introduce you to Chamorro and Carolinian food, dance and music.

History buffs will also find The Marianas a trove of exceptionally preserved World War II buildings and posts, including a Japanese lighthouse, bunkers, jails and an abandoned airfield. Banzai and Suicide Cliffs are dramatic testaments to the profound history of these islands.

For information on entry procedures, click here.

Saipan Aerial Tour

Fun Fact

The latte stones – stone structures with crescent-shaped tops – found on the Islands are actually ancient support pillars.

Must see places

Managaha Island

This coral islet sitting in Saipan’s lagoon is a mini-paradise with a fascinating history. Snorkeling, scuba diving and sightseeing are all popular here.

Forbidden Island

A hike to the mysteriously-named island off the coast of Saipan is not only not forbidden but recommended, with a bird sanctuary, great snorkeling and a stunning view the pay off.

A tranquil beach scene on Saipan in the Northern Mariana Islands

Obyan Beach

The classic idyllic beach, Marianas-style. This is the place on Saipan for serene shelling and cave exploring, but don’t miss the WWII-era bunkers and latte stones lying about.

Flame Tree Arts Festival

A four-day fest on Saipan that celebrates and showcases The Marianas' culture through indigenous dance, food and artwork every spring, just in time for the real flame trees to bloom.

Mount Tapochau

Climb (or drive) to Saipan’s highest peak, once a WWII outpost for the Japanese, and see nearly all the islands of The Marianas at once.

Explore Northern Mariana Islands destinations

The Ace Hotel Rooftop in downtown Los Angeles, California

Explore Northern Mariana Islands destinations

Snorkeler takes in the underwater scenery

Experience Northern Mariana Islands

Experience

Paradise in the Philippine Sea

Experience

House of Taga

Ask a Local

Locals dancing in the Northern Mariana Islands

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Ask a Local: Northern Mariana Islands Transcript

Gordon Ichihara Marciano:
Hafa Adai and Tirow. It’s like saying, “Aloha!”
We use that as our way to say, “This is who we are, and we’re excited that you’re here.”
We’re about three hours away from Japan, and we’re on the North Pacific right above the equator.
You’ll see the Chamorro culture, and then you’ll see also the Carolinian culture.
When you get to Saipan, pretty much, it is the main capital of the Commonwealth of Northern Islands.
The Grotto was considered one of the best places for diving. It opens up to outside where you’re looking at all these cliffs.
I always recommend that you got to go see our Managaha because it’s the conservation area. So when you’re swimming there in Managaha, you think you’d be in an aquarium.
If you want to visit historical, then you got to go visit the World War II sites. These are the invasion beaches. There is the World War II snorkeling tour. You’ll see, sticking out of the water, three Sherman tanks.
We also have beautiful coral gardens to just swim over all these corals.
Ina’s Kitchen – young Chamorro chef that’s fusioning our own local cuisine. One of my favorites there is the Titiyas with fish. It looks like a taco.
When you want really quiet, then you got to go to Rota. Very serene.
The features of each island – Rota, Tinian and Saipan – have a different flavor and tastes and sights of it. We want our guests to learn about our culture and also our language, so we can share the Hafa Adai spirit when we are together.