Exploring Saipan: A Traveler’s Guide to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

Having traversed all 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, we’ve always been drawn to unique destinations that offer a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. Our recent opportunity to work in Guam and Saipan, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), gave us a chance to explore a lesser-visited U.S. territory in the Pacific. We dive deep into Saipan’s rich history, pristine landscapes, and cultural landmarks, offering you a comprehensive guide to this intriguing destination.

Saipan, CNMI: A Brief Overview

The Mariana Islands hold a fascinating historical tapestry. Once under Spanish rule, Saipan was sold to Germany after the Spanish-American War. Following World War I, Japan governed the islands until they were captured by the United States during World War II. This pivotal battle marked the first time the U.S. breached Japan’s inner defensive perimeter, leading to extensive military and civilian casualties.

Today, Saipan is a U.S. territory, and its residents are U.S. citizens. Its strategic significance and natural beauty make it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Getting There: Flights and Logistics

Our journey to Saipan included flights from the U.S. to Tokyo, then onward to Guam, and finally a quick 30-minute hop to Saipan. While this route may seem lengthy, it offers a smoother experience compared to flying through Honolulu.

Tips for Travelers:

• Seating: Book premium seats for the long-haul Tokyo flight for extra comfort.
• Lounges: United Club members can access the ANA lounge in Tokyo, which features a delightful ramen chef. Priority Pass lounges are also available.
• Inter-Island Travel: U.S. citizens don’t need passports for flights between Guam and Saipan, but you’ll complete an immigration form and undergo a brief check.

Where to Stay: Hotels in Saipan

• Multiple dining options, including a buffet breakfast.
• A well-stocked bar with indoor and outdoor seating.
• Amenities like a pool and gym, although we didn’t have time to use them.

Top Attractions and Activities in Saipan

Natural Beauty and Climate

Saipan boasts lush, green landscapes and a tropical climate renowned for its consistency. According to the Guinness World Records, Saipan has one of the most equable climates in the world, offering year-round warmth.

SCUBA Diving Adventures

Our first dive was the Grotto. A must-visit for divers, the Grotto is a breathtaking underwater cavern filled with turtles, sharks, and vibrant marine life. However, accessing it is an adventure in itself, requiring:

• A 122-step descent with dive gear.
• Crossing rocks and jumping into the water.

Once submerged, divers can explore three open-ocean exits with visibility exceeding 100 feet.

We also explored the World War II Wreck, where history meets adventure with dives to two Japanese wrecks near the harbor:

• The Emily Seaplane: A largely intact Japanese aircraft featuring visible engines, cockpit, and gunner positions.
• A Japanese Freighter: Beginner-friendly and mostly intact, this wreck is easily accessible.

While the diving experiences were memorable, note that dive boats are basic, with no snacks or water provided and service minimal. There was also no safety briefing provided or any discussion of location of first aid, or oxygen.

Historical Landmarks

We visited Suicide Cliff. This solemn site marks the tragic loss of civilians during World War II. Misled by Japanese propaganda, many residents leaped to their deaths to avoid capture by U.S. forces. A small memorial at the top and wartime artifacts at the bottom honor those who perished.

The Last Command Post, located near Suicide Cliff, this site features remnants of Japanese defenses, including gun emplacements and battle-scarred walls.

The Japanese and Korean Memorials:

• Japanese Memorial: Advocates for global peace and remembrance of wartime atrocities.
• Korean Memorial: Honors the Korean laborers who were forced into service and lost their lives on Saipan.

The American Memorial Park, a U.S. National Park offers a poignant tribute to fallen soldiers. Highlights include:

• A museum with artifacts and a short film.
• An outdoor memorial featuring engraved names of U.S. military personnel.

While impactful, the park’s maintenance could be improved, with areas like the amphitheater showing signs of neglect.

Culinary Scene

While Saipan doesn’t have a standout culinary identity, its Japanese influence is evident in many restaurants. Fresh seafood is abundant, and hidden gems like the Angry Penne, a quaint Italian eatery can surprise you.

Key Takeaways: Should You Visit Saipan?

Saipan is a treasure trove for history buffs, especially those intrigued by World War II. Its serene landscapes and unique dive sites make it worth considering for adventurous travelers. However, if historical exploration isn’t your priority, you might find other Pacific islands more aligned with your interests.

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Here are some tours that we think you’ll like:

Want to snorkel in the Blue Grotto? This is the tour for you!

Full day private tour that includes seeing the jail that allegedly held Amelia Earhart.

Tour of Saipan and Tinian where the Enola Gay took off from. We didn’t get to do this, but would have loved to see Tinian.