The northernmost archipelago of Micronesia, the Northern Mariana Islands are a state associated with the United States. They consist of 15 islands, only three of which are inhabited: Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. It is around the latter that the most famous dive sites in the area are located.
Around the island of Saipan, most dives are accessible directly from the shore. The Wing Beach site, frequented by turtles, is a good example, located in the north of the island. These numerous shore dives allow access to several sites, from beginner to advanced divers, and even snorkeling enthusiasts. However, the swell can be significant in some places. This is the case at the Grotto site, where exiting the water can be challenging. The water clarity is such that divers can easily see up to 50 meters. In some places, visibility can even reach nearly 100 meters!
Abundance of marine life and natural pool
Amidst a few coral heads and gorgonians, divers will be impressed by the extremely compact fish schools. In these waters, you will find: barracudas, butterflyfish, moray eels, green and loggerhead turtles, as well as reef sharks. The seamount of Eagle Ray City is the gathering place for many eagle rays. Divers are almost guaranteed to encounter a few. The luckiest may observe between 40 and 70 rays in a single dive. At the Grotto site, a steep staircase leads divers to the heart of a chasm. At its bottom, there is a natural pool connected to the sea by three tunnels. The play of light in the water and the unique atmosphere of the place make it, without a doubt, the most beautiful dive on the island.
A dive into history
The scene of terrible battles between the Japanese and Americans in 1944, the seabed of the island of Saipan holds many remnants: from the Japanese Imperial plane H8K Emily, at 10 meters deep, to the American tank M4 Sherman semi-submerged… The visit to the island cannot be done without acknowledging the tragic history that unfolded there during World War II. The bunkers and old command posts serve as reminders; as well as the commemorative monuments on the cliffs of Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff, erected in memory of the Japanese who committed suicide during the Battle of Saipan.
And on land?
Water sports, golf, off-road island tours… many activities are offered to tourists on Saipan. For a more relaxed experience, admire the view from the island’s many steep cliffs and reach the highest point: Mount Tapochau, for a 360° viewpoint. Indigenous culture, the various successive colonial presences, sometimes Spanish, sometimes German, Japanese island in the early 20th century, today American territory… on this island, from cuisine to festive atmospheres, historical influences are felt.
Margot Harty
Practical
Time difference: +8 hours in summer, +9 hours in winter
Currency: US dollar (1 € = 1.22 USD)
Water: 28°C on average year-round
Best season for diving: from December to June
Equipment: 3 mm wetsuit
Beginner to advanced divers.
opening image © Yann Valton