Want to go to Saipan! Here are some Recommended Popular Tourist Spots ♪

Saipan is a popular beach resort destination, and it’s not only great for long holiday trips like summer vacation but also for a quick 2-night, 3-day getaway. An average temperature of 27°C all year round, you can travel lightly in summer attire. Below are some recommended tourist spots in Saipan!

1. Managaha Island

Managaha Island is a small uninhabited island about a 15‑minute ferry ride from Saipan Island, with a circumference of roughly 1.5 km. “Uninhabited Island” is such an enticing phrase, isn’t it? In the Carolinian language, “Managaha” means “a little break.” It’s a fitting name for this beautifully natural island designated as a national park.

The beaches on Saipan Island are very beautiful, but the beaches on Managaha Island are even more stunning! It has been voted the best beach for over 10 years by diving magazines, with impeccable water clarity and pristine white sand. On the island, you can also rent equipment for various marine activities—so be sure to give them a try!

The ferry runs four round-trip services daily, making it very accessible. In particular, if you go early in the morning, you can enjoy the tranquil scenery without the crowds. It’s a paradise-like spot you must visit when in Saipan.

2. Micro Beach

Located about a 5‑minute walk from the center of Garapan on Saipan, Micro Beach is one of the iconic beaches of Saipan, known for its clear water and white sandy shores. Nearby, you’ll find resort hotels such as Hyatt Regency Saipan and Fiesta Resort and Spa Saipan, making it an ideal location.

There are also large shopping malls, select shops, cafés, and restaurants in the area, so you can easily pop in. With its excellent location, Micro Beach is definitely worth a visit.

3. Grotto

Grotto is Saipan’s most popular diving spot that attracts divers from around the world! When you jump off a rock into the sea, you’ll see a mystical blue light emanating from the dark cave ahead—a truly enchanting sight. The high clarity of the water creates a blue curtain of light that is breathtaking. Beyond the cave, you may encounter barracudas, sea turtles, Napoleon wrasses, and more.

Many tourists come to Saipan specifically for diving at this site. Even if you don’t have a diving license, you can enjoy snorkeling here. However, on days when the sea is rough, the rocks around Grotto can become dangerous, so be sure to consult a local guide before venturing out!

To reach Grotto, you’ll need to descend over 100 steep steps from the parking lot with your gear—and then climb back up on your return. It’s one of the more physically demanding attractions on Saipan, so take care not to overexert yourself.

4. Pau Pau Beach

Pau Pau Beach is another highly popular spot for snorkeling. It boasts about 1 km of white sandy beach and emerald-green sea.

Located in the northern part of Saipan, there are also hotels nearby, such as Kensington Hotel Saipan All-Inclusive and Aqua Resort Club Saipan, making it perfect for a relaxing stay on the beach. With convenient access—about a 20‑minute drive from the center of Garapan—it’s definitely worth a visit.

5. Bird Island

Called “Bird Island” due to the abundance of seabirds living there, its official name is “Isleta Maigo Fa’an.” Although it is a nature reserve and you cannot set foot on the island, you can admire it from a viewing platform on the opposite shore.

The surrounding sea is also a habitat for sea turtles, so you might even catch a glimpse of one surfacing! It’s located about a 25‑minute drive from the center of Garapan, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

6. American Memorial Park

American Memorial Park is a very spacious park located on the northern side of the Garapan district in Saipan. Built in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of the Pacific War, it features monuments honoring the American military as well as those who died among the Saipan islanders. In 2005, a Visitor Centre was also opened. With a concert hall and regular weekend events, it is a place for both tourists and locals to relax.

Inside the Visitor Centre, you can view valuable war-related materials that convey the horrors of war in multiple languages. On request, you can even watch a 20‑minute film.

Saipan is known as a beautiful beach resort, but it also reminds us of a darker historical period. While this attraction may not be the most fun, it provides a vital opportunity to understand the cruelty of war and appreciate the value of peace.

7. Puntan Sabaneta (Banzai Cliff)

Many may recall images from the end of World War II showing people leaping off cliffs while shouting “Long live the Emperor!” Puntan Sabaneta, or Banzai Cliff, is a cliff on the northern tip of Saipan from which many non-combatants jumped from a height of 80 meters.

Banzai Cliff is not just a tourist spot but a place meant to imprint on all nations involved in the war the importance of never repeating such tragic history. Near the cliff’s parking lot, there are numerous memorial monuments. For tourists visiting Saipan, this is a poignant reminder to also reflect on history, not just enjoy the beaches.

8. Forbidden Island

“Forbidden Island”—a name that sounds like it could be the title of a mystery novel! Forbidden Island is located off the tip of Lau Lau Bay on Saipan and is designated as a nature reserve by the Mariana Islands government. Although you cannot set foot on the island itself due to its protected status, there is a popular tour that takes you right up to its edge. This tour is one of the most physically demanding in Saipan, so make sure you get plenty of rest the night before!

The tour includes trekking, snorkeling, and cave exploration—offering a mix of mountain and sea adventures. While snorkeling in a natural tide pool, you may observe tropical fish, starfish, and crabs up close. This tour is recommended for those with confidence in their physical fitness who want to enjoy pristine nature.

9. Mount Tapochau

Mount Tapochau is the highest point on Saipan, standing at about 475 meters. At the summit, there is an observation deck with a statue of Christ, from which, on clear days, you can see not only Saipan but also Tenian Island and Rota Island.

The road to the observation deck is accessible by car, though some parts are unpaved and can be quite bumpy—so if you’re prone to motion sickness, be cautious. It might be best to join a tour if you are not comfortable driving on such roads. From the parking area near the summit, a well-maintained walkway leads to the observation deck in about 5 minutes.

10. Water Parks

For families with young children, water parks are also very popular attractions in Saipan! With a wide variety of water slides and floats, water parks offer activities for kids while adults can relax a bit.

When it comes to water parks in Saipan, “PIC” and “Water Jungle” are popular choices! They offer a wide range of slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, as well as dedicated kids’ pools. “PIC” includes a kids’ club, and “Water Jungle” has a kids’ college—providing child care so that adults can also unwind.

Each water park is attached to a hotel, so when planning your itinerary for Saipan, choose a hotel that makes it easy to visit both the water park and other attractions or shopping spots.

◎ Enjoy a Resort Rich in History and Nature!

Saipan, an island floating in the Pacific, is said to be a place where the wind flows freely and the air remains fresh, allowing the stars to shine brilliantly. At night, joining a local tour will guide you to spots where you can fully enjoy the starry sky. Although Saipan is often said to have few attractions at night, experiencing nature in this way might be exactly what helps you break free from everyday life and truly enjoy a resort getaway.

Saipan’s appeal isn’t solely about beautiful and fun places. While you might be tempted to avoid confronting the harsh truths of its history, encountering moments that remind you of the value of peace is important. Deeply experiencing the happiness of spending leisurely time amidst abundant nature and the gentle flow of time—this is perhaps Saipan’s greatest charm.

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Want to go to Saipan! Here are some Recommended Popular Tourist Spots ♪