Saipan

Travel Guide

Photo provided by Photo by Takahiro Noguchi ⒸMarianas Visitors Authority
Photo provided by Photo by Takahiro Noguchi ⒸMarianas Visitors Authority
Photo provided by Photo by Takahiro Noguchi ⒸMarianas Visitors Authority
Photo provided by Photo by Takahiro Noguchi ⒸMarianas Visitors Authority
Photo provided by Photo by Takahiro Noguchi ⒸMarianas Visitors Authority

Beaches, jungles, marine animals and shipwrecks make this western Pacific Ocean island a must-see destination.

With scuba diving sites, brightly colored corals, lagoons, caves and mountains, Saipan offers a rich outdoor lifestyle. Dive to see tropical fish, hike through acres of jungle or simply relax on the beaches.

Saipan is the largest of the Northern Mariana Islands. The western Pacific Ocean archipelago is part of the United States Commonwealth and lies south of Japan and east of the Philippines.

Garapan is the island’s largest town, the hub of Saipan’s tourist industry with hotels, restaurants, shopping centers and stores. Pick up maps and tourist information and get your bearings.

Most visitors come to Saipan for its beaches, particularly those on the island’s western side. An offshore coral reef has created a large lagoon with numerous sandy coves. Micro Beach is one of the most visited. Steady winds and calm waves attract windsurfers plan to give this sport a try. Treat yourself to a picnic or barbecue using the beach’s pavilions.

Divers love Saipan. The island’s handful of scuba diving operators serve all experience levels. Explore the rich marine flora, reefs and shipwrecks.

Go to the Blue Grotto, a large underwater limestone cavern on the island’s northern side. This dive site is worth a visit even for non-divers, just to see the dark blue water and rock formations. Swim or snorkel if you aren’t diving.

Saipan was the location of a fierce and decisive battle between U.S. forces and Japanese soldiers during World War II. Visit the Last Command Post and see the bunker and its cannons. Look for tanks half-way submerged in the sea.

To explore some of the island’s jungle, take the Laderan Tangke Trail, a 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) loop through the Marpi Commonwealth Forest. Along the way you may see such birds as rufous fantails and nightingale reed warblers.

Most of Saipan’s resorts and hotels provide tours to various sites. You can also reach the island’s beaches, jungle and historic sites by renting a car or scooter or taking a taxi.

Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan by IHG
Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan by IHG
4.5 out of 5
Saipan Beach, Garapan, Saipan
The price is CA $159 per night from Jun 26 to Jun 27
CA $159
per night
Jun 26 - Jun 27
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Saipan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 outdoor pools. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (149 reviews)
"We will be back! Lovely staff, resort, with incredible sea views and so many delicious local restaurants within walking distance."

Reviewed on Jun. 18, 2025

Crowne Plaza Resort Saipan by IHG
Saipan World Resort
Saipan World Resort
3.5 out of 5
Beach Road, Susupe, Saipan, CNMI
The price is CA $134 per night from Jun 24 to Jun 25
CA $134
per night
Jun 24 - Jun 25
Stay at this 3.5-star beach resort in Saipan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 5 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Unai Chalan Kiya and F.M. Palacios Field ...
9/10 Wonderful! (346 reviews)
"Very clean rooms, pools , and nice facilities..i will book again"

Reviewed on Jun. 10, 2025

Saipan World Resort
Marianas Beach Resort
Marianas Beach Resort
3.5 out of 5
873 Micro Beach Rd, Saipan, Saipan
The price is CA $139 per night from Jun 26 to Jun 27
CA $139
per night
Jun 26 - Jun 27
Stay at this 3.5-star beach hotel in Saipan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Popular attractions Micro Beach and Ni' Lala Spa are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (18 reviews)
"The awesome beach and wonderful staff!"

Reviewed on May 28, 2025

Marianas Beach Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Saipan Emerald Villa
Saipan Emerald Villa
3.5 out of 5
Tanko Dr, Saipan, Saipan
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Saipan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Pau Pau Beach and Marianas Country Club are ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (9 reviews)
"Its so affordable . Its perfect for a quiet get away & for a place to just rest your head at night . Cindy helped us settle in and shes always there to help make our stay Perfect"

Reviewed on Apr. 1, 2025

Saipan Emerald Villa
Saipan IRIS Pool Villa
Saipan IRIS Pool Villa
3.5 out of 5
San Roque, Saipan
Stay at this 3.5-star beach villa in Saipan. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Pau Pau Beach and Tanapag Beach are ...
Saipan IRIS Pool Villa
Joy House
Joy House
3 out of 5
Capitol Hill Rd., Saipan, Saipan
Stay at this 3-star vacation home in Saipan. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Saipan Zoo and Mount Tapochao are located ...
Joy House
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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