Northern Marianas Islands 4 Day Itinerary

Northern Mariana Islands 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Saipan

  • Morning: Arrive at Francisco C. Ada International Airport (SPN) on Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the American Memorial Park to learn about the history of the islands during World War II.
    • Explore the nearby Micro Beach, a popular spot for swimming and snorkeling.
  • Evening: Head to Garapan Village, the commercial center of Saipan, to experience the local culture and try some traditional Chamorro cuisine.

Day 2: Snorkeling and Diving Adventures

  • Morning:
    • Take a boat tour to the nearby island of Managaha, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
    • Go snorkeling or diving to explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Saipan Aquarium to see a variety of marine species up close.
  • Evening: Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the many restaurants in Garapan Village.

Day 3: Tinian Island Adventure

  • Morning: Take a ferry or charter a plane to Tinian Island, known for its historic sites and natural beauty.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the North Field, a former US military airbase with abandoned aircraft and bunkers.
    • Explore the scenic coastal roads and beaches of Tinian.
  • Evening: Return to Saipan and enjoy a relaxing evening at one of the island’s many hotels or resorts.

Day 4: Rota Island Exploration

  • Morning: Take a ferry or charter a plane to Rota Island, known for its stunning natural beauty and historic sites.
  • Afternoon:
    • Visit the Rota Cave, a limestone cave with ancient Chamorro petroglyphs.
    • Explore the scenic coastal roads and beaches of Rota.
  • Evening: Return to Saipan and enjoy a farewell dinner at one of the island’s many restaurants.

Things to Know

  • The Northern Mariana Islands are a US territory, so no visa is required for US citizens. However, travelers from other countries should check with their local embassy or consulate for visa requirements.
  • The official languages are English, Chamorro, and Carolinian, but many locals also speak Japanese and Mandarin Chinese.
  • The islands have a tropical marine climate, with high temperatures and humidity year-round.

Transportation

  • Flights: United Airlines offers direct flights from Guam to Saipan, as well as connecting flights from other US cities.
  • Ferries: Inter-island ferries operate between Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
  • Car Rentals: Several companies offer car rentals on Saipan, including Toyota Rent-a-Car and Hertz.

Other Tips

  • Respect the local environment and culture by not littering, touching or removing coral reefs, and being mindful of sacred sites.
  • Try some traditional Chamorro dishes like tinaktak (beef in a coconut milk-based sauce) and fiesta plates (a variety of meats and seafood).
  • Be prepared for occasional power outages and limited internet connectivity.

Accommodation

  • Saipan: Hotels like the Hyatt Regency Saipan, Fiesta Resort & Spa, and Saipan World Resort offer comfortable accommodations.
  • Tinian: The Tinian Dynasty Hotel is a popular choice for travelers.
  • Rota: The Rota Village Hotel and the Rota Resort are two options for accommodation on the island.

Activities

  • Snorkeling and diving: Explore the coral reefs and shipwrecks around Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
  • Fishing: Go deep-sea fishing or try your luck at one of the many fishing spots around the islands.
  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, including the popular Mt. Tapochao hike on Saipan.

Safety

  • Be mindful of strong currents and rip tides when swimming or snorkeling.
  • Wear sunscreen and stay hydrated to avoid heat exhaustion.
  • Avoid touching or disturbing ancient Chamorro artifacts and sacred sites.

This itinerary provides a mix of culture, history, adventure, and relaxation, giving you a well-rounded experience of the Northern Mariana Islands. Enjoy your trip!