Northern Mariana Islands
The Northern Mariana Islands are a chain of 14 islands in the western Pacific, just north of Guam. They form a US commonwealth, so US law, the US dollar and US-style services apply. Almost all visitors go to the three southern islands: Saipan, Tinian Island and Rota. The northern islands are volcanic and almost empty of people.
The native peoples are the Chamorro and the Carolinians. Spain, Germany, Japan and the United States all ruled the islands. Major World War II battles in 1944 left memorials, bunkers and airfields across Saipan and Tinian. The islands suit beach and diving trips, and travelers interested in World War II history. Most visitors stay on Saipan and take day trips from there.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit Saipan and Tinian hard in April 2026. Recovery is still under way. Some hotels, flights and sights may have reduced service, so check before you book.
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Money & payments
The islands use the US dollar. Most goods are imported, so prices in shops and restaurants are close to US mainland levels or higher.
- Cash: hotels, resorts and larger restaurants on Saipan take cards. Carry some cash for small local eateries, roadside stands and markets, and for most of your spending on Tinian and Rota.
- ATMs: Saipan has banks and ATMs. Tinian and Rota have very few, so bring enough cash before you go.
- Costs: a rental car is the biggest extra cost for most visitors. Tours such as diving trips and boat trips add up quickly.
Featured Lists
Hidden Gems
Explore the rugged limestone landscapes and poignant World War II sites of the Northern Mariana Islands. This selection features the dramatic cliffs of Tinian and Saipan, including Suicide Cliff and Death Cliff, which serve as memorials to the 1944 battles. On Rota, the list highlights the tiered profile of Taipingot Mountain and the high-altitude cloud forests of the Sabana plateau. The ruins of the Old Japanese Jail in Garapan offer a glimpse into the region’s pre-war administrative history.
10 places
Historic Sites
The Northern Mariana Islands preserve a complex history spanning ancient Chamorro culture and the pivotal battles of the Pacific Theater. At Saipan’s northern tip, Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff serve as solemn memorials to the thousands of Japanese civilians and soldiers who jumped to their deaths in 1944. Nearby, the Last Command Post occupies a natural limestone cave reinforced as a Japanese military bunker. On Tinian, West Field marks a significant World War II airfield, while Kalabera Cave contains ancient petroglyphs and served as a refuge during wartime.
5 placesParks & Nature
The Northern Mariana Islands offer a diverse landscape of volcanic peaks, limestone cliffs, and protected bird sanctuaries across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. This selection includes historical sites like Suicide Cliff and Sugar King Park, alongside natural landmarks such as the "Wedding Cake Mountain" of Taipingot and the sea bird habitats of Bird Island. Visitors can explore Rota's high-altitude Sabana Conservation Area and the clear coastal waters of Taga Beach Park.
12 places Tours & Activities
Northern Mariana Islands — Map
Tipping
Tipping follows US customs. At sit-down restaurants and bars, a tip is expected. Many visitors come from Japan and Korea, where tipping is not usual, but local staff still expect it here. Some hotels and restaurants add a service charge, so check the bill before you tip.
15–20 % at sit-down restaurants
about $1–2 per drink or 15–20 % of the tab
round up or 10–15 %
$1–2 per bag for porters
$5–15 per person for a tour or dive trip
Electricity
The islands use standard US outlets. Travelers from Europe, Asia and Australia may need an adapter, and should check that their devices work at this voltage.
Language
English, Chamorro and Carolinian are the official languages. English is used everywhere, including on signs, in shops and in hotels. Many families speak Chamorro or Carolinian at home. The greeting Håfa adai is common. Many tourist businesses on Saipan have staff who speak Japanese, Korean or Chinese.
Safety & emergencies
The islands are generally safe for visitors. The main risks come from the weather and the sea.
- Typhoons: typhoons can happen in any month. The main season is July to November. Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused heavy damage on Saipan and Tinian in April 2026. Watch the forecast and follow hotel and government instructions.
- Ocean: currents are strong and rip currents are common. Many beaches have no lifeguards. Swim only in calm, protected areas, and ask locals about conditions.
- Cliffs and caves: the northern cliffs of Saipan have no barriers in many places. At The Grotto, waves can surge into the cave, so go only in calm conditions and with a guide if you are not an experienced diver.
- War relics: old bunkers, caves and jungle sites may still hold unexploded ammunition. Never touch old metal objects.
- Theft: do not leave valuables in a parked car or on the beach.
Health
- Water: do not drink the tap water on Saipan. Many wells have high levels of chemical pollution (PFAS). Use bottled or filtered water for drinking.
- Mosquitoes: dengue fever occurs in the region. Use insect repellent, especially in the rainy season.
- Sun and heat: the climate is hot and humid all year. Use sun protection and drink plenty of water.
- Healthcare: Saipan has one hospital, and Tinian and Rota have only small clinics. Serious cases may need evacuation to Guam or further. Get travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Visas & entry
The Northern Mariana Islands are part of the United States for immigration, so US entry rules apply. Your options depend on your passport.
- US citizens: you do not need a visa. A US passport is the easiest document, especially if you fly through Japan or Korea.
- US Visa Waiver Program (ESTA): citizens of the countries in the regular US Visa Waiver Program, including most of Europe, can visit with an approved ESTA for up to 90 days.
- Guam–CNMI Visa Waiver Program: citizens of Australia, Brunei, Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Nauru, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan and the United Kingdom can visit Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands only, for up to 45 days. You must get an electronic travel authorization (G-CNMI ETA) before you travel: G-CNMI ETA – official application (CBP).
- Chinese citizens: a special program called EVS-TAP allows visits to the Northern Mariana Islands only, for up to 14 days, with an approval obtained before travel. It does not allow travel on to Guam. This program is under political review, so check its status before you book.
- Other passports: you usually need a US visa.
Visa and entry requirements change frequently. Verify current requirements with the official immigration authority or your country's embassy before travel.
Etiquette
- War memorials: sites such as Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff mark places where many people died in 1944. Japanese and Korean visitors come to pray there. Keep your voice low and do not climb on monuments.
- Ancient sites: latte stones are stone pillars that held up ancient Chamorro houses. They are protected. Do not sit or climb on them.
- Dress: beachwear is fine at resorts and beaches. Cover up in shops, villages and churches.
- Greetings: people are friendly and informal. Older people are treated with great respect.
- Private land: much land belongs to local families. Ask before you walk onto private land or beaches near homes.
Holidays & opening hours
Public holidays follow the US calendar, plus several local ones. Government offices and banks close on these days, but most shops, restaurants and tourist businesses stay open.
Shops in the main tourist areas of Saipan usually open every day, including Sundays. On Tinian and Rota, many small shops and restaurants keep short hours and may close on Sundays.
Getting around
- By car: a rental car is the most practical way to explore each island. Rental companies work at Saipan's airport and at major hotels.
- By taxi: taxis are available on Saipan, mainly around hotels and the airport. Agree on the fare before you start. Ride-hailing apps do not play a big role.
- By bus: public buses on Saipan are few and do not reach most sights. Some hotels run shuttles.
- Between islands: small commuter planes connect Saipan with Tinian Island and Rota. After the 2026 typhoon, Tinian airport was limited to humanitarian flights as of the latest update. Check current service before you plan a trip.
- Island boat trip: boats leave from Saipan's west coast for the short trip to Mañagaha.
- Tourist information: Marianas Visitors Authority – official tourism site.
Driving
- Speed signs: signs use miles per hour, not km/h. Speed limits are low.
- Your licence: visitors can drive with a valid home licence for a short stay (up to 30 days). Carry an International Driving Permit if your licence is not in English.
- Road conditions: roads can be narrow and have potholes, especially after storms. Some roads to beaches and war sites are unpaved. A higher car helps there.
- Tolls: there are no toll roads.
Food & drink
Local food mixes Chamorro, Carolinian, Filipino, Japanese and American traditions. Rice comes with almost every meal. Popular dishes include kelaguen, grilled meat or fish mixed with lemon, coconut and hot pepper, and red rice colored with achote seeds. Grilled ribs and chicken are served with fina'denne', a sauce of soy, lemon, onion and hot pepper.
The biggest local meals happen at family fiestas and village feasts. For visitors, the easiest way to try local food is at small local restaurants, food stalls at night markets on Saipan, and roadside barbecue stands. Garapan, the main tourist area on Saipan, also has many Japanese, Korean and Chinese restaurants. Tropical fruit, fresh coconuts and local fish are easy to find.
Where to explore
Saipan
Saipan is the largest island and the base for most visitors. Hotels, restaurants and shops cluster along the west coast, mainly in Garapan.
- Mañagaha is a small island off the west coast with white sand, calm water and snorkeling.
- American Memorial Park in Garapan honors those who died in the 1944 Battle of Saipan. Its visitor center explains the battle.
- The Grotto is a sea cave in the north, popular with divers.
- In the far north, Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff are memorials to the civilians and soldiers who died there in July 1944. The Last Command Post and the Bird Island lookout are nearby.
- Mount Tapochau, the island's highest point, has wide views over Saipan and Tinian.
Tinian
Tinian Island is a quiet island just south of Saipan. In 1945, the B-29 bombers that dropped the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki flew from North Field. You can see the atomic bomb loading pits there. In the main village, House of Taga has some of the largest latte stones ever built. Tinian also has quiet beaches, such as Taga Beach.
Rota
Rota is the southernmost of the main islands, between Saipan and Guam. It is green and quiet, with very few visitors. The Swimming Hole is a natural pool in the reef, protected from the waves. The As Matmos cliffs on the northeast coast have rough rocks and strong waves below. Rota also has an ancient quarry where the Chamorro cut their latte stones.
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