Managaha Island

YOUR GUIDE TO THE NORTHERN MARIANA ISLANDS

Discover Saipan

Explore hidden gems, breathtaking beaches, unforgettable experiences and the places that make our island special.

Photo source shown in the destination guide.

Island Favorites

Distinctly Saipan

Managaha Island

Mañagaha Island — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ma%C3%B1agaha_Island.jpg · License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ · Display may be cropped; source image unmodified.

Managaha Island

Uninhabited island inside Saipan's lagoon off Garapan, ringed by white sand; the island's top snorkeling/day-trip spot, walkable around in ~20 minutes. Access: Haggan Tasi ferry departs Outer Cove Marina at 9:20 AM and 12:00 PM (returns 12:20 / 4:20 PM); fare $30 non-local / $20 CNMI resident (ID required), age 3 and under free; landing fee not included.

Micro Beach — white sand beside turquoise water

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Micro Beach

~1 km white-sand crescent in Garapan beside American Memorial Park on Micro Beach Rd; some of the island's calmest lagoon water for swimming/snorkeling, with the classic view across to Managaha; tables/pavilion first-come, watersport rentals nearby. Free.

American Memorial Park (National Park Service) — a palm-lined memorial path

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

American Memorial Park (National Park Service)

~133-acre park in Garapan honoring American and Marianas lives lost in the 1944 Marianas Campaign: Court of Honor and Flag Circle inscribed with 5,204 names, carillon bell tower, WWII museum/visitor center with the 22-minute film "An Island Called Saipan," mangrove boardwalk and a 1.2-mile scenic path. Entry free; grounds open 24 hours. Phone (670) 234-7207.

The Grotto — a swimmer in blue water inside a cave

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

The Grotto

Collapsed limestone cavern on the northeast coast (San Roque area) with glowing blue water and three underwater exits to the open ocean; one of Saipan's most famous dive sites. Paved road to a clifftop parking lot, then 112 cement steps down. ADVANCED: strong currents/surge — enter only in calm conditions, preferably with a guide. Capacity limits apply (max 17 people on the rock, 29 snorkelers, 20 divers); swimmers/snorkelers must NOT exit to open ocean.

Bird Island & Bird Island Lookout — a green island surrounded by turquoise water

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Bird Island & Bird Island Lookout

Limestone islet in a bay on the northeast coast; a seabird nesting sanctuary and marine sanctuary (fishing strictly prohibited). The island itself is viewed, not landed on — best from the mainland Bird Island Lookout (fixed binoculars); a short trail descends to Bird Island Beach (rock pools, snorkeling on calm days; don't disturb the birds). Part of the Bird Island Wildlife Conservation Area (est. 1998). Construction at the lookout through summer 2027.

Forbidden Island — a rocky offshore island seen from the coast

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Forbidden Island

Offshore islet off the Kagman Peninsula, east coast; a no-take marine sanctuary (est. April 2001). An unofficial, unmaintained ~500 m trail from the Forbidden Island Overlook descends steeply to the beach and a hidden cave/tide pool; low tide is safest; most visitors go with a guide and need 4WD to reach the trailhead. Experienced hikers/swimmers only — the trail is steep and potentially hazardous.

Places to Explore

50 destinations

Managaha Island

Mañagaha Island — Gage Skidmore, CC BY-SA 4.0. Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ma%C3%B1agaha_Island.jpg · License: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/ · Display may be cropped; source image unmodified.

Managaha Island

Uninhabited island inside Saipan's lagoon off Garapan, ringed by white sand; the island's top snorkeling/day-trip spot, walkable around in ~20 minutes. Access: Haggan Tasi ferry departs Outer Cove Marina at 9:20 AM and 12:00 PM (returns 12:20 / 4:20 PM); fare $30 non-local / $20 CNMI resident (ID required), age 3 and under free; landing fee not included.

Micro Beach — white sand beside turquoise water

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Micro Beach

~1 km white-sand crescent in Garapan beside American Memorial Park on Micro Beach Rd; some of the island's calmest lagoon water for swimming/snorkeling, with the classic view across to Managaha; tables/pavilion first-come, watersport rentals nearby. Free.

American Memorial Park (National Park Service) — a palm-lined memorial path

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

American Memorial Park (National Park Service)

~133-acre park in Garapan honoring American and Marianas lives lost in the 1944 Marianas Campaign: Court of Honor and Flag Circle inscribed with 5,204 names, carillon bell tower, WWII museum/visitor center with the 22-minute film "An Island Called Saipan," mangrove boardwalk and a 1.2-mile scenic path. Entry free; grounds open 24 hours. Phone (670) 234-7207.

The Grotto — a swimmer in blue water inside a cave

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

The Grotto

Collapsed limestone cavern on the northeast coast (San Roque area) with glowing blue water and three underwater exits to the open ocean; one of Saipan's most famous dive sites. Paved road to a clifftop parking lot, then 112 cement steps down. ADVANCED: strong currents/surge — enter only in calm conditions, preferably with a guide. Capacity limits apply (max 17 people on the rock, 29 snorkelers, 20 divers); swimmers/snorkelers must NOT exit to open ocean.

Bird Island & Bird Island Lookout — a green island surrounded by turquoise water

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Bird Island & Bird Island Lookout

Limestone islet in a bay on the northeast coast; a seabird nesting sanctuary and marine sanctuary (fishing strictly prohibited). The island itself is viewed, not landed on — best from the mainland Bird Island Lookout (fixed binoculars); a short trail descends to Bird Island Beach (rock pools, snorkeling on calm days; don't disturb the birds). Part of the Bird Island Wildlife Conservation Area (est. 1998). Construction at the lookout through summer 2027.

Forbidden Island — a rocky offshore island seen from the coast

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Forbidden Island

Offshore islet off the Kagman Peninsula, east coast; a no-take marine sanctuary (est. April 2001). An unofficial, unmaintained ~500 m trail from the Forbidden Island Overlook descends steeply to the beach and a hidden cave/tide pool; low tide is safest; most visitors go with a guide and need 4WD to reach the trailhead. Experienced hikers/swimmers only — the trail is steep and potentially hazardous.

Mt. Tapochau — a white statue overlooking the lagoon from a green summit

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Mt. Tapochau

Saipan's highest point, 1,554 ft (474 m), in the island's center. Summit reachable by a rough, unpaved road (drive-up + short walk; sedans may struggle); 360° views over all of Saipan, to Tinian and on clear days Rota; white Jesus statue at the summit; WWII Japanese observation post. Free.

Banzai Cliff (Puntan Sabaneta) — a rocky cliff above ocean waves

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Banzai Cliff (Puntan Sabaneta)

~30 m sea cliff at Marpi (northern tip), where hundreds of Japanese/Okinawan civilians jumped in July 1944; memorials from Japan, Okinawa and Korea; Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited in 2005.

Suicide Cliff (Laderan Banadero) — a tall green cliff behind a memorial

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Suicide Cliff (Laderan Banadero)

Rises 800+ ft over the Marpi plain; peace memorial and memorials along the cliff edge; views to Bird Island; the Banadero Trail descends from here to the Last Command Post. Walkway/platform construction through summer 2027.

Last Command Post — a concrete bunker with a rusted vehicle outside

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Last Command Post

Reinforced cave/bunker at the foot of the Marpi cliffs, associated with Lt. Gen. Yoshitsugu Saito's final headquarters; a shell hole from a battleship hit is still visible; WWII guns, tanks and artillery on static display outside since the 1960s. Part of the National Historic Landmark District designated 1985. Construction through summer 2027.

Korean Peace Memorial — a tiered white monument

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Korean Peace Memorial

Memorial park in Marpi (below Suicide Cliff) honoring Korean laborers and Korean soldiers in the Imperial Japanese Army who died during the Battle of Saipan; built 1978, with annual memorial services by the local Korean community. Part of the Marpi peace-memorial cluster.

Pau Pau Beach — a quiet sandy beach at sunset

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

Pau Pau Beach

West coast, north of Garapan near the Kensington Hotel; long, flat sandy beach with clear, shallow, calm water; family picnics and evening strolls.

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What’s Happening

Annual Fall Festival by Grace Christian Academy

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Saturday, Nov 21, 2026, 3:00 PM–9:00 PM

Annual Fall Festival by Grace Christian Academy

FILCOM PAVILION

Fall-themed foods and food vendors, student and guest performances (incl. Voice of Marianas), community-partner booths, a public-judged Fall Bake-Off (open to all) and a Grill-Master competition.

Source: Marianas Calendar (mymarianas.com), checked Nov 4, 2026

Morning Yoga, Crowne Plaza Resort Garapan

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Fridays Nov 6, 13, 20, 27 and Dec 4, 11, 2026, 8:30–9:30 AM

Morning Yoga, Crowne Plaza Resort Garapan

Coral Tree Avenue, Garapan · $15

Mindful-flow morning class in a tropical setting, open to visitors and locals.

Source: Marianas Calendar (mymarianas.com), checked Nov 4, 2026

Morning Oceanfront Yoga, Aqua Resort Club Saipan

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Mondays Nov 9, 16, 23, 30 and Dec 7, 2026, 8:30–9:30 AM

Morning Oceanfront Yoga, Aqua Resort Club Saipan

9543 Chalan Pale Arnold Road, San Roque · $12

Oceanfront morning yoga and meditation.

Source: Marianas Calendar (mymarianas.com), checked Nov 4, 2026

Sabalu Market (Sabalu Farmers Flea Market)

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Saturdays, 6:00 AM–12:00 noon

Sabalu Market (Sabalu Farmers Flea Market)

Marianas Business Plaza, Susupe

The island's standing Saturday farmers/flea market (produce, food vendors, local goods).

Location may change.

Source: Vendor-sourced

Mount Carmel School Christmas Mass & Show

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Friday, December 18, 2026, 9:00 AM

Mount Carmel School Christmas Mass & Show

Mount Carmel School, Chalan Kanoa

The school's annual Christmas Mass and student Christmas show.

Source: Mount Carmel School official calendar

Saipan Marathon 2027

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Saturday, March 6, 2027

Saipan Marathon 2027

Saipan

The island's flagship certified race: full marathon, half marathon, 10K and 5K, organized by the Marianas Visitors Authority.

Source: AIMS World Running

Tinian Christmas Lighting

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Saturday, November 28, 2026, 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Tinian Christmas Lighting

Tinian

Community Christmas tree lighting held right after Thanksgiving.

Around the Marianas — neighbor island event, not on Saipan.

Source: Tinian Mayor's Office

Tinian New Year's Eve Celebration

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Thursday, December 31, 2026, 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM

Tinian New Year's Eve Celebration

Tinian Fiesta Grounds, Tinian

New Year's Eve countdown celebration with fireworks.

Around the Marianas — neighbor island event, not on Saipan.

Source: Tinian Mayor's Office

Rota Marathon 2027 — marathon runners on a coastal road beside the ocean

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Saturday, January 30, 2027

Rota Marathon 2027

Rota Round House, Songsong, Rota

Full marathon and half marathon start 4:00 AM, 5K starts 6:00 AM. Registration is open now, with early-bird fees through December 31, 2026.

Around the Marianas — neighbor island event, not on Saipan.

Source: Marianas Visitors Authority

Tinian Hot Pepper Festival (Pika Festival)

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

February 11–14, 2027 (festival window)

Tinian Hot Pepper Festival (Pika Festival)

Tinian Fiesta Grounds, San Jose, Tinian

Tinian's signature festival honoring the donni sali hot pepper: food and craft vendors, live entertainment, and pepper contests.

Around the Marianas — neighbor island event, not on Saipan.

Source: Tinian Mayor's Office

CNMI Runoff Election — Governor & Attorney General

Illustration · not a verified event photograph

Friday, November 20, 2026

CNMI Runoff Election — Governor & Attorney General

Territory-wide

Runoff election for Governor and Attorney General. No candidate passed 50% in the November 3 general election.

Polling-place list for the runoff has not yet been published by the Commonwealth Election Commission.

Source: Commonwealth Election Commission (announced Nov 5, 2026)