Island One — Saipan

The Grotto

The Grotto — a swimmer in blue water inside a cave

Illustration · not a verified destination photograph

About This Place

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.

Record updated: 11/9/2026 · Current access not independently verified

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Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands

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Map point source: https://www.padi.com/dive-site/northern-mariana-islands/grotto/ — dive site, not land entrance

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More to Discover

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.