Discover Saipan

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Cathedral

Chalan Kanoa (Beach Road), mother church and seat of the bishop of the Diocese of Chalan Kanoa. The gray Spanish-style church is an iconic Beach Road landmark; built by hand by Saipan's people 1947–49 after the original Garapan church was destroyed in the war, dedicated Dec 14, 1949, and elevated to cathedral status in 1984. Present as a landmark — no visiting hours are verified.

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Kalabera Cave

A limestone cave holding ancient CHamoru pictographs near its entrance, interpreted by researchers as ancestor veneration at a possible burial site; it was also used by Japanese civilians and military in WWII. Trails, interpretive panels and replica latte huts are reported at the site. This is a culturally sensitive place — please visit respectfully.

Kalabera, northeastern Saipan

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Maritime Heritage Trail — Battle of Saipan

An underwater trail of nine stops covering twelve WWII craft: Japanese shipwrecks including the presumed Shoan Maru (locally called the Chinsen), landing craft, a U.S. LVT, four downed aircraft including the Kawanishi "Emily" flying boat, and three semi-submerged Sherman tanks within swimming distance of the Oleai and Susupe beaches. Open to the public year-round and free; go with a local dive or snorkel operator. Submerged heritage is protected — look, do not touch or remove.

Saipan Lagoon (Garapan, Tanapag and Chalan Kanoa)