Welcome to Northern Mariana Islands

With 15 islands to explore – the most popular being Saipan, Tinian and Rota – the Northern Mariana Islands offer plenty of ways to spend a sunny vacation. Don’t miss the white-sand Micro Beach on Saipan, but be sure to go beyond the sand – for cliff diving, cavern dives, night dives, cliff fishing and visits to hidden villages.

Learn about the islands’ Chamorro culture, visit archaeological sites and prehistoric stone structures and participate in local festivals full of food, dance and music. If you’re into history, check out the islands’ well-preserved World War II relics and Japanese lighthouse.

Unique Facts

• The Northern Mariana Islands is a group of 22 islands in the Pacific Ocean – the southern islands are most composed of limestone and coral reefs, while the northern islands are composed of volcanic peaks.
• One of the islands, Saipan, offers 18 popular dive sites, full of coral reefs, caves, caverns and shipwrecks.
• The first settlers of the Northern Mariana Islands were from Southeast Asia (the Chamorros) and arrived between 4,000 and 2,000 BC.
• The Northern Mariana Islands were occupied by the Japanese during the First World War (1914-1918).
• The islands are near the Marianas Trench, the lowest point in the world – 36,200 feet at its deepest point.

Language

The Northern Mariana Islands’ official languages are Carolinian, Chamorro and English.

When To Go

The best time to go to the Northern Mariana Islands is during the dry season, December to February.

Airports

Saipan International Airport

Passport Validity

None

Visa Required By US Citizen?

None

Vaccinations

The CDC recommends the following vaccine for most travelers when visiting the Northern Mariana Islands: Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines. Depending on where you are traveling, you may also need a Hepatitis B vaccine.

Electrical Outlets

Power plugs and sockets: types A and B. Standard voltage: 120V. Frequency: 60Hz.

Currency

Official local currency: United States Dollar

Getting Around

Be aware that road conditions may differ significantly than those in the United States. Most urban roads are paved. Some secondary roads are made from crushed coral and are slippery when wet.

Taxis are available, but generally only travel between hotels, Saipan International Airport and the DFS Galleria Saipan. There are privately owned shuttle buses operating between the DFS Galleria Saipan and several hotels. There is no public rail or bus service. Renting a car is the easiest way to explore the islands.

Driver’s License

An international driving permit is required.

US Embassy Info

n/a

Local Visitor Info

Marianas Visitor Authority
Beach Road
San Jose
Saipan, MP 96950
Tel: 670-664-3200
https://www.mymarianas.com/

Local Emergency Phone Numbers

General Emergency: 911

Safety and Security

The crime rate is low in the Northern Mariana Islands. Use standard safety precautions and do not leave belongings unattended.