Saipan
Saipan, nestled in the Northern Mariana Islands, offers a unique blend of vibrant reef life and profound WWII history. Its crowning jewel is "The Grotto," a spectacular cavern dive where sunlight pierces through underwater openings, creating a breathtaking blue glow. Divers can explore numerous wrecks, including Japanese cargo ships and American B-29 bombers, now serving as artificial reefs teeming with marine life. This combination of natural beauty and historical significance makes Saipan a truly captivating dive destination.
With year-round warm waters and exceptional visibility often exceeding 30 meters (100 feet), diving conditions are typically superb. The island boasts over a dozen dive sites, many easily accessible from shore, catering to all experience levels from novice to technical divers. Whether you're drawn by the dramatic underwater topography, the allure of historical wrecks, or the diverse marine ecosystem including turtles, rays, and countless reef fish, Saipan provides an unforgettable underwater adventure in the heart of the Pacific.
Top Sites
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the most popular dive site in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
The most popular site is undoubtedly The Grotto. It's a massive cavern with three underwater exits to the open ocean. Divers descend a long staircase to a deep blue pool, where the sunlight filtering through the exits creates an ethereal, cathedral-like experience. Its unique topography and stunning light effects make it a world-famous, must-do dive for anyone visiting Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands.
What are the good and less popular dive sites in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
Well-known sites like The Grotto, the WWII wrecks at Tanapag Harbor, and Eagle Ray City are fantastic. For something less crowded, explore Lau Lau Beach, an easy shore dive with abundant macro life and sea turtles. Obyan Beach is another great, less-frequented shore dive with beautiful coral gardens. For advanced divers, B-29 (Spotlight) offers a deep wreck dive that sees fewer visitors.
What water temperature is it like throughout the year diving in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
Water temperatures in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands are consistently warm and tropical year-round. They typically range from 27°C (81°F) during the cooler winter months (December-February) to a warm 29°C (85°F) in the summer (June-August). This minimal fluctuation makes diving comfortable at any time of the year, with conditions always feeling pleasant and balmy.
When is the best time to visit Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
The best time to dive in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands is during the dry season, from December to June. This period offers the calmest seas, sunniest weather, and consistently excellent visibility. While diving is possible year-round, the rainy season (July to November) can bring typhoons, potentially causing rougher surface conditions and trip cancellations, although underwater conditions often remain good between storms.
What's the visibility like during the dive season in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
Visibility in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands is generally excellent, often considered world-class. During the prime dry season (December-June), visibility frequently exceeds 30 meters (100 feet) and can even reach up to 50 meters (165 feet) on clear days, especially at offshore sites. Even during the wetter season, underwater clarity usually remains very good, typically staying above 20 meters (65 feet).
Are there any seasonal migrations or special events (e.g., manta rays, whale sharks) in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
While Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands does not have major predictable migrations like whale sharks, it offers consistent encounters with exciting marine life. Eagle rays are commonly seen year-round at sites like Eagle Ray City. Various turtle species are present throughout the year, especially at Lau Lau Beach. Occasional sightings of dolphins or manta rays can occur but are not guaranteed seasonal events.
What marine life can I expect to see in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
You can expect a rich diversity of marine life. Common sightings include green sea turtles, hawksbill turtles, spotted eagle rays, and whitetip reef sharks. The reefs are vibrant with anemonefish, butterflyfish, triggerfish, moray eels, and octopuses. Historical wrecks act as artificial reefs, attracting large schools of goatfish and fusiliers. The Grotto often shelters schools of resident trevally.
What thickness wetsuit should I wear in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
Given the warm water temperatures year-round (27-29°C / 81-85°F), a wetsuit is often optional. Most divers find a 3mm shorty or a simple rash guard with shorts to be sufficient for thermal protection and sun/sting protection. If you tend to get cold easily or are planning multiple dives per day, a full 3mm wetsuit provides extra comfort without being overly warm.
How do I get to Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
To reach Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands, you will fly into Saipan International Airport (SPN). There are direct flights from several major hubs in Asia, including Tokyo and Seoul. Travelers from the United States typically connect through Guam (GUM). Once on the island, renting a car is the most convenient way to get around and reach different shore diving sites and boat departure points.
Should I book a liveaboard or stay on shore in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands?
Shore-based diving is the standard and most practical option in Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands. The island is relatively small, and most of its 14 dive sites, including famous ones like The Grotto and Lau Lau Beach, are easily accessible from shore or via short boat trips. There are no dedicated liveaboards operating exclusively around Saipan, making a hotel or resort stay combined with daily dive trips the recommended approach.