An adventurer's tropical paradise, the Northern Mariana Islands are enveloped by beautiful white-sand beaches, intensely blue seas and bright, sunny skies. These 14 western Pacific islands are lush U.S. territories, with some of the best scuba diving sites around. Only the three most southern islands are permanently inhabited, with most of the services and hotels in the Northern Mariana Islands residing on largest island Saipan.
Saipan's translucent water makes snorkeling a favourite tourist activity while the bounty of shipwrecks, coral, and underwater caves beckon ardent scuba divers. From parasailing and windsurfing to cliff fishing and mountain biking, activities are plentiful and set within breathtaking scenery.
Ample historical and cultural sites are sprinkled throughout Saipan, with the Museum of History and Culture, American Memorial Park and a variety of World War II-related sites. Visitors find more cosmopolitan pursuits in the Garapan district where shopping, dining, and nightclubs offer endless entertainment.
Most Northern Mariana Islands hotels are located in Saipan, offering a range of modest lodgings and expansive resorts. Regular "rack" rates can be pricey, so it's advisable to book your reservations through Northern Mariana Islands hotel packages to access top discount prices. Also keep in mind that the islands are beloved playgrounds for Asian travellers, so the best Northern Mariana Islands hotel deals will be available during the Asian off-season.
South of Saipan, the island of Tinian offers its own unique delights. A large casino resort holds court on the island along with fascinating prehistoric Taga Stones. As with Saipan, to get a cheap Northern Mariana Islands hotel deal here, travellers should look for special travel packages that include discount rooms.
At the southernmost point of the archipelago, Rota is the most serene of the three islands. Take a luscious dip in its renowned Swimming Hole, watch birds at Sagua'gaga Seabird Sanctuary, and explore As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry to learn how ancient Chamorros carved giant limestone figures. Visit the Rota Cave Museum housed within an immense limestone cavern and marvel at the treasures of Taisacana's Botanical & Nature Trail. There are no lodgings on Rota, so travellers need to look to Saipan and Tinian for cheap hotel deals in the Northern Mariana Islands.
With these abundant natural wonders and historical sites, the Northern Mariana Islands make the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of home.
