Northern Mariana Islands

The Northern Mariana Islands are a small group of islets in the Pacific Ocean, the largest of which is Saipan. Once a place where the intense 3-week Battle of Saipan raged in WWII, now you’ll mostly find a laid-back vibe, incredible snorkelling sites along the sandy shores, and a mountainous interior waiting to be explored. The islands have a fairly mixed heritage and are a popular destination for Japanese and Korean tourists, so you’ll find an international air about the place and also plenty of cuisine from the native Chamorro culture.

The top attractions are based around Saipan. Managaha Island is a paradise located a short boat journey from the busier main island, and the peace and quiet it offers makes a day-trip particularly enjoyable. Explore the island and dive beneath the waves at some of the top snorkelling sites. The Grotto is a stunning underwater adventure, although the colour of the water is reason enough to visit if you’re not a confident diver. For a comprehensive view over the entire island, climb Mt. Tapochao, or visit Suicide Cliff with its many stories from the second world war. If you prefer eco-tourism to a hotel stay on the relatively busy Saipan, try the smaller and less populated island of Pagan.