Northern Marianas Islands 3 Day Itinerary

Here is a 3-day itinerary for traveling in the Northern Mariana Islands:

Day 1: Saipan Island

  • Morning: Start your day at American Memorial Park. This memorial honors the sacrifice of civilians and military personnel who lost their lives during WWII. Take a moment to reflect on history.
  • Afternoon: Head over to Garapan, where you’ll find the Chamorro Village, an excellent place to learn about the local culture. The village is made up of traditional houses and offers insights into what life was like before WWII. Don’t miss trying some local food at one of the cafes or restaurants nearby.
  • Evening: For dinner, try the seafood at a local restaurant in Garapan. Fresh seafood is a staple here.

Day 2: Saipan Island

  • Morning: Visit Managahang Hill. It’s not only a historical site but also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and sea.
  • Afternoon: The Japanese Cave on Saipan is another historical site worth visiting, giving you insights into WWII from the perspective of Japan.
  • Evening: Enjoy some water activities like snorkeling or diving to see marine life that’s unique to this part of the Pacific.

Day 3: Tinian Island

  • Morning: Start your day on Tinian Island by visiting the Museum. It provides a lot of information about WWII and how the islands played a significant role in it.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Southwest Field, which was used during WWII as a bomber base for the US Army Air Forces. You can see remnants of this era still today.
  • Evening: For your last evening, enjoy some local cuisine and perhaps take a moment to reflect on your experiences across both islands.

Transportation

  • Getting around between Saipan and Tinian might be challenging without booking with an airline that offers connections or chartering a private plane. There are also ferry options but they may not run frequently.
  • Once you’re in each island, you can move around using public transportation or taxis.

Visa Requirements

  • Citizens of several countries qualify for visa-free entry into the Northern Mariana Islands. However, most tourists will need to apply for a visa from their nearest NMI embassy or consulate before travel.

Things to Know

  • Safety: Be aware of your surroundings and follow local advice on safe areas to visit.
  • Weather: The weather is generally pleasant, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.
  • Respect Local Culture: Engage with the community respectfully and participate in cultural activities to enhance your experience.

Activities

  • Diving or snorkeling to see marine life unique to this area.
  • Visiting historical sites like American Memorial Park and Japanese Cave on Saipan, and Southwest Field and Museum on Tinian for insights into WWII history.
  • Enjoying local cuisine, which includes fresh seafood and traditional Chamorro dishes.

Places to Go

  • American Memorial Park: Reflect on the sacrifice of civilians and military personnel during WWII.
  • Garapan Village: Experience local culture through traditional houses and community life.
  • Managahang Hill: See historical sites from a unique perspective with breathtaking views.
  • Japanese Cave: Gain insights into WWII history from Japan’s perspective.
  • Southwest Field: Witness remnants of WWII bomber bases on Tinian Island.
  • Museum (Tinian): Learn about the role of these islands in WWII.