Saipan was captured from Japanese occupation by US forces in 1955 after a three week battle which inspired the movie Windtalkers. It was from the CNMI, specifically the island of Tinian that the US Air Force loaded up two bombers with the “Little Boy” the “Fat Man” which were eventually dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

I like history, but imagine seeing history underwater. Managaha Island is in the Tanapang Lagoon north of Micro Beach. It is the most popular snorkeling spot in Saipan and an excellent place to see sunken treasures such as WWII planes amongst the coral. There are also three Japanese artillery pieces still on the beach as well. This island was captured after the main island was taken over from Japan.

Some great diving spots in the Pacific are in the CNMI and Saipan’s Forbidden Island offers some great encounters. Black-tip reef sharks, spinner dolphins, and large Napoleon wrasses are some of the coral inhabitants at Forbidden Island. It is an island pretty close to Saipan and is only accessible through the Kagman village.

For a great swim check out the Grotto, a sunken pool connected to the ocean by underwater passages. I don’t think it could get anymore intriguing than that. The solid deep blue waters are a result of the sun’s rays hitting the water.

The birds eye view on Mt. Tapochao in Saipan is just as spectacular as the underwater views the island has to offer. From here you are able to view the spectacular island in its entirety in a 360 degree unobstructed view. It is the best place on the island to experience a sunset and a perfect ending to a day full of underwater adventures.

For an insider’s perspective of life on Saipan, check out: The Saipan Blog

Labels: Destinatons