Comparison of Snorkeling Sites in Saipan Island

How to choose diving spots with different levels of difficulty and snorkeling requirements when visiting Saipan? Read this article!

Grotto

The Grotto looks like a dolphin with its mouth open from the outside. Inside, it is a huge stalactite cave formed by the long-term erosion and collapse of limestone by seawater. The depth of the Grotto in Saipan reaches 17 meters, with the deepest point reaching 47 meters. Seawater flows into the deep cave through three channels at the bottom, and under the illumination of light, it presents a light blue luster. This is why so many diving enthusiasts love it here. Depth: 15m~50m; Visibility: 15m~50m; Difficulty: May to August ★★★☆☆, October to February ★★★★★

Managaha Island

Managaha Island, with a circumference of only 1.5 kilometers, is a representative diving spot for viewing shipwrecks and airplanes. It takes only about 20 to 30 minutes to circle the island. The large shipwreck is about 40 meters long, surrounded by colorful soft corals, with windows and hatches completely covered by soft corals. Butterflyfish, rough-skinned snappers, and damselfish swim around, creating a stunning scene. For snorkeling on Managaha Island, you can bring your own equipment, purchase it on Saipan Island, or book a one-day tour that includes snorkeling equipment.

Lao Lao Bay

Lao Lao Bay is located in the southern part of Saipan Island, covering more than 10 acres. It is one of the most popular diving spots on Saipan Island and a favorite among divers. At Lao Lao Bay, you can see thousands of small marine animals, making it an ideal diving spot for beginners and those who love colorful marine creatures. It is also the best place to watch the sunset on Saipan Island. Depth: 12m; Visibility: 35m; Difficulty: ★★★☆☆

Crystal Bay Coral Garden (Paupau Beach)

Saipan Island's Crystal Bay Coral Garden (Paupau Beach) is the most tranquil beach on Saipan Island. The natural protective barrier formed by the coral garden allows you to enjoy an extremely serene beauty. The super coral garden offers a unique experience of swimming with mermaids and is the only water activity on Saipan Island suitable for both the elderly and children.

Micro Beach

Micro Beach is located on the west side of Saipan and is the most iconic beach in Saipan. Incredibly, the sea surface shows seven different colors. The best way to enjoy Micro Beach is to stay at a hotel by the beach, where you can walk directly from the hotel to the beach. In front of the Fiesta Resort and Hyatt Regency, you can also see Managaha Island in the distance, which is very beautiful.

Obyan Beach

Obyan Beach is located on the southern side of Saipan Island. It is a shore diving spot with a depth of about 15 meters, featuring a gentle slope formed by alternating reef flats and white sandy areas. The visibility is excellent, as clear as a crystal palace. In addition to the reef fish on the reef flats, you can also see groups of garden eels on the sandy areas. Depth: 18m±; Visibility: 15m~50m ±; Difficulty: ★★☆☆☆

Banzai Cliff

Banzai Cliff is located in the northern part of Saipan. Due to seasonal and climatic reasons, this dive site is only open in the summer. Because of its seasonality, the fish here are well protected, making it one of the most classic dive sites in Saipan. Its unique historical story and underwater beauty will leave you longing for more. Banzai Cliff is also a cliff diving site, and compared to other dive sites, there is a higher chance of encountering large fish here, such as sharks, rays, and marlins.