Best Beaches in Saipan: Treat for Sunbathers and Underwater Explorers

This one should go on the list of the hidden beaches in Saipan that take some effort to get to but is absolutely worth the trip. Hidden away in the landscape just adjacent to the Kingfisher Golf Links, Jeffery’s Beach is a small concave shoreline where the spring water from the Talafofo Falls drains into the ocean. The beach is mostly covered in pebbles and rocks and plenty of mica and what appears to be black sand which is basically iron-rich magnetite, so if your kids have a magnet there’s plenty of fun they can have collecting tiny bits of sand that stick. It’s possible to play on the beach and you can go up to your knees in the turquoise water before the pounding waves and currents get strong enough to wash you out to the sea. Surrounded by cliffs, there’s plenty of opportunity for great panoramic photos and selfie for those who enjoy beach photography. Hole 14 Teahouse is a small bar at a cliff overlooking the beach which comes to life during the peak season. To get to the beach take a detour on Route 36 and follow the rugged trail which leads to the beach.

Just off to the East of Kagman is the Tank Beach which is an exposed beach and reef break with shallow clear waters a few hundred meters into the ocean and white sandy beaches perfect for a relaxing day at the coast. The name Tank Beach comes from a number of Tanks from WW2 that were left here in the water in the aftermath of an amphibian invasion by the American forces. The beach is popular with surfers and those who go snorkelling in the crystal clear waters. It’s often not to crowded and is loved by those interested in history as well as sea creatures as you will often find plenty of fish, rays and even sharks in the shallow waters.

Nestled in between two of the finest beaches in Saipan, The Mariana Seaside Chapel is a dreamy tropical wedding destination. If you’ve ever fancied getting married on a quiet tropical island beach surrounded by only your closest friends and relatives, this chapel is the perfect place for you. The location offers a fabulous backdrop of the Saipan Lagoon and the Philippine Sea and plenty of spots on the beach for the perfect wedding photos among the lush green vegetation, blue water and beautiful beaches. A private ceremony here can accommodate 60 guests while the Mariana Resort and Spa offers the ideal place for the party, reception and accommodation for the guests with world-class amenities.

Referred to as one of Saipan’s hidden jewels, the Wing Beach is one of the best beaches in Saipan with its shallow crystal clear waters that are perfect for a fun day at the beachside. It’s on the north end of the island adjacent to the Marianas Resort and all you have to do is take the left at the Wing Beach Road as you head north on the road to Marpi. On one end of the road there’s a clear channel where tourists often swim out to some of the best diving spots close to the beach. The shallow calm seas make it perfect for the kids to play and the whole beach has a relaxed vibe with locals descending down on it for weekend barbecues.

This small islet off the west coast of Saipan is an uninhabited part of the lagoon of the main island. With no permanent residents, Managaha Island is mostly a popular day-trip destination among the tourists who visit Saipan. It is famous for its clear blue shallow beaches, snorkelling and scuba diving along with other water sports activities such as boat rides, parasailing and jet skiing. The island is also popular with movie stars and has the nickname “love island”. On the days when tours are scheduled, pick up guides ferry visitors from 6am to 8pm and typical tours last about 5 hours. There is no stay on the island but locker facilities are available to store small valuables and luggage.

The Beach Road is a segment of the highway Rte 37 that runs along the southern part of Saipan. Beach Road starts from the junction where the Kolerville Raod intersects Rte 304 and proceeds to run along the southwest perimeter of the island. A number of markets, department stores, eateries, restaurants, and hotels exist close to the main road. The Monil Koblerville Service Station is a noteworthy landmark for those who rent cars for travel around the island. Further north about a kilometer is a busy commercial area with restaurants and supermarkets. A left turn on Aguas Street will take you to the EYS Hotel & Resort and the sandy beaches of EYS by the Bay.

The Obyan beach on the southern tip of the island is one of the most secluded beaches in Saipan despite its proximity to the population centers. The beach is mostly made of old dead coral shells and pebbles and less sand which makes it great for photos. The water is also very shallow making it perfect for children while a little further into the ocean are some great spots for snorkelling. What’s also special about this beach is that it’s an important archaeological site with excavations that have revealed settlement of the indigenous Chamorro people that dates back to 1500 BCE. Getting there by car and taking your own food is the best idea as there aren’t any restaurants close to the beach.

Laulau Beach located at the northern end of Magicienne Bay and follows the gentle curve of the bay to form a long beach with naturally calm waters that offer a perfect setting for swimming, snorkeling, and scuba diving. There are plenty of coral, fishes and sea cucumbers to see on all dives and an absolutely fun place to hang out. Adjacent to the beach is the LaoLao Bay Golf & Resort with Dining Deck a great place to grab some great food with fabulous views of the bay to the west. To the south of the beach is a busier area with more eateries and shopping places.

The Ladder Beach is among those beaches in Saipan where you find the shoreline being cut into the rocks by the waves to form a secluded tiny beach. It is mostly white and covered in dead coral shells and pebbles with little sand. The water is quite shallow in the beginning but not good enough for swimming. The churning waves also make it difficult to snorkel here, however it’s a perfect place to enjoy the ocean breeze, the sounds of the waves pounding the coastline and even set up a barbecue. A steep staircase needs to be taken to get down from the cliff and interestingly the name of the each comes from a ladder that was previously here to help people access the beach. There’s a food stall at the entrance that sells a snacks while the Ladder beach Restaurant located adjacent to the destination serves great Chinese food.

Located on the northern tip of the island is Banzai Cliff is a historic site where in 1944 towards the end of the Battle of Saipan, hundreds of Japanese soldiers and civilians jumped to their death in a mass suicide. Propaganda had convinced the civilians to take their own lives instead of being captured by the American forces; however some of them who survived the 600 ft drop were rescued by the American ships below. The spot is a pilgrimage destination for some of the Japanese tourists as the suicides are considered an act of honour. The area has numerous memorials for those who died in the battle and you would see a number of Buddha sculptures and obelisks set in their memory. Every year Japanese tourists bring flowers and gifts to the shrine and offer prayers to those who were lost.

The San Juan Beach on the east coast of Saipan is a break in the cliffs made up of a clear but narrow beach line that is worth a day’s visit to explore the clear waters and take some great photos. The pounding waves of the ocean have created an intricate network of cliff caves and narrow channels with periodically raising and lowering water levels. It’s possible to navigate these during low tides and get to some amazingly picturesque spots in the area. Another interesting rock formation here is what’s called the crocodile head. From a distance the rock looks to be carved into the shape of the head and snout of a crocodile making this beach popular among tourists who are all about photos ops. It’s also important to stay clear of some of the areas where the waves rush into the caves as the powerful currents can prove to be dangerous. Kingfisher Golf Links is a popular resort that’s adjacent to this beach.

The Paupau Beach, pronounced as “pow pow” is a long stretch of relatively flat and sandy beach that’s perfect for long evening strolls. The water is also clear and shallow making it a great picnic spot for families with children. The beachside also offers playgrounds and picnic pavilions for the locals and tourists to enjoy their visit to the beach. Paupau beach is also one of the most happening beaches in Saipan with regular sports, competitive events and cultural activities held at the venue throughout the year. Towards the north of the beach is Marianas Trekking Saipan which is a popular tourist attraction for their recreation activities such as go-carting, ATV rides, hiking, snorkelling and diving. There’s even a small Wedding Chapel adjacent to Kensington Hotel Saipan for private weddings.

The Forbidden Island on the east coast of Saipan is a rocky outcrop that juts out of the coastline. Getting to the Forbidden Island is a bit of a tricky hike and must only be attempted if you’re physically fit and wearing hiking shoes. Although the trail itself is short its rocky terrain offers plenty of challenges for you to navigate to the rock, however, if you do succeed, you will be treated with some stunning views and a fantastic opportunity to go snorkeling in the clear surrounding waters and the caves. The several tide pools in this area are perfect for spending a few hours exploring the caves and swimming underwater in the clear water. The “Hidden Forbidden” is the most treacherous of these cave pools where currents can be quite powerful but also offer a rewarding experience. Since it is also dangerous to swim here, it’s advisable to avoid getting too close to the caves by novice swimmers.

Micro Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Saipan being located adjacent to the highly commercial centre of Garapan. The beach is shallow with clear waters and white sand that runs all the way to sand bars on either sides which make it a safe one for children. Although it’s mostly quiet, it could get crowded during peak seasons. The destination is perfect for swimming, barbecue, parties or even just a stroll on the beach. Micro beach is close to a lot of commercial centres and restaurants. Within a short distance you can find eateries like Tony Roma’s, Country House and even a McDonald’s and Hard Rock Cafe.

Tanapag Beach is similar to the Paupau and wing beach having plenty of white sand and knee-deep shallow waters that are perfect for children and the average beachgoers who enjoy playing close to the shallows. To experience the best of it and go snorkelling you will have to walk a couple of hundred meters into the ocean as it gradually gets deeper. The area adjacent to the beach is a harbour and some deeper water which gives plenty of opportunity for scuba diving. You can find some great food just to the north of the beach at the Sunset beach BBQ and spend some time at the Aqua Marine Sports club.

The Landing Beach is so named because this and the adjacent beaches were where the allied forces during the Battle of Saipan landed. Not surprisingly you will find a few sunken tanks and ships off the shore which can be explored via snorkelling. While the beach is touristy, it’s also historically significant. There are a number of restaurants close to the beach including Music Bank Korean, The Shack Saipan, Oba Sushi Bistro and plenty of shopping stores to buy beachwear, scuba gear and more.

The Bird Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions on Saipan owing to its picturesque landscape and clear blue waters and of course the many species of sea birds that live here. Although the island itself is a marine sanctuary and visitors aren’t allowed, it’s possible to go snorkelling around the shallow waters. The viewpoint is only a short hike from the parking lot and is a massive cliff overlooking the Bird Island and the surrounding ocean. The bird island observatory on the cliff has fixed binoculars that offer you a chance to get a close up view of the island and its inhabitants. If you wish to go down to the beach there’s a jungle trail that leads you to it, it’s important to wear hiking shoes as the area is full of sharp rocks.

Saipan is mostly a quiet tropical beach island that’s perfect for a visit during the summers and a great place to visit throughout the year as well. A number of carriers offer flights to the island which can be booked in advance along with your accommodation to get great deals. To plan the perfect trip book early for the January season and enjoy early bird offers and a great service.