Skip to content

Northern Mariana Islands Dive Sites

9 mapped sites

Explore on map

Destination guide

Scuba diving in Northern Mariana Islands

Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands offer Pacific diving with exceptional visibility (often 30-40 meters). The Grotto is the signature site - a limestone cavern with three underwater exits, voted one of the world's top cave dives. Eagle Ray City delivers schools of 40+ spotted eagle rays. Lau Lau Beach offers easy shore access for beginners. Water temperature stays 26-29 C year-round; best conditions April-September.

Open map viewCheck condition context
Public sites
9
Indexed destination pages
Regions
1
Browsable areas
Rating
Building
Reviews are still growing
Common access
Varies
Check each site

Seasonal patterns

Best months, historically in Northern Mariana Islands

Typical conditions by month across dive sites in Northern Mariana Islands— historical patterns, not a forecast.

  1. Jan11%28°C
  2. Feb7%28°C
  3. Mar32%28°C
  4. Apr58%28°C
  5. May75%29°C
  6. Jun88%29°C
  7. Jul81%30°C
  8. Aug76%30°C
  9. Sep72%30°C
  10. Oct41%30°C
  11. Nov26%29°C
  12. Dec10%29°C

From 9 sites’ typical conditions · historical typicals, not a forecast

Best time to dive Northern Mariana Islands: full month-by-month data →

Where divers start in Northern Mariana Islands

Best dive sites in Northern Mariana Islands

Showing 1–9 of 9

Plan a dive in Northern Mariana Islands

Choose the right area

Popular starting points in Northern Mariana Islands include Saipan (Tanapag Lagoon). The region list helps you narrow the country before comparing individual site pages.

Explore sites on the map

Match depth and difficulty

Difficulty labels vary by site. Depth details vary by site. Use those signals as a starting point, then confirm the plan against training, equipment, and current local guidance.

Check conditions close to the dive

PickADive can help with research and comparison, but it does not certify that a dive is safe today. Weather, current, visibility, entry, boat traffic, and local rules can change quickly.

How condition context works
Saipan (Tanapag Lagoon) (2)

Common questions about diving in Northern Mariana Islands

What is the best dive site in Saipan?

The Grotto is Saipan's most famous dive - a massive limestone cavern with three underwater exits that glow blue. It was voted the second-best cavern dive in the world by Skin Diver magazine. Access requires 100 steps down and is recommended for Advanced Open Water divers due to depth and navigation.

When is the best time to dive in Saipan?

April to September offers the calmest seas and best visibility (30-40 meters). November to February brings stronger currents, which attract schools of spotted eagle rays to Eagle Ray City. Water is warm year-round (26-29 C).

Is Saipan diving suitable for beginners?

Yes. Lau Lau Beach is a popular shore dive for Open Water divers and guided try-dives, and Shipwreck, Emily, and Ice Cream are also considered beginner-friendly — conditions vary, so confirm with a local operator. The Grotto and Obyan require Advanced certification due to depth.

How do I get to Saipan for diving?

Saipan has direct flights from Japan, South Korea, and Hong Kong. US travelers typically connect in Guam. Dive operators are located in Garapan and offer equipment rental, courses, and boat trips to offshore sites including Tinian.