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Northern Mariana Islands

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Northern Mariana Islands in the Western Pacific Ocean are tropical holiday paradises with turquoise waters and stunning white beaches great for sunbathing and water sports such as diving and snorkeling. The variable landscape of these Micronesian islands with beaches, volcanoes, jungles and waterfalls is waiting to be explored by hiking and the casinos on the islands offer entertainment for gamblers.

Beaches, water sports and hiking - Activities and attractions on Northern Mariana Islands

Northern Mariana Islands are a Commonwealth territory in political union with the US that is becoming a popular holiday destination for Asian visitors. The white beaches of the Northern Marianas are perfect for relaxing, sunbathing and swimming. There are great opportunities for water sports, including jet skiing, wind surfing, parasailing, fishing, snorkeling and diving on Northern Mariana Islands.

Water & outdoor activities. The turquoise waters of the Marianas island group are rich in underwater world with caves, coral reefs, wrecks and marine life. Sea walking is available for those not keen on diving. You can also go on unforgettable dinner cruises on the Northern Marianas. In addition to beach life and water sports, there is plenty to see and do on the islands, for example hiking on Northern Mariana Islands. The southern islands are surrounded by coral reefs, while the northern islands are of volcanic soil with three active volcanoes on Anatahan, Pagan and Agrihan. Those interested in golf on Northern Mariana Islands have a few nice courses to choose from.

Fourteen islands. The area of Northern Mariana Islands includes 14 islands, Saipan, Rota and Tinian being the most remarkable of them. Saipan is the capital of the islands with the best opportunities for shopping on Northern Mariana Islands. Gambling is available on Saipan and Tinian Islands. The majority of the package tours to the Marianas head to Saipan. If you are looking for a more peaceful holiday destination, head for Tinian or Rota which are more rural islands and home to pristine white beaches.

Practical information for your stay in Northern Mariana Islands

Also known as CNMI, the Northern Mariana Islands are located in the Western Pacific Ocean close to Guam and the Philippines. The islands enjoy a tropical marine climate with a dry season from December to June and rainy season from July to October. The Marianas are prone to typhoons especially from August to November. There is only little seasonal variation in temperatures, the average temperature being 27˚C. The best time to visit the Northern Mariana Islands is from December to March, which is also the high season for tourism in the Northern Marianas.

Visitor services. English is widely spoken on the Northern Marianas. The majority of the hotels on Northern Mariana Islands are big beach resorts with all modern facilities. Restaurants on Northern Mariana Islands often serve international cuisine, but traditional Chamorro food and seafood are also available.


Photo: skyseeker, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)


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What comes to the nightlife on the Northern Mariana Islands, there are some bars, karaoke bars and casinos mostly located at the hotels in Garapan on the island of Saipan.

How to get there. The easiest way to travel to the Northern Mariana Islands is by air. There are regular flights to Northern Mariana Islands from Japan, South Korea, the Philippines and Taiwan, and flights from the United States via the neighboring island of Guam. Some cruise ships and yachts stop occasionally in the Northern Marianas as well.

Local transport. There is no public transportation in the Northern Mariana Islands, except for shuttle bus services between the towns. To travel between the islands you need to take a flight or a ferry. Taxis can be found at the airport and around hotels. However, taxis in CNMI are quite expensive. Car rental on Northern Mariana Islands is a good option, and the roads are generally in good condition.

Safety. What comes to the security situation on the Northern Mariana Islands, violent crime is almost nonexistent. As petty theft does occur, it is advisable to keep your valuables hidden.

History of Northern Mariana Islands in brief

The Chamorro are the indigenous inhabitants of the Northern Mariana Islands which lived on fishing, farming and hunting. Due to their strategic position in the Western Pacific Ocean, the Mariana Islands have been invaded by several nations throughout history. The Spanish were the first Europeans to arrive at the Northern Marianas in the 16th century and the islands became a Spanish colony. In the late 19th century the islands were ceded to Germany. During the World War I the islands were occupied by the Japanese, until invaded by the United States in the World War II. Since 1975, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) has had a political union with the United States.


Facts of Northern Mariana Islands

Popularity
Price level
Safety
Happiness
Suitable for family
temperatures / when to go Best months to go
January, February, March
time zone Time zone:  GMT +10
population Population  54.000
capital / biggest city Capital:
Saipan
language / languages Language(s)
Philippine languages 24%, Chinese 23% , Chamorro 22%
literacy Literacy level:   97 %

religion / religions Religions:
Roman Catholic