Northern Mariana Islands. Mariana Islands. Information for tourists Mariana Islands

What is interesting to see in the Mariana Islands?

Saipan Island, 23 km. in length and 8 km. in width - the largest among the Mariana Islands and is administrative center Commonwealth. Saipan amazes with its beauty and all year round attracts tourists warm sea and bright sun. The center, Gararan, is the most…

Video from the Mariana Islands

How to get to the Mariana Islands?

From Russia to o. Saipan can be reached by flying through Seoul, South Korea, or Tokyo, Japan. From both states to Mariana Islands there are daily flights.

flight time: 3 hour flight from Japan (Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya),

4.5 hours flight from South Korea(Seoul, Busan),

5 hours flight from China - Shanghai (regular charters from Beijing and Guangzhou are also available)

vaccinations: No vaccinations are required to visit the Mariana Islands.

How to comfortably move around the Mariana Islands?

traffic: Traffic is on the right, left-hand drive cars. Rules traffic the same as in Russia with small exceptions, for example, at a red light you can turn right, allowing cars from the opposite lane turning left to pass.

Road traffic and rules are very simple. There are no huge traffic jams here like in big cities. Top speed 35 mph, some larger roads 40-45 mph. To rent a car, the age limit is 21 years or older.

Traffic Laws:

Wear a seat belt (fine starts at $50.00)

Children under 4 must be fastened in child seats, from 4 years and older - with a car seat belt

When there is a stop signal (STOP) on a school bus, you must stop

It is prohibited to drive into oncoming traffic

Parking on blue (with handicapped sign) is prohibited

The middle lane (yellow solid or dotted on both sides) is allowed to be used only during a left turn or a full U-turn, but only after a complete stop.

After sunset, low beams must be turned on (18:30)

When a police officer stops your car, do not get out of the car. You need to open the window.

Driving while intoxicated is strictly prohibited.

car rental: Car brands

Toyota, Ford, Nissan, KIA

Documentation

It is enough to have your Russian license with you. You can pay by card or cash.

The car is rented with a full tank and the car must be returned with a full tank. If the agreement is violated, the amount for gasoline will be charged in triple amount.

Some car rental offices ask you to pay for gas in advance.

Insurance

Each car rental office offers several types of insurance.

It is not necessary to insure the car. You can refuse insurance, but in this case you must leave your credit card information.

Taxi: Taxis in Saipan can only be caught in hotel parking lots. Taxi services, although metered, are expensive.

buses: Saipan, Tinian and Rota do not have a public transport system. Eat free bus Duty Free from the store to the hotels and back.

hitch-hiking: It is possible to hitchhike in the Mariana Islands, but it is not a common practice.

airports: There are international/local airports on each island: Saipan, Rota and Tinian. The main airport of the Mariana Islands is international Airport on o. Saipan.

airlines: Asiana Airline (OZ)

Delta Airlines (DL)

Shanghai Airline (FM)

Continental Airline (CO)

Freedom Air (FRE)

railway: There are no railways in the Mariana Islands.

ports: The only international port is on Saipan, and three local ones are on the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Where is the best place to stay when traveling to the Mariana Islands?

Climate in the Mariana Islands

The climate is tropical. O. Saipan is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the owner of the most constant round-the-clock year-round temperature in the world of +27 degrees C. The season for tourists in the Mariana Islands is open all year round.

There are 2 seasons - dry and wet. The wet season occurs for 6 months from July to December. A special characteristic of the wet season is short rains during the day and heavy rains at night, which does not prevent tourists from enjoying the warm sea and bright sun. average temperature air during the wet season is +33 - +35 degrees Celsius and the average precipitation is 1800-2000 mm.

The dry season occurs for 6 months from January to June. The weather this season is cool with a light breeze and the air temperature drops to +27 degrees Celsius. The average water temperature is +25 degrees Celsius, precipitation is reduced to a minimum, and droughts are possible.

Between July and November, tropical storms and typhoons are possible in the Pacific Ocean. They mainly originate in the Mariana Islands and move north, gaining strength off the coast of the Philippines, China, Taiwan, Korea or Japan.

National cuisine of the Mariana Islands

The cuisine in the Mariana Islands is international. Initially, with the development of the textile and tourism industries on the islands, a multinational population emerged. The Chinese, Filipinos, Thais, Japanese, Koreans, Americans, Australians and other nationalities have influenced the islands' diverse cuisine. Accordingly, the island has many restaurants and eateries to suit each of these nationalities.

The locals are very hospitable, and if you make friends in Saipan, you will definitely invite them to visit, where they will offer local dishes such as red rice, grilled meat or poultry or in coconut milk, corn tortillas, spicy chicken kalaguen, apigigi (young coconut with starch flour, wrapped in banana leaf), tropical fruits and many other dishes. You can sample local dishes in hotel restaurants or at the local fair in Garapan on Thursdays.

Tourist safety in the Mariana Islands

History of the Mariana Islands

The first settlers migrated from South-East Asia to the Marina Islands 1500 BC. Ferdinand Magellan, a Portuguese explorer and navigator, discovered and charted the Mariana Islands in 1521, and in 1565 Spain declared the islands its territory and...

Mariana Islands: souvenirs

Coconut products Bojobo talisman dolls Products made from Bojobo tree seeds Jewelry made from shells and corals Traditional wood products Traditional bone products Wicker products from coconut palm leaves Traditional bead products Paintings Medicinal products from Noni fruit Noni ...

Mariana Islands: fun facts

The deepest depression in the world Mariana Trench, whose depth exceeds 11,000 meters, is located east of the island of Saipan.

Guinness Book Records:

Temperature: The Mariana Islands have the most stable temperature in the world at +27 C.

In 2007, Marine Dive magazine put 18 categories of dive-related places around the world up for reader voting. After voting, 5 prestigious awards were determined for the Mariana Islands.

Managaha Island Lagoon took first place as “Best Place for Snorkeling”

Managaha shared fourth place for “ Best beach” and the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota for “ Best Region for diving"

Fifth place was shared by Rota for “Teteto” beach as “Best Beach” and the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota as “Best Resort Area”.

The underwater cave “Grotto” is considered the second most beautiful place in the world among diving specialists. Skin Diver magazine named this place one of the top ten places for scuba diving.

For four years in a row, Managaha Island has been awarded and received the title of “Most the best place for snorkeling” at the Tokyo International Fair.

Saipan - Treasure Island! The Saipan Museum of History and Culture has the world's largest collection of artifacts and treasures from Spanish galleons! In 1638, off Cape Agingan in the Saipan Strait, not far from the PIC Hotel, the galley “Nuestra Señora de la Conception” with a cargo of gold crashed. Only a small part of the cargo was found by an underwater expedition in the 80s of the last century. Most of treasures still remain at the bottom of the strait. The most expensive part of the treasure is in the museum and their duplicates can be seen in one of the halls: gold jewelry inlaid with diamonds and other precious stones, necklaces, chains, fine porcelain, etc.

On the island of Saipan lived the artist Douglas Rankin, who created a unique painting technique - banana painting. Instead of a brush, he used banana tree trimmings. He cut and wrapped leaves, cut dies and rollers from trunks. Then he created unique paintings with his unusual instruments. Douglas Rankin died in 2007.

The Mariana Islands are separated by the Pacific Ocean and the Philippine Sea. This is a classic island arc of the Pacific Ring of Fire zone, formed by active subduction (the sinking of the edge of relatively thin oceanic crust under the base of thick continental-type crust) of tectonic plates. To the south and east of the chain of islands lies the deepest Mariana Trench in the world with a depth of up to 11,775 meters (according to other sources - 11,022 meters), which is precisely the visible expression of the plate collision zone. Geologically, the Marianas are part of a chain of underwater volcanoes known as the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc, consisting of nearly fifty underwater active volcanoes and 11 old volcanic peaks, whose peaks form the islands of the group.

The northern group of islands (Farallón de Pajaros (Uracas), Asunción, Pagan, Sarigan and others) is geologically young - most of these islands were formed over the last 5 million years and continue to grow today. Young cones of these islands are high and still active - not uncommon volcanic eruptions and earthquakes with a magnitude of up to 7 on the Richter scale. The steep slopes of the volcanoes run down to the virtually reefless waters of the surrounding ocean, forming typical volcanic landscapes with numerous lava fields and tongues. Vegetation and animal world are scarce, there are also few natural sources of water (with the exception of quite numerous fumaroles and mini-geysers, which annually release thousands of tons of highly mineralized water into the ocean).

The southern chain of islands (Saipan, Tinian, Agrihan, Rota, etc.) are older volcanic formations, whose age reaches 42 million years. They are also based on the tops of underwater volcanoes that fell asleep many millions of years ago. Here is the most high point country - Agrikhan volcano, or Agrigan (965 m). Over the subsequent time, the underwater slopes of the once formidable volcanoes were actively “developed” by corals, the multi-meter thicknesses of which, raised by tectonic processes above sea level, formed the above-water part of the islands of the southern group. Today, almost all the islands of the southern chain are powerful massifs of coral limestone lying on a volcanic base. Numerous coastal terraces and high cliffs mark the sea level at various stages of island formation, and the shores are mostly framed by young coral reefs that form marginal lagoons.

The natural vegetation of the islands is sparse. The main plant is the coconut palm. Copra and palm oil were the most important export goods and the main source of income for many islanders. The coconut provides food and drinks (in addition to coconut milk itself, even flowers are used, ropes are made from palm fiber, wood is used for building materials, branches are used to weave baskets and mats, and charcoal is made from nut husks and cake). No less important is the fire tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), brought from other islands of Oceania (however, recently its role has been more decorative), as well as coleus (Coleus), caladium (Caladium) and philodendron (Araceae). But various fruit species brought by humans grow here in huge quantities.

The only endemic mammals on the islands are fruit bats, although they have almost disappeared due to the popularity of their meat in the cuisine of the local Chamorro people. Sambar deer can also be found on Rota, and skinks and geckos are found almost everywhere. But the bird community is quite diverse - the Mariana Islands are home to about 70 species of birds, including the grey-throated fantail (Rhipidura dahli), honeyeater (Meliphaga), Australian tern (Sterna nereis) and the endangered swiftlet (Collocalia). And the waters around the islands are literally teeming with marine life.

Northern Mariana Islands - a state in the Pacific Ocean, made up of several volcanic islands rising from the depths Pacific Ocean. Nearby is the deepest oceanic trench in the world, the Mariana Trench, which plunges eleven kilometers into the depths. In this trench, one lithospheric plate dives under another, being processed into magma, which will then pour out through volcanoes.

(Use + and - to zoom in and out of the map)

The Mariana Islands were discovered by Magellan in 1521, however, despite the fact that he was greeted there very warmly, he sailed away from there very dissatisfied. The natives didn’t understand that they couldn’t take what belonged to others and they got their hands full of everything they could reach when they climbed onto the ship. And then they dragged the boat away, for which Magellan called these islands “islands of thieves”, and marked them as such on the map. The islands were not too interested in the Spanish crown, which was the ruler of this territory, in fact only nominally. Nevertheless, missionaries came here periodically, whom local population Nor did the merchants, whom they loved, even adored. And he tried to find a prettier girl, because the merchants always presented him with various useful things and children.

And everything would be fine, but they sold the islands to Germany. The Germans began to create a German order there, but quickly got bogged down in wars on the continent and there was no attention left for the islands. During the Second World War, the Japanese captured the islands and immediately began actively planting them. And even more actively, participate in the breeding program, forcibly marrying your colonists to aboriginal women. However, this violence was forced - almost all the aborigines died out from simple European diseases, so many mestizos were required, resistant to diseases.

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Mariana Islands, traditional center of tourism. People willingly spend time here honeymoon trips. It’s easy to order a banquet on Mount Medovaya, which hints at Honeymoon. Of course, river cruises are not available here, due to the absence of any significant rivers, but you can easily organize a boat rental, just pay for relaxation and increased exoticism.

The Mariana Islands in the western Pacific Ocean attract travelers with the beauty of a tropical paradise. A chain of 15 tiny landmass located north of the equator, bordering the eastern part of the Philippine Sea. On the territory of the archipelago there are two independent public education. One of them is called the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands or simply the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI), the second is Guam.

Tropical paradise

The Mariana Islands offer a warm climate, evergreen forests and picturesque lagoons. The archipelago is surrounded by fantastically beautiful surroundings and the vibrant underwater world promises exciting adventures. This part of Micronesia enjoys summer-like warmth throughout the year, with an atmosphere of warm hospitality and celebration. Tourists like to go snorkeling, diving, and surfing on the islands. Many come to bask in the whites sandy beaches. In hotels on large islands high level of service, there are golf clubs, gourmet restaurants.

Where is the archipelago, how to get there?

The Mariana Islands on the map stretch between parallels 12 and 21º, they form an arc along 145° E. w. with a total length of about 810 km. In the south, the archipelago borders on the Caroline Islands, and in the north on the In this area, the time difference with Moscow is +6 hours. To travel to the Mariana Islands, Russian citizens do not need to obtain a visa if the stay does not exceed 45 days. You can get to the archipelago by plane with one transfer in cities in the southeast of the mainland. You will need an amount of 1200-1300 US dollars for a flight with 1-2 transfers on the route Moscow - Mariana Islands. Vacations and hotel prices depend on the city the tourist chooses. Air transport, ferry, boats and inflatable boats operate between the islands of the archipelago.

When is the best time to go? Climate and seasons

Tours to the Mariana Islands are organized year-round, because in all parts of the archipelago summer lasts 12 months a year. The climate is determined by the favorable location of the islands between the Tropic of the North and the equator. The tourist season is open all year round, but travelers should note the differences between dry and wet periods. Temperature conditions throughout the year are not very varied - +27...+29 °C (maximum +33 °C). Precipitation is about 2000 mm/year. There is a dry period, its duration is 8 months - from December to July. Then comes the wet season, which lasts until November. At this time, trade winds bring an abundance of moisture from the ocean, and the bulk of precipitation falls. In August-November there is a high probability of typhoons and storms. The water temperature on the beaches almost all year is +28...+29 °C, only in February and March it drops to +27 °C. The most comfortable months for vacation are December-March.

Government structure and population

The Northern Mariana Islands are a territory freely associated with the United States and are self-governing. Citizens are considered subjects of the United States but do not vote in national elections. The population of the island of Guam (Mariana Islands) has the same rights. Other important information for tourists about the states of the archipelago:

The administrative center of the SMO is about. Saipan;
the capital of Guam is Hagatna;
English is the official language, the Chamorro aboriginal language and Caroline dialects are also used;
Catholicism is the dominant religion;
US dollar is a monetary unit.

The indigenous population has preserved their language and traditions associated with cultivating the land, hunting and fishing. People from other areas of Micronesia and Caroline Islands support cultural heritage their ancestors in the form of national music, dances, crafts and handicrafts.

History of Chamorro Land

Presumably in the 3rd millennium BC. e. Catamarans brought the first inhabitants of the Mariana Islands to the outskirts of the Philippine Sea from the territory of modern Indonesia. From these ancient seafarers came the Chamorro people. The name of the archipelago was given by the Spaniards in honor of the actual head of Spain, Marianna of Austria. In 1565, Miguel Lopez de Legazpi annexed the Mariana Islands to the possessions of the Spanish crown. Large-scale colonization began 100 years later and was associated with missionary activity. The population was converted to Christianity and taught to grow cereals and raise livestock.

IN late XIX century, Spain ceded Guam to the United States, along with Puerto Rico and the Philippines, and sold the other Mariana Islands to Germany. Saipan became a coconut growing center for the Germans. Japan seized control of the islands of the archipelago in 1914, holding the territory until the US Navy and the American Army landed in 1944. From the airfield to the island. Tinian took off the plane that dropped atomic bomb on the Japanese city of Hiroshima on August 6, 1945. At the same time, the UN recognized the US protectorate over Guam, and in 1947, the United States trusteeship over Northern Isles archipelago.

Amazing nature of the islands

The relatively young Mariana Islands on the map represent a chain of land areas of volcanic and coral origin. They appeared more than 25 million years ago. In this same part of the ocean there is the most deep place in the World Ocean - the Mariana Trench with the Challenger Deep (more than 11 km). On the northern island of Agrihan is the highest active volcano archipelago (965 m). Soils, flora and fauna were formed under the influence of a warm, humid climate and the proximity of the ocean. Isolation from the mainland also had an impact. The richness of nature of the large islands consists of:

valleys covered with fertile lands;
rainforests;
sandy beaches sparkling in the sun.
majestic cones of extinct volcanoes;
picturesque underwater caves and grottoes.

The flora includes many species of heat-loving trees, shrubs and flowers. Banana, coconut palm, hibiscus and orchids grow here. Representatives of 40 species of birds, giant crabs and lizards, whose sizes reach 1 m, live on the islands. Among the lush tropical vegetation on the island. Sarigan is a refuge for wild ungulates.

Tourism on the islands

On about. Saipan is home to 90% of the Commonwealth's population and is home to the majority beach hotels. Inhabited picturesque islands Tinian and Rota, where many pedestrians are organized tourist routes. The uninhabited parts of the archipelago are also popular due to the possibility of reaching them within one day and aquatic species sports. Travelers go to the islands to watch birds and dive to coral reefs. Saipan has golf courses and excursions around the area are offered. Some of the favorite entertainments of tourists include:

sailing on boats with a transparent bottom;
yacht cruises;
windsurfing;
walks in the jungle;
mountain biking through mountains and jungles;
air flights and parachute jumps over the Saipan lagoon;
attending courses at golf clubs.

Diving, snorkeling and fishing

The coastal waters of the archipelago are clean and transparent. Such conditions are favorable for different forms of living beings.

Dozens of species of coelenterates form the coral reefs that fringe the Mariana Islands. Photo underwater world do not leave any diver or snorkeler indifferent.

Clownfish, tuna, barracuda, and swordfish are often found. In the ocean waters near the islands there are dolphins, whales and other sea creatures (octopuses, lobsters, sea turtles).

Sights of the archipelago

Abundance natural conditions For unforgettable holiday complemented by a developed tourism infrastructure on the large islands - Saipan, Tinyan, Rota and Guam. Popular among fans of water recreation coral reef and Lau Lau Beach are located on the southeast coast of the island. Saipan. Grotto is a natural cave with lakes up to 15 m deep and underwater access to the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. In the Mariana Islands, prehistoric latte structures are formed by two parallel rows of slabs. The height is about 1.5 m, the width is over 3.5 m, and there are stone ceilings on top. Structures 12 m long could serve as supports for religious buildings or houses. The most famous of these artifacts, called the House of Taga, is located on the island of Tinian. The eventful history of the Mariana Islands is reflected in museum exhibitions and memorial monuments.