Mariana Archipelago

The archipelago has about twenty islands and many reefs. Two political entities are located on their territory: Guam (the largest island of the archipelago) and the Northern Mariana Islands. They are administered by the U.S. government, but are not part of any state (are unincorporated U.S. territory).

 

Do not worry about the absence of an American visa, it is not required for rest. Moreover, since 2018, citizens of Russia and Belarus can enter the territory of the Mariana archipelago without additional permits. Only a passport, return air tickets and a completed migration card will be required. However, if you want to stay in this paradise for more than 45 days, you will still need a US visa.

 

The Mariana Islands are located almost on the other side of the globe, so the price for a flight is quite high. Add in the absence of direct flights from Russia and get about $ 1,500 (back and forth).

 

 

It doesn’t matter which country you fly through. All methods do not differ in price and duration of flight.

(1) Transit through Japan. From Moscow to Tokyo you will fly in about 10 hours + 3 hours 40 minutes to Saipan = 13 hours 40 minutes.

(2) Transit through Korea. The journey to Seoul will take about 9 hours + 4 hours 30 minutes to the airport on Saipan = 13 hours 30 minutes.

(3) Transit through China is one of the fastest ways to reach the islands of paradise. The journey to the Chinese capital will take about 7 hours 10 minutes + 4 hours 50 minutes to the islands = 12 hours. However, this method is quite unpopular, since direct flights to the Mariana Islands are not always available.

 

 

The Mariana Islands have long been chosen by tourists from all over the world (more than half a million people visit the archipelago annually), so it is not difficult to find ready-made tours.

So, a six-day tour to Saipan will cost about $ 800-900. This amount includes hotel, transfer and insurance. Flights and excursions are paid separately.

Also, some companies offer travelers tours with a transit stop in Japan, China or Korea. Such a tour lasting 9 days will cost about 1400-1600 dollars.

 

The center of good hotels and restaurants in the Northern Mariana Islands is considered Saipan. The island has a huge selection of hostels and hotels. Prices can range from $90 per bed to $1,000 for luxury apartments with ocean views. There is, of course, a middle ground. On the island there are many three-star hotels right by the ocean, which can be admired from a personal balcony, on the territory, as a rule, there is a swimming pool and a picturesque garden. The biggest advantage is breakfast, which is already included in the price. A room in such a hotel will cost about $ 100-200 per night.

 

The best hotels in Guam are located in Tumon Bay: international chains Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot and others. Luxury hotels take the best parts of the azure coast. Budget numbers are much further from the coastline.

 

 

 

Managaha is the best beach of the Northern Mariana Islands, located on the tiny island of Managha. Palm trees, white sand, crystal clear water, the temperature of which does not fall below 30 degrees all year round. It is better not to stay late here, because it will be problematic to leave the island late in the evening, and it is forbidden to stay overnight.

 

Ritidian is the beautiful coast of Guam. It is located in the Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Due to the location, the beach is difficult to reach. Previously, the entrance was closed, but now the authorities allowed civilians to visit the place.

 

Tumon is the most popular beach on the island of Guam. It is located in close proximity to multi-storey houses, so connoisseurs of pristine nature, most likely, will not appreciate Tumon.

 

Gun Beach is a beach for connoisseurs of wildlife, it is remote from high-rises and crowds of tourists.

 

Taga (Taga) on the island of Tinian will appeal to fans of extreme sports, as in the bay you can jump from mountain to bay. There is also a large wild beach.

 

Unai Dankulo – beaches in the northeast of Tinian. Here in the coves in the rocks you can hide from everyone and be left alone with the paradise nature of the Mariana Islands.

 

The Mariana Trench (or Mariana Trench) is a miracle of the Pacific Ocean and a visiting card of the Mariana Islands. Flying to the archipelago and not seeing the Mariana Trench is a crime.

 

Be sure to try to push. The best location for diving is the Kingdom of Black Coral – a reef at a depth with a sheer wall that goes into the ocean for a hundred meters.

 

To experience the culture of the Mariana Islands, head to Chamorro Street in Guam. In the evenings, locals meet here for songs, dancing, selling national dishes and interesting stories.

 

Latte Stone Park is a complex of foundation pillars of ancient buildings in Guam. Very interesting place, shrouded in hundreds of secrets and mysteries. A kind of analogue of Easter Island.

 

The Mariana Archipelago is a paradise on earth. Palm trees, beaches with snow-white sand and saturated blue water, exotic fruits and fresh seafood, lazy rest in the style of a seal and active entertainment filled with extremes, comfortable hotels and secluded coves, civilization and wildlife - this is what the Mariana Islands can please you.

 

Text: Anna Zhukova

Photo: beach-on-map, blog.getkumbu