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Northern Islands
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Explore the Northern Islands of the Northern Marianas through remote volcanoes, reefs, wildlife and challenging expedition-style travel.

The Northern Islands are the remote volcanic outliers of the Northern Mariana Islands, extending northwards from the populated islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota. This scattered chain includes Anatahan, Sarigan, Guguan, Alamagan, Pagan, Agrihan, Asuncion and the Maug Islands. Most are uninhabited, served by no regular ferry or scheduled air route, and governed more by weather, sea conditions and conservation rules than by conventional tourism infrastructure. Their appeal lies in isolation, dramatic geology and the chance to encounter landscapes that have experienced comparatively little permanent modern development.
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The islands vary considerably in character. Anatahan is a large volcanic island whose summit contains a caldera and whose recent eruptions reshaped parts of its interior. Sarigan is smaller and steep-sided, with vegetation recovering from the effects of introduced animals and earlier human activity. Pagan, one of the largest islands in the chain, has black-sand and pale beaches, old settlement traces, volcanic cones, ash-covered terrain and a landscape strongly marked by eruptions. Agrihan rises to the highest summit in the Northern Mariana Islands, while the Maug Islands form a partly submerged volcanic complex with a crater-like marine basin.
These islands are part of the Mariana volcanic arc, a zone created by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Philippine Sea Plate. Submarine geology, steep coastal cliffs, reefs, beaches, forest and active or dormant volcanic features create an environment of high scientific value. The waters can support coral, pelagic fish, seabirds and migratory species, although conditions vary greatly and access is expeditionary rather than recreational in the ordinary beach-holiday sense.
The human history of the Northern Islands is equally important. Indigenous Chamorro communities used and settled islands across the Marianas long before European contact, adapting to limited freshwater, exposed coastlines and difficult inter-island travel. Later Spanish, German, Japanese and American administrations left different traces, including mission-era influence, commercial activity, wartime remains and abandoned settlements. In some islands, the strongest contemporary impression is not a building but the visible tension between human use, volcanic change and ecological recovery.
Visitors should approach the Northern Islands as a carefully planned field journey rather than an extension of a Saipan itinerary. There are no established restaurant districts, hotels, nightlife quarters or dependable retail facilities on the islands themselves. Expeditions require a suitable vessel, experienced crew, robust communications, fresh water, food, medical planning, permits and flexibility to remain offshore when surf makes landing unsafe. Their significance is found in wilderness, archaeology, marine environments and geological observation, with responsible access essential to protecting fragile sites and habitats.

When is the best time to visit Northern Islands?

Best: December–February · 30°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January (best)30102
February (best)3076
March30102
April30102
May30127
June31152
July31178
August31229
September31203
October30152
November30102
December (best)3076

Getting to and around Northern Islands

How to get there

There is no regular commercial passenger service to the Northern Islands. International visitors normally reach the Northern Mariana Islands through Saipan's Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport, which lies outside this remote region, then arrange a privately chartered vessel or an organised expedition. Access depends on authorisation, vessel capability, weather, fuel, medical planning and a suitable landing opportunity; some islands may only be observed from offshore. Confirm current permits and environmental requirements with the relevant Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands authorities before departure.

Transportation

Transportation within the Northern Islands is by expedition vessel, with occasional small-boat or inflatable transfers when sea conditions and shoreline access permit. There are no roads, buses, taxis, public ferries or dependable internal air services. Many coasts are exposed, reef-fringed or cliff-lined, and surf can make landing dangerous. A capable skipper, maritime safety equipment, satellite communications, navigation redundancy and an experienced shore party are essential. Walking ash slopes, forests and abandoned settlements also requires expedition-level preparation rather than ordinary sightseeing equipment.

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Best restaurants in Northern Islands

There are no restaurants, cafés, hotels or permanent food-service businesses in the Northern Islands. Expedition parties must leave the populated islands fully provisioned, including drinking water, cooking equipment, medical supplies and contingency food for delays caused by weather. Dining is therefore vessel-based, with menus determined by storage capacity, fuel and voyage duration rather than by local eateries. The wider Northern Mariana Islands provide access to Chamorro and broader Micronesian food traditions, including seafood, rice-based meals, grilled dishes and locally influenced home cooking, but these should be enjoyed before departure rather than expected on a northern landing. Visitors should not forage, fish casually or collect shellfish without confirming environmental rules and safe practice. Packaged food and all waste must be managed carefully, with rubbish returned to the vessel. On a responsible expedition, food planning is part of safety and conservation: minimise packaging, protect supplies from heat and salt water, and carry enough for an unplanned extra period at sea.

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Best bars in Northern Islands

The Northern Islands have no bars, nightclubs, breweries, nightlife districts or permanent evening entertainment. After dark, activity is normally limited to life aboard the expedition vessel, where crews may review the day's observations, maintain equipment and watch the sea and sky. Because navigation, shore access and emergency response are demanding, alcohol is inappropriate during operational periods and should never interfere with watchkeeping or safety procedures. The Northern Islands' evening character is instead defined by darkness, open ocean, volcanic silhouettes and exceptional exposure to weather and stars, subject to cloud and sea conditions. Visitors seeking restaurants, pubs or organised entertainment must use the populated islands of the Commonwealth, particularly Saipan, before or after an expedition. There is no reliable basis for planning a night ashore on a northern island, and camping should only occur where explicitly authorised, properly equipped and considered environmentally acceptable.

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Best nightclubs in Northern Islands

The Northern Islands have no bars, nightclubs, breweries, nightlife districts or permanent evening entertainment. After dark, activity is normally limited to life aboard the expedition vessel, where crews may review the day's observations, maintain equipment and watch the sea and sky. Because navigation, shore access and emergency response are demanding, alcohol is inappropriate during operational periods and should never interfere with watchkeeping or safety procedures. The Northern Islands' evening character is instead defined by darkness, open ocean, volcanic silhouettes and exceptional exposure to weather and stars, subject to cloud and sea conditions. Visitors seeking restaurants, pubs or organised entertainment must use the populated islands of the Commonwealth, particularly Saipan, before or after an expedition. There is no reliable basis for planning a night ashore on a northern island, and camping should only occur where explicitly authorised, properly equipped and considered environmentally acceptable.

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Best shops in Northern Islands

There is no shopping in the Northern Islands: no high streets, markets, craft studios, souvenir stalls, food shops or cash facilities operate there. All specialist equipment, food, fuel, communications supplies and personal necessities must be obtained in the serviced southern islands before an expedition. The practical shopping experience associated with the region is therefore preparatory, centred on provisioning and marine or outdoor equipment rather than retail browsing. Visitors may find locally produced foods, crafts and souvenirs elsewhere in the Northern Mariana Islands, especially in populated communities, but should avoid buying archaeological objects, shells, coral, wildlife products or anything presented as having been collected from protected northern sites. A useful regional souvenir is an ethically sourced local craft or a book or map about Chamorro culture, Mariana geology or marine conservation. Pack purchases securely, minimise single-use packaging and remember that every item taken north must either return aboard or be disposed of through an approved system.

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Northern Islands essentials

Currency and Payment
The United States dollar (USD) is the currency of the Northern Mariana Islands. There are no banks, cash machines or payment terminals in the Northern Islands, and there is nowhere to purchase fuel, food or equipment after departure from the populated islands. Arrange and pay for transport, permits, supplies and professional services in advance, usually in Saipan or another serviced island. Carry a secure reserve of cash for the wider trip, but do not treat cash as a substitute for logistical preparation.
Safety
The main risks are remoteness, rapidly changing sea conditions, difficult landings, heat, dehydration, volcanic gases or ash, unstable slopes, cliffs, sharp reef and limited medical assistance. Do not enter a volcanic crater or approach fresh-looking deposits without specialist guidance, and keep well clear of abandoned structures that may be unstable. Strong sun, heavy rain and rough surf can affect a landing within a short period. Every expedition should carry suitable first-aid and rescue equipment, water, communications and a realistic evacuation plan.
Emergency Situations
Dial 911 in the Northern Mariana Islands when a telephone connection is available; this is the territory-wide emergency number for police, fire and ambulance services. In the Northern Islands, ordinary telephone coverage may be absent and professional rescue may take considerable time. Notify a responsible person ashore of the voyage plan, maintain scheduled check-ins and carry reliable satellite or maritime emergency communications. For a serious incident at sea, follow established maritime distress procedures and contact the relevant coastguard or rescue coordination service through the vessel's communications system.
Do's and Don'ts
Obtain permission before landing, respect conservation closures and follow instructions from local authorities or scientific staff. Stay away from archaeological remains, do not collect artefacts, shells, rocks or plants, and avoid disturbing seabird colonies or marine life. Use established landing areas where they exist, take every item of rubbish back aboard and avoid introducing seeds, insects or animals. Do not assume that an apparently empty building, beach or trail is safe, and never treat Indigenous cultural sites or abandoned settlements as props for recreational exploration.
Local Tips
Plan the route around the vessel and the sea rather than around a fixed list of landings: a calm forecast can change before the boat reaches an island. Ask operators about freshwater sources, previous landing conditions, volcanic advisories and the status of conservation rules. Study the southern islands before departure because most practical provisioning, communications, permits and medical support are based there. A daylight landing with a trained local guide is preferable, while offshore viewing may be the safest and most responsible way to experience particularly exposed islands.
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From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHafa adai[Hah-fah ah-dai]
GoodbyeAheh[Ah-heh]
YesBai[Bye]
NoSike[See-keh]
Please/You're welcomeSuing[Soo-ing]
Thank youSi Yu'os Ma'ase[See Yoo-os Mah-ah-seh]
Excuse me/SorryDispensa[Dees-pen-sah]
How are you?Mångge siha?[Mahng-geh see-hah]
Fine. And you?Mañaina. Si yu'?[Mah-nai-nah. See yoo?]
Do you speak English?Kao na' fanhasso Ingles?[Kah-oh nah fan-hah-so In-glez]
I don't understandTi usi na' fanhasso[Tee oo-see nah fan-hah-so]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseHu na' guaiya i menu, please[Hoo nah gwai-yah ee meh-noo, please]
I don't eat meatTi guaiya i karne[Tee gwai-yah ee kar-neh]
Cheers!Prost![Prohst]
I would like to pay, pleaseHu na' guaiya na' pay, please[Hoo nah gwai-yah nah pay, please]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Tulong![Too-long]
Go away!Sige, i chålek![See-geh, ee chah-lek]
Call the Police!Riku i Policía![Ree-koo ee Poh-lee-see-ah]
Call a doctor!Riku un doktu![Ree-koo oon dok-too]
I'm lostHu na' chumo' na[Hoo nah choo-mo nah]
I'm illHu na' malångu[Hoo nah mah-lah-ngoo]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Hu na' guaiya na' pruta...[Hoo nah gwai-yah nah proo-tah]
I'm just lookingHu na' mira[Hoo nah mee-rah]
How much is it?Hu na' guaiya i månnge?[Hoo nah gwai-yah ee mahn-geh]
That's too expensiveLao siha na' manhålay[Lah-oh see-hah nah man-hah-lie]
Can you lower the price?Kao na' guaiya i pruta?[Kah-oh nah gwai-yah ee proo-tah]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Kao månnge i tiempo?[Kah-oh mahn-geh ee tee-em-poh]
It's one o'clockEsa i uno[Eh-sah ee oo-no]
Half past (10)Månnge dos na' guatu[Mahn-geh dos nah gwah-too]
MorningMañåna[Mah-nah-nah]
AfternoonPangul[Pahn-gool]
EveningMånnge[Mahn-geh]
YesterdayHåfa na' ma na'[Hah-fah nah mah nah]
TodayI na' åto[Ee nah ah-toh]
TomorrowI na' chumo'[Ee nah choo-moh]
1Uno[Oo-no]
2Dos[Dohs]
3Tres[Tress]
4Kåtro[Kah-troh]
5Sinko[Seen-koh]
6Sais[Sah-ees]
7Siete[See-eh-teh]
8Ocho[Oh-cho]
9Nueve[Nweh-veh]
10Diez[Dyez]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Kao i...?[Kah-oh ee...?]
What's the address?Kao i adres?[Kah-oh ee ah-dress?]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kao na' guaiya i mapa?[Kah-oh nah gwai-yah ee mah-pah?]
When's the next (bus)?Kao månnge i mas i (bus)?[Kah-oh mahn-geh ee mahs ee (bus)?]
A ticket (to ....)Un tikita (para ...)[Oon tee-kee-tah (pah-rah ...)]

History of Northern Islands

Chamorro settlement and island voyaging

The Northern Islands were inhabited and visited by Indigenous Chamorro communities for centuries before European contact. Seafaring connected the islands despite long distances, difficult landings and limited freshwater, while gardens, fishing and the movement of people and goods supported life across the archipelago. Archaeological evidence and surviving cultural traditions place these islands within the wider history of the Mariana Islands, rather than treating them as empty wilderness. Some northern settlements were later abandoned or reduced as political, economic and environmental conditions changed.

Spanish contact and colonial rule, sixteenth to nineteenth centuries

Spanish expeditions reached the Marianas in the sixteenth century, and Spain subsequently established colonial and missionary control over the archipelago. The most intensive mission activity occurred on the southern islands, but the Northern Islands were drawn into the same wider political and religious system through maritime routes, tribute arrangements and population movements. European contact introduced profound demographic, cultural and economic changes, including disease and displacement. Remains associated with this period are limited in the northern chain, where distance and difficult terrain restricted permanent administration.

German administration and commercial development, 1899–1914

After Spain sold the Northern Mariana Islands to Germany in 1899, the islands became part of German Micronesia. German officials and commercial interests investigated resources and encouraged forms of plantation and agricultural production, although the Northern Islands remained remote and lightly developed compared with more accessible parts of the archipelago. Copra production and other Pacific trading networks connected some islands to regional commerce. This period ended when Japan occupied the Marianas during the opening stages of the First World War.

Japanese rule and plantation activity, 1914–1944

Japan administered the Northern Mariana Islands after taking them from Germany in 1914, later receiving a League of Nations mandate. Japanese companies expanded sugar production chiefly on the southern islands, while the Northern Islands remained less intensively settled. Some northern locations nevertheless experienced agricultural use, small communities, transport activity and wartime movement. Japanese administration contributed to the broader economic transformation of the Marianas, but its reach was constrained by the islands' isolation, volcanic terrain and lack of dependable harbour facilities.

The Second World War and the end of permanent settlement in several islands

The Northern Mariana Islands formed part of the strategic Pacific theatre during the Second World War, although the principal battles and major airfields were on Saipan, Tinian and Guam rather than across the most remote northern islands. Wartime occupation, evacuation and disruption affected the wider archipelago. In the decades that followed, difficult transport, limited services, volcanic hazards and changing economic patterns contributed to the abandonment of several northern communities. Ruined buildings, roads and cultivated clearings can therefore carry historical significance even where no formal monument is present.

Volcanic change and conservation in the modern era

Modern history in the Northern Islands has been shaped as much by geology and conservation as by administration. Anatahan erupted repeatedly in the early twenty-first century, producing ash and altering access and settlement prospects. Other islands retain active or potentially active volcanic systems, steep unstable slopes and fragile habitats. The Northern Islands have consequently become important for scientific observation, biodiversity protection and maritime stewardship. Contemporary management seeks to balance limited expedition access with the protection of archaeological remains, seabirds, reefs, forests and landscapes vulnerable to introduced species and human disturbance.

Northern Islands in Photos

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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Northern Islands, Northern Mariana Islands

Discover Northern Islands with Evendo, a 100% free travel guide app covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, hotels, tours, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
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Explore Northern Islands like never before with Evendo, your comprehensive travel guide. Plan, book, and discover seamlessly with our 100% free app.

  • History of Northern Islands and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
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Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate travel companion for exploring the Northern Islands in the Northern Mariana Islands. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo is designed to help you make the most of your trip with ease and convenience. Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in the Northern Islands.

From the breathtaking views at Banzai Cliff to the historical significance of the Last Command Post, Evendo has you covered. Fancy a taste of local cuisine? Check out our curated list of top restaurants like the delightful Himawari and the ever-popular Tony Roma's. Planning to unwind at a local bar? Let Evendo guide you to the best spots for a memorable night out.

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With features like the history of Northern Islands, travel essentials, and tons of good local advice, Evendo ensures you get the most out of your visit. Our easy navigation and 'Near Me' feature help you discover what's around you, no matter where you are. Plus, our curated local tips let you experience Northern Islands like a true local.

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