Bird Island
A limestone islet just off the northeast coast, protected as a seabird sanctuary. A viewing platform looks out over the island and the bright blue Pacific.
Bird Island lies a few dozen metres off the northeast coast of Saipan. It is a limestone islet shaped by waves, covered in dense vegetation, and home to seabirds such as white terns and tropical birds. The surrounding waters are designated a Bird Island Marine Sanctuary. From the roadside viewing platform you can look down on the islet and the surrounding sea, which shifts from deep blue to emerald green, with white surf rolling over the reef beyond. The view is wide open, and at sunrise the sunlight rising from the water lights up the island, making it a favourite spot for photographers. A short path near the viewing platform leads down to the beach. At low tide the shallows are exposed, but the tides change quickly, the waves are strong and the rocks are sharp, so walking out to the island and swimming here are not recommended. Admission to the viewpoint is free. Getting there: Bird Island is in the Marpi area, about 25 minutes' drive from Garapan and about 1 km from the Blue Hole. It is often combined with the Blue Hole, Banzai Cliff and Suicide Cliff as a half-day northern loop.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- The Grotto
- Suicide Cliff
- Kalabera Cave
- Last Command Post Park
- Wing Beach
- Banzai Cliff
- Pau Pau Beach
- Japanese Lighthouse (Navy Hill)