The Grotto — Attraction in Saipan

Stepping into the Grotto on the island of Saipan is like entering a colossal cathedral carved by the hands of nature itself. Imagine a cavernous space so vast, it rivals the size of a football stadium, with the echo of the ocean’s breath resonating against its ancient limestone walls.

The Grotto’s sheer magnitude is awe-inspiring. As you descend the staircase, each step brings into focus the grandeur of this natural amphitheater. The rock formation overhead, a testament to the artistry of geological forces, looms like a guardian of history and mystery. It’s a place where the whispers of the past meet the murmurs of the deep blue sea.

From the bottom of the stairs, the full splendor of the Grotto unfolds before you—a panoramic view that captures the essence of Saipan’s untamed beauty. The sunlight filters through the water, painting the interior with shades of azure and emerald, creating a spectacle that leaves visitors spellbound.

The Grotto is not merely a sight to behold; it’s an experience that stirs the soul. Whether you’re a diver plunging into the depths or a spectator soaking in the visual feast, the Grotto’s majestic presence is unforgettable.

So, to those who seek wonders that defy description, I say: venture to the Grotto. Let its grandiosity move you and its beauty etch itself into your memory. This is a place that truly must be seen to be...

The Grotto is one of Saipan’s greatest natural wonders but it is ruined by “guides” wanting to make a buck. We went without a guide but the tourism companies bullied us away telling us that we could not enter the water without one. An American diving guide there told us it was illegal to swim without life jackets or a guide even though there is no signage stating that guides nor life jackets are required. As we turned to head up the stairs, a local said he would be our guide. We told him no thanks, because it was much too crowded. The American said that one person a month dies there and that it was very dangerous. While I’m sure it is dangerous (which is why they have a lifeguard present) the danger is increased significance by the sheer number of people in the water. There were at least 100 life-jacket wearing tourists in the water. I do not think a guided trip is any safer than just being smart travelers. Heed the warnings and don’t do anything stupid like join a group of 30 tourists and jump into the abyss. The CNMI government should investigate and crack down on the bullying that we experienced. They should also limit the number of people who can go down the stairs to keep number of people in the water to something more manager for a lifeguard. I do not recommend visiting the Grotto until the government gets the guide issue...

Directions to get here are clear, with plenty of road signs in the area. There's a small round-about with parking. There's a small building with single bathroom units. There's a deck with a few rounded tables and benches; from here, you have an amazing view of the water, the treetops below you, and the top of the Grotto cave.

Next to the entrance to the deck / terrace is the entrance to the Grotto, which is a declining set of stairs. The stairs are steep, narrow, and broken in some areas; the ground is also often wet from people climbing back up the stairs after getting wet at the bottom of the Grotto - so BE CAREFUL. At the bottom of the cave, there's a large boulder jutting out of the water, and this is where most visitors take post. There's a rope and a metal bar along the right side of the rock face next to the walkway; use these to get by, but mindful of the water.

This is the OCEAN WATER coming directly into the cave. The water swells and subsides, heaving constantly. Be careful. There is a "Grotto Staff" person in the area during business hours. They're usually pretty helpful with tips for swimming and SCUBA diving...