• The Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas in the Western Pacific has the special status of a US Commonwealth. The American influence is strong, although the legacy of Spanish colonial rule can also be seen. Of the 14 volcanic islands that stretch north to south in almost a straight line, the southernmost three, Saipan, Rota and Tinian, are the main islands. Guam is geographically part of the Marianas, but politically separate.
• The islands were military-dominated for many years and access was forbidden, but that is no longer the case. Formalities have eased greatly in 2018 and a permit is no longer required.
• The islands attract a few cruising yachts every year, most of these come from Guam.
• The southern islands are the more developed, while some of the northern islands are wildlife reserves and cannot be visited.
• Most facilities are in Saipan, which is the most developed island and attracts most tourists. Tinian is less developed than Saipan, but as it has a large farming community, fresh produce is easily available and of good quality. Provisions in the outer islands are scarce and one should not expect to be able to buy more than the absolute minimum.
• The entire group is subject to typhoons for most of the year, another reason why cruising boats rarely sail there.

Pacific Islands Pilot Volume 1, 2018

Available through Bluewater Books (enter the coupon code NOON at checkout to get 10% discount)

Covers the Solomons, PNG, FSM, Palau, Guam, Northern Marianas & Oki-no-Tori Shima.

See Publications for more titles.