Northern Islands

Region

The Northern Islands are a remote volcanic chain, largely uninhabited and reached by expedition boat or occasional charter. Highlights include active and dormant cones, black-sand shores and exceptional pelagic diving, especially around the Maug caldera. Seas can be rough and access may be restricted, so trips suit experienced travellers with flexible plans and permits arranged early.

Northern Islands SariganFarallon de MedinillaMaug IslandsPaganAgrihanAnatahanAlamaganAsuncion IslandGuguanFarallon de Pajaros

Northern Islands essentials

Driest months: Feb-Apr

Where to Go in Northern Islands

Island Anatahan AnatahanUninhabited volcanic island in Northern Mariana Islands Island Pagan PaganVolcanic Northern Mariana island with rugged landscapes Island Alamagan AlamaganVolcanic island in Northern Mariana Islands Island Agrihan AgrihanVolcanic island in Northern Mariana Islands, seldom inhabited Island Maug Islands Maug IslandsUninhabited volcanic islands in Northern Mariana Islands. Island Farallon de Pajaros Farallon de PajarosNorthernmost Mariana island dominated by an active volcano
Regions & Cities
Maug Islands Explore Maug Islands A submerged volcanic caldera north of Saipan, the Maug Islands attract divers and snorkelers for clear waters, steep caldera walls and seabird colonies; access is by boat and visits are typically day trips from Saipan. Pagan Explore Pagan A volcanic island in the Northern Mariana Islands, Pagan has lava domes, sea cliffs and World War II relics. Agrihan Explore Agrihan Agrihan, a volcanic island in the Northern Mariana Islands’ Northern Islands Municipality, features steep volcanic terrain and seabird colonies. Anatahan Explore Anatahan A largely uninhabited volcanic island in the Northern Mariana chain, with steep coasts and a central crater. Alamagan Explore Alamagan A volcanic island in the Northern Mariana chain, Alamagan has steep slopes, limited habitation and seabird colonies; access is by private boat or research expeditions rather than regular ferries. Asuncion Island Explore Asuncion Island Rising from the Northern Marianas chain, Asuncion is a volcanic, largely uninhabited island reached by private boats; visitors come for diving, seabird colonies and remote snorkeling around volcanic reefs. Guguan Explore Guguan Guguan is a small, largely uninhabited volcanic island in the Northern Mariana chain, noted for seabird colonies, reef life and remote diving; access is limited and typically requires permission or charter transport. Farallon de Pajaros Explore Farallon de Pajaros A remote, uninhabited volcanic island in the Northern Mariana chain (also called Uracas); reached only by special expedition, it draws scientists and birders interested in seabird colonies and volcanic terrain.

Northern Islands at a Glance

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Best Things to Do in Northern Islands