【Saipan Self-Drive Guide】Complete North & South Route Itinerary 🚗

Driving a convertible is definitely the most healing and chill way to explore Saipan~ Cruising along the invincible coastline while feeling the ocean breeze creates the ultimate vibe.

However, visiting for the first time and unfamiliar with the roads? Want to take stunning photos without getting lost? Save this ultimate Saipan North & South self-drive guide right away for your upcoming trip📌

💡Editor’s Sweet & Practical Tips

1️⃣ Always choose Google Maps for navigation 📍

Important reminder! Never use Apple Maps or AutoNavi (Gaode) in Saipan.

The route errors are massive, and you could get lost at any time. You must use Google Maps.

Remember to type English when searching for locations; Chinese names can easily fail to find the exact spot!

2️⃣ North Route Check-in Order (From nearest to furthest for the smoothest ride):

▫️Banzai Cliff

Super stunning cliffside ocean view, a must-visit photo spot in Saipan📸

▫️Bird Island Lookout

The gradient blue of the ocean is as clear as a gemstone, incredibly healing.

▫️The Grotto

A world-class diving sanctuary; even if you don’t go into the water, viewing from the shore is spectacularly grand.

▫️Suicide Cliff

A high-angle bird’s-eye view over the entire northern coast, offering an exceptionally open landscape.

▫️Last Command Post

A unique historical heritage site where you can also take photos with vintage tanks.

3️⃣ South Route Check-in Order (From nearest to furthest for the smoothest ride):

▫️Mount Carmel Cathedral

A pure white cathedral with a garden full of blooming flowers, facing the invincible grand ocean view.

▫️ Ladder Beach

Not your average fine-sand beach; the entire shoreline is made of coral fragments. A reminder that the wind and waves are strong here, making it unsuitable for swimming or water sports.

▫️Lau Lau Beach

A classic diving sanctuary in Saipan, perfect for beginners to have their first diving experience. The adjacent golf resort also features a high-value restaurant, great for grabbing a bite and resting when you’re tired~Not your average fine-sand beach; the entire shoreline is made of coral fragments. A reminder that the wind and waves are strong here, making it unsuitable for swimming or water sports.

▫️Tank Beach

Named after the WWII tanks left on the seabed.

The biggest selling point here is that you can find star-shaped sand✨. The water is shallow and crystal clear, and with few tourists, it’s super peaceful—taking a slow stroll and picking up star sand is incredibly healing.

▫️Forbidden Island

A highly unique semi-isolated island on the east side of Saipan. It connects to the main island during low tide and turns into an independent islet during high tide.

⚠️ Important Warnings for Driving in the South

Vehicle Selection: The South Route has many mountain roads, and the road conditions are worse than the North Route. It is strongly recommended to rent a high-clearance SUV or off-road vehicle (such as a Hummer or Jeep Wrangler). Standard sedans or sports cars can easily scrape their undercarriages on the bumpy mountain roads.
Navigation & Wayfinding: The attractions are scattered and their locations are relatively hidden, so self-drive travelers should be mentally prepared. Please be sure to use Google Maps and input English location names to avoid getting lost.
Driving Safety: The southern mountain roads have many curves and uneven surfaces, posing a certain level of driving difficulty. Please maintain a slow speed and stay alert to sudden road conditions.
Safety Reminder: In areas with heavy waves like Ladder Beach, remember never to enter the water for any marine sports.