The Blue Hole (The Grotto) is located in the northeastern part of Saipan. For divers, this is a unique/famous grotto situated in the northeast of Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. For divers, it’s a distinctive (and renowned) dive site, created by a collapsed limestone cave and three underwater passages filled with pools of cobalt-blue seawater. Sometimes it’s calm here, while at other times strong surges rush in and out.
Watch the Blue Hole video frame by frame!
The Grotto was originally an ancient cave used by the Japanese military for dive training during World War II. It is said that the indigenous people of Saipan regard the Blue Hole as a sacred place, and they mention that their ancestors believed the blue light emanating from inside the cave was the smile of the gods.
The Grotto is considered a relatively dangerous spot, especially for snorkeling. This is because the surge at the cave entrance is very strong, and navigating the stone stairway requires caution—you must hold onto the handrail tightly, or you could be swept away by the waves. Additionally, do not swim close to the rocky shore while snorkeling, as the waves can push you against the rocks and cause injury. Therefore, it is recommended to seek assistance from a guide or instructor for greater safety.
There are three types of local tours available for the Blue Hole: one is purely sightseeing; the second is a snorkeling tour, and the last is a professional diving tour. If you prefer not to join a large group, you can also hire a private instructor to learn deep snorkeling or scuba diving. You can choose to join a local tour, book through a local Chinese travel agency on Taobao, or inquire at your hotel’s Tour Package offerings. Prices range from $20 to $100.
But usually, we can safely snorkel here—it’s a great adventure that starts with jumping off a two-meter cliff, after which you’ll see a world about 10 meters deep. From there, you can observe large schools of tropical fish and other creatures, while bats fly freely inside the cave, along with the surging waters. It’s a challenge that pushes your limits, but the blue glow underwater is incredibly beautiful—something you’d never experience in Hong Kong.
Besides diving, this place is also one of the top spots for snorkeling. It’s an unforgettable and amazing experience, as a strong beam of blue light shines between the cave floor and the surface. The cave is a series of tunnel-like passages connected to the Pacific Ocean, essentially the edge of Saipan, so the cave entrance experiences very strong tidal currents. The blue water inside the cave is unbelievably clear, offering astonishing visibility and making it a perfect resting place for sea turtles. The Blue Hole may be small, but inside it feels like a fairyland—this is one of the reasons I chose Saipan for this trip.
Photography: Gopro Hero 6
Edward's Adventure Journal
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