Forbidden Island

Off Saipan's rugged southeast, Forbidden Island earns its name by arrangement rather than prohibition: the sanctuary islet connects at low water across a wave-washed shelf, reached first by a steep red-dirt trail off the Kagman plateau, and its reward - on the calm days that are the only sensible days - is the hidden tide pools beneath the cliffs, natural baths refreshed by surge and ringed by limestone drama. Guided trips read the conditions correctly; the sanctuary rules protect the islet's seabirds and the pools' life; and the climb back up regulates visitation with honest sweat.

What's there

• The tide-pool baths - surge-fed pools beneath the cliffs.
• The islet crossing - the low-water shelf, calm days only.
• The Kagman descent - red-dirt trail to the wild coast.
• The sanctuary birdlife - noddies and boobies on the spur.

When to go

December to June with the trades - and calm-day-only in every month; guides' judgement is the real forecast.

Practical notes

The shelf crossing and pools are surge-serious - people have misjudged here; go guided, obey the day's verdict, and carry water for the climb out.

Nearby

The Kagman plateau, Laulau Bay and San Vicente.

Key facts