Old Man by the Sea
A rock on Saipan's eastern shore shaped like a bearded face looking out to sea.
Updated 3 September 2026
On the rocky eastern shore of Saipan a limestone outcrop has weathered into a shape that reads clearly as a bearded man's head in profile facing the sea, which is what gives it the name. The coast around is raised coral, sharp and bare, with the Pacific breaking on it. Getting there means a rough track and then picking a way over the rock, and there is nothing else at the site.
What you'll find
- The rock face - the outcrop weathered into a bearded profile.
- The eastern coast - the raised coral shore facing the open Pacific.
- The surf - the waves breaking on the rock below.
- The isolation - a stretch of shore with nothing built on it.
When to go
December to June is the drier season. The rock is dangerous in swell. Typhoon season runs July to November.
What to expect
The coral rock is sharp and the walk over it is genuinely awkward; proper shoes are essential. The shore is dangerous when swell is running. There are no facilities and no marking.
Nearby
Laulau Bay is south, and Kalabera is north.
What to pack for Old Man by the Sea
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Broken-in walking shoes or boots - Grip and ankle support matter more than looks; never hike in brand-new boots. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry clothing - Board shorts or synthetics that shrug off spray and dry fast. Find on Amazon
- Layers + a waterproof shell - Mountain weather turns fast; a packable rain jacket saves the day. Find on Amazon
- Secure water shoes or reef boots - Grip on slippery launches and protection on rocky shores. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
