Rota and Tinian

Beyond busy Saipan, the smaller islands of Rota and Tinian offer a quieter, more unspoiled side of the Northern Marianas. Rota, the greenest and most laid-back of the islands, is a haven of pristine coral reefs superb for diving and snorkelling, rugged coastal scenery, birdlife and an ancient latte-stone quarry that reveals the remarkable stone-carving of the ancient Chamorro. Tinian, flatter and steeped in history, holds beautiful quiet beaches, the striking House of Taga with its great latte stones, and significant Second World War sites. Both islands, reached by short flights, share a genuinely peaceful, slow island pace and a warm welcome, offering an authentic escape into the natural beauty and heritage of the Marianas away from the crowds.

History

The Marianas were the first islands of Remote Oceania settled by people, reached around 1500 to 1400 BC by voyagers from the Philippines, and on Tinian an early people raised the stone structures called taga. Spain formally occupied Tinian in 1669 with the missionary Diego Luis de San Vitores, who named it Buenavista Mariana, and from 1670 it was a supply stop for passing ships. The native population, perhaps 40,000 when the Spanish came, fell below 1,400 through introduced disease and conflict, and in 1720 the survivors were forcibly moved to Guam; the island was turned into ranches raising cattle and pigs to provision the galleons sailing to Mexico. Spain sold it to Germany in 1899, and Japan took it in 1914 (Wikipedia, Tinian).

The landscape

• Rota's reefs - the pristine coral for diving and snorkelling.
• The latte-stone sites - the ancient quarry and House of Taga.
• Tinian's beaches - the quiet, unspoiled shores.
• The slow pace - the peaceful, authentic island life.

When to go

December to June, the drier season, brings the calmest, sunniest weather for diving, beaches and exploring, avoiding the wetter months; the tropical climate is warm year-round. Calm seas are best for the superb reefs, especially around Rota.

Things to know

Rota and Tinian are small, quiet islands with limited facilities and infrequent flights, so they suit travellers seeking peace, nature and heritage over resorts and nightlife. As unspoiled island escapes of pristine reefs, ancient latte-stone sites and a slow, authentic pace, though, Rota and Tinian offer a genuinely rewarding and peaceful side of the Marianas.

Nearby

The main island of Saipan lies a short flight away.