Lookout
On the east cliffs.
Gage Skidmore — CC BY-SA 4.0 · David Burdick. — Public domain · Buffaboy — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Buffaboy — CC BY-SA 4.0
Forbidden Island is a small rocky islet off the east coast of Saipan, about 9.5 km in a straight line south-east of Garapan. It rises from the ocean with towering limestone walls close to the shore. A lookout on the eastern cliffs overlooks the island, with a sweeping view of the flat-topped rock, the white surf breaking around it and the wide blue ocean. The coast here is rugged and wild, far from the calm beaches on Saipan's west side. A steep trail drops from the lookout to the rocky shore near the island, where clear natural tide pools draw adventurous visitors for swimming and snorkelling on calm days. The area is a nature reserve, with seabirds living on the cliffs. The visit is free. The trail down is hard and slippery and needs fitness and sturdy shoes; keep away from the open sea when the waves are up, and the lookout alone is worth it if you do not want to climb down.
On the east cliffs.
On the shore.
Around the rock.
East coast, Saipan, Northern Mariana Islands
Yes, the trail is steep.
Only in the tide pools on calm days.