The three primary islands for tourism in the Marianas are Saipan, Tinian and Rota. All three are known for their natural beauty and largely, undisturbed natural ecosystems. Ecotourism and nature adventures can be arranged with hotels and tour companies on the islands, and visitors can also enjoy many parks and marine trails.
In addition to these three main islands, the Marianas chain also includes The Northern Islands. These locations are accessible only via private boat, plane or helicopter. These islands (listed below) feature untouched nature – the islands are largely uninhabited, other than by native animals. This is one of the rare spots in the world to hike, swim and scuba dive in isolation, knowing that your footsteps may be the only ones to ever travel your chosen path.

The Northern Islands are incredibly beautiful, featuring active and smoking volcanoes, black sand beaches, striking rock formation and an abundance of wildlife. Ancient Chamorros once inhabited all of the islands up through Maug, but during World War II, all residents were repatriated to Saipan. Today only the islands of Agrigan and Pagan have human settlements.

Tourists do not frequently visit the Northern Islands, but special tours can be arranged. Activities in these islands include, hiking, fishing, snorkeling, hunting, bird watching, volcano watching, photography and camping. There are no tourist amenities in these islands, including a lack of fresh drinking water. Visitors must bring in their own supplies, and must take everything with them when they depart.

The 14 tropical islands comprising the Northern Marianas chain stretch across 400 miles in the western Pacific Ocean, just adjacent to the famed Marianas Trench, with the world's greatest known ocean depth of 35,810 feet.  Volcanic in origin, the Marianas lie approximately 1,300 miles south of Tokyo, 1,400 miles east of Manila, 3,200 miles west of Honolulu, and 2,900 miles north of Sydney.