Port information & tips for Pagan
Pagan is a pristine natural paradise in the northern Mariana Islands, captivating visitors with its dramatic volcanic scenery. The island offers an exclusive expedition feel thanks to its rugged beauty, while simultaneously impressing with deep black lava beaches and a mystical atmosphere. Absolute highlights include the majestic, active volcano Mount Pagan, the vast caldera in the north of the island, and the historical World War II relics near Apache Beach. Cruise ships anchor in the sheltered bay, from where passengers arrive directly at Shomushon Landing via tender boat. Since the most prominent sights and the abandoned main settlement are located in the immediate vicinity, the spectacular highlights can be easily explored on foot directly from the landing point.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Pagan in the Northern Mariana Islands is an uninhabited volcanic island known for its pristine nature and is primarily visited by expedition cruises. Since there is no traditional port infrastructure or permanent settlement, arrival is via the regional hubs of Guam or Saipan, from where the journey continues by ship. Landings on Pagan itself are made by Zodiac or tender boat.
Airplane
Travel to the cruise port, which is usually Saipan or Guam, is from the DACH region via long-haul flight. Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport (SPN) on Saipan is the main airport of the Northern Mariana Islands and is served, among others, from Guam (GUM). Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM) on Guam serves as an important regional hub with connections to international destinations.
Transfer & Connecting Flights
Travelers from the DACH region typically reach the Northern Mariana Islands via Guam (GUM). From there, there are regular connecting flights to Saipan International Airport (SPN), with a flight time of approximately 45 to 59 minutes. Since there are no scheduled ferry services between the islands, flying is the only way to reach the main islands of the Northern Mariana Islands to board an expedition ship there.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long international flight times and Pagan's remote location, we strongly recommend arriving at least one day before the planned embarkation on Saipan or Guam. This allows for relaxed acclimatization and ensures a sufficient buffer for possible flight delays before the unforgettable expedition journey to Pagan begins. There are no hotels or tourist infrastructure on Pagan itself.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the shipping company and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
The landing point on Pagan welcomes you with an untouched natural backdrop and, thanks to the ship's own logistics, enables direct access to the island's spectacular wilderness.
Zodiacs and tender boats
As cruise ships drop anchor in the protected bay, agile Zodiacs or tender boats bring you comfortably to the beach. These short trips also offer a magnificent view of the dramatic coastline and volcanic formations.
On foot
The island is best explored on foot, as the paths lead directly from the landing site into nature. In about 15 to 30 minutes, you can reach fascinating viewpoints while enjoying the peace and seclusion of this special island.
Guided expedition tours
Instead of classic taxis, organized hikes led by the expedition team are often available during shore excursions. These tours are coordinated directly from the ship and provide informative and safe guidance through the volcanic terrain.
To experience the untouched beauty of Pagan at its best, it is recommended to focus your exploration on the spectacular volcanic landscapes and the historic coastal sections directly from the landing site.
Mount Pagan
The majestic northern volcano is the heart of the island and impresses visitors with its smoking caldera and vast fields of solidified lava, which provide a fascinating backdrop for nature explorations.
The black sand beaches
These striking coastal sections captivate with their fine, dark volcanic sand and, thanks to the contrasting colors, are perfect for unforgettable nature photography and relaxed walks along the shores of the Pacific.
Lake Sanhalom and the central plain
The plain around the brackish water lake in the interior of the island is ideal for observing rare animal species and also offers the opportunity to admire the impressive regeneration of nature and historical relics in a peaceful silence.
The black sand beach of Shomushon
The fascinating black sand beach of Shomushon is located directly at the landing site for the expedition inflatable boats and impresses with its striking, deep dark coloring against the backdrop of the majestic Mount Pagan volcano. This location is perfect for an incomparable nature experience and also offers fascinating photo opportunities of the volcanic landscape and historical relics in the vicinity. Thanks to the untouched atmosphere, you can enjoy an exclusive tranquility far from civilization and experience the raw power of nature firsthand. Ideally, take advantage of the first landing in the early morning to enjoy the best lighting conditions for photos of the volcanic peak, and return to the tender boat in a relaxed manner approximately sixty minutes before the final departure.
The return journey to the anchorage in Apaan Bay is straightforward on the natural island of Pagan and is usually coordinated directly by your ship's expedition team.
Zodiac Transfer
The return to the ship is conveniently carried out using the ship's own Zodiacs from the marked landing site on the black sand beach of Apaan Bay. Please pay attention to the communicated departure times of the last boats and arrive at the shore in good time to safely use the transfer to the ship anchored off the coast.
On Foot
From the foot of the volcano or the former settlement of Shomushon, you can walk along natural paths directly back to the beach. Orientation is easy even without signage, thanks to the wide lines of sight and the prominent silhouette of your cruise ship in the bay.
Meeting Points on the Beach
As there are no taxis or public transport on the island, the landing site on the shore serves as a central meeting point for all guests. Thanks to the constant presence of guides on the beach, you can receive orientation assistance at any time and find your way directly back to your boat.
