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.
