Author: Walt on Saipan!

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Join me LIVE on Youtube in a few hours!

In just over 12 hours from now—that’ll be Sunday, Nov 2, 2025 at 9:00am Saipan time*​–I’ll share the answers to viewer questions about politics, pests, property taxes and more about life on Saipan! I’ll also reveal which surgeries can—and can’t—be done on Saipan! Ask YOUR question live! Don’t miss it! Also, I’ll share my thoughts on the latest Amelia Earhart news!
 
Click “Notify Me”: 
​https://youtube.com/live/ezNDlLGV9qw?feature=share
Walt
(The Jamaican on Saipan!)
​*U.S. TIMEZONES for Livestream:
Sat Nov 1st, 7:00pm Eastern Daylight Time (NYC)
Sat Nov 1st, 6:00pm Central Daylight Time (IL)
Sat Nov 1st, 5:00pm Mountain Daylight time (CO)
Sat Nov 1st, 4:00pm Pacific Daylight Time (CA)
Categories
There's Something About Saipan

Look! There’s a “Fern Gully” on Saipan, Too!

Saipan is roughly the same lattitude as Jamaica and shares a similar volcanic/limestone geological origin, so it’s no surprise there are visual similaries. Here’s one that came up during a recent nature trek.

And, in case you were up late losing sleep over this topic, here’s a comparison between the two islands I call home:

🌴 Similarities Between Saipan and Jamaica

Category Saipan Jamaica
Latitude ~15°N to 18.5°N ~17°N to 18.5°N
Climate Tropical marine Tropical marine
Seasons Wet (Jul–Nov), Dry (Dec–Jun) Wet (May–Oct), Dry (Nov–Apr)
Avg Temperature 76–88°F (24–31°C) year-round 73–91°F (23–33°C) year-round
Hurricanes Yes (mostly July–Oct) Yes (mostly June–Nov)
Coral Reefs Fringing reefs around island Fringing & barrier reefs
Topography Volcanic origin, limestone, hills Volcanic mountains, limestone, coastal plains
Soil Type Volcanic & limestone-derived Volcanic & limestone-derived
Natural Vegetation Tropical rainforest, coastal thickets Tropical rainforest, dry woodland, mangroves
Agricultural Potential Good for root crops, tropical fruits Same: bananas, yams, sugarcane, etc.
Biodiversity Pacific island endemics Caribbean island endemics
Ocean Western Pacific (Philippine Sea) Caribbean Sea (Atlantic Ocean)
Coastal Features Lagoons, cliffs, sandy beaches Lagoons, cliffs, sandy beaches
Cave Systems Limestone caves present Extensive limestone caves

🧭 Key Differences

Feature Saipan Jamaica
Island Group Northern Mariana Islands (Micronesia) Greater Antilles (Caribbean)
Surrounding Water Body Philippine Sea Caribbean Sea
Seismic Activity High (Pacific Ring of Fire) Moderate (less tectonic activity)
Size ~44.5 sq mi (115 km²) ~4,240 sq mi (10,990 km²)
Highest Point Mount Tapochau (1,560 ft / 475 m) Blue Mountain Peak (7,402 ft / 2,256 m)
Population Density Low Much higher
Cultural Influence Indigenous Chamorro, Spanish, Japanese, American Indigenous Taino, African, British
Language English, Chamorro, Carolinian English, Jamaican Patois
Rainfall Patterns Consistent but drier than Jamaica Generally wetter overall

🌊 Shared Environmental Themes

  • Freshwater availability can be an issue in both locations, especially during dry seasons.

  • Coral bleaching and marine conservation are relevant in both regions.

  • Agricultural pests, invasive species, and hurricanes are constant concerns.

  • Tourism-based economies tied to natural beauty and tropical appeal.

 

Categories
There's Something About Saipan

Avocado Quest! Saipan Nature Trek with Patrick Calvo

Join me in part 1 of a Saipan Nature Trek with Patrick Calvo on the DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel! For those of you who’ve asked about the old Japanese WWII tunnels, those will be featured in Part 2, so subscribe to the channel to be notified!

Coming Next: Japanese war caves:

Want more? Check out these Saipan-Specific books:

 

 

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Saipan Relocation Q&A Marathon!

Compiled from my video responses to the plethora of questions that folks have submitted to the DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel, I present to you an hour’s worth of history and mystery by way of inquiry, in the form of information, inspiration, ideas and instruction to help you assess the feasibility, affordability and practicality of moving to Saipan! Consider it your “Relocation Starter Kit” for a potentially new life in paradise! Volume 1.

 

Categories
Tours

A Daughter’s WWII Pilgrimage to Saipan and Tinian

Between 1943 and 1945, Tracy Layton’s father landed on the beaches of Tarawa, Saipan, Tinian and Okinawa. Today, in 2025, she made an emotional pilgrimage to see what her father saw and to imagine how he must have felt.

Here’s Tracy’s review on Viator.com:

Apr 2, 2025
Tracy_L
The Tour of a Lifetime!
Viator review: Saipan & Tinian 2-DAY Tour
My two days with Walt were truly unforgettable. I wanted to re-trace the steps my dad had taken when he fought as a US Marine in WW2 on both Saipan and Tinian. I had high expectations and somehow, Walt exceeded on both days. He gave me the background of the island and the war, though I truly thought I was prepared. We went to every corner of the island and from the beaches to the top of Mt. Tapochau. Walt showed me the beauty of the islands, as well as the spots where the horrors of the battles took place 80 years ago occurred. It was moving and emotional for me. The opportunities Walt gave me to see local culture, climb to new heights, and drive places and fly new ways I never thought possible are so precious to me and I cannot possibly thank you enough Walt. The photos, videos and time log were just an unexpected bonus that I will always treasure. Walt’s knowledge of Saipan and Tinian is extensive and I feel like I have learned so much from him. I will always remember my two days touring with Walt. I wish I could give him a higher rating, but I encourage anyone considering a tour on Saipan or Tinian to book your time with Walt. You will be glad you did! Thank you again Walt. I am so grateful.

 

Categories
Tours

Somewhere in Paradise…Episode 3!

 

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Meet New Resident, Nate the Pilot!

On a recent flight back from Tinian with tour clients, our pilot introduced himself and shared a compliment for the DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel and relocation guide.

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Is There Haole (“White Person”) Hate on Saipan?

@Frank-l9c4j asked on my DiscoverSaipan Youtube channel:
“Do you have any thoughts on Saipan vs Hawaii? Im originally from the east coast but have lived in Hawaii for 5 years now. I’m about over it. A lot has to do with the racism towards “Hoales” or white people. They blame all of us for stealing their country. I get sick of that nastiness. But the CNMI had a different history than Hawaii does. Given that, do the locals there have the same chip on their shoulder? Im hoping the CNMI is a better version of Hawaii and is more welcoming to Mainlanders. I’d really appreciate your views. Love your channel.”

Here’s my reply:

 

Categories
Relocation Q&A

Are White Americans Allowed to Speak Jamaican Patois?

Okay, that may seem a bit of a click-bait title, but the question asked on my “Discover Saipan” Youtube channel was precisely that:  @mryeast907 commented: “Is it okay for me an extra white completely not Jamaican American to learn and speak Jamaican patois?”

Here’s what I think…

Categories
Tours

“Punch me in the stomach, now!!” Sid said. Tourist Stories From Saipan!

Here’s more from an airport interview with one of my tour clients who was in the entertainment industry for 40 years!