Hobie Cat Saipan Lagoon Sailing Tour: Shallow-Water Catamaran

Sail shallow water and see what deeper boats miss

A Hobie Cat sailing tour across Saipan Lagoon lets you steer a catamaran shallow enough to reach sea turtles, stingrays and the WWII tanks still resting on the bottom, with optional snorkeling at Managaha Island. The boat sits level in the water for comfort, and the guide has been charting these waters since 2018. Life vest, GoPro camera with video and photos, and bottled water are included. The tour runs about two hours and welcomes children from age 3.

The experience

The Hobie Cat's two-foot draft is what opens the Saipan Lagoon to you. A monohull sailboat draws too much water to reach the shallow zones where sea turtles and stingrays feed, but this catamaran glides over them. You'll sail across roughly 12 square miles of water that shifts from emerald to deep blue, spotting the animals that live there and the mountain ridges that frame the lagoon. On the water, you can identify Mt. Tapachao, where the heaviest fighting happened during the Battle of Saipan in 1944, and see the US tanks that sank there and never left.

When sea conditions permit, the route extends to Managaha Island, the crown jewel of the lagoon. You'll snorkel among tropical fish and corals if the weather allows it. The guide speaks English or Chinese and has been teaching sailing in these waters since 2018, so they know which stops matter and how the lagoon changes with the season. You get a life vest, a GoPro camera to capture the day, and bottled water. The operator provides the video and photos afterward.

What’s included

• Life vest.
• GoPro camera footage and photos from the tour.
• bottled water.
• guide in English or Chinese.
• pickup included.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:30

AgesAdult (15 to 70 years) · Youth (7 to 14 years) · Child (3 to 6 years): free · Under 3: can't be booked

GroupUp to 6

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Tony Huang

Is this one for you?Two hours leaves room for other activities in your day, and the shallow draft means you see marine life and WWII history most other boats can't reach. If you want to snorkel, check the sea conditions forecast before booking: Managaha Island is only reachable when the water is calm enough.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (7 to 14 years); Child (3 to 6 years): free. Children under 3 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the water like in Saipan Lagoon when you're sailing?

The lagoon spans about 12 square miles and shifts from emerald to deep blue water. The shallow depth, only two feet in many places, lets the catamaran reach zones where sea turtles, stingrays and arrow fish live, and where you can see the WWII tanks resting on the bottom since 1944.

Can you snorkel on this tour?

Snorkeling at Managaha Island is part of the route when sea conditions allow it. You'll swim among tropical fish and corals, though you'll need to bring or rent your own mask and fins.

Does the tour include pickup?

Yes, pickup is included. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to meet the boat at the departure point.

What do you get to take home from the tour?

The operator provides video and photos taken with a GoPro camera during the sail, so you have a record of the day without managing the camera yourself.