One of the places where you can experience introductory diving at the Grotto!
The safest and most professional way to enjoy introductory diving in a beautiful sea cave is through the Travel Forest Atti Dive introductory diving program.
Operating specialized Grotto introductory diving since 2015, we prioritize safety by utilizing experts, the latest equipment, and small group sizes.
Even beginners can enjoy diving with peace of mind through safety training from Korean instructors and meticulous guidance from local instructors.
✅ Travel Forest Introductory Diving Features at a Glance
- Professionalism: Specialized in Grotto introductory diving since 2015
- Small group operation: 1 instructor per 2 introductory divers, strengthening safety management
- Resident Korean instructors: Korean language safety training and guidance, providing peace of mind for beginners
- Latest equipment provided: Ensuring safety and comfort with thoroughly maintained gear
- Photo service: Fun posed photos taken with a high-end camera ($15 per person)
- Additional experience: Enjoy free snorkeling for the remaining time after diving
Now, let us take a closer look at the Grotto introductory diving, famous for its beautiful blue hole.
1. What is the Grotto?
The Grotto, known as the Blue Cave, is one of the world's top 10 diving spots and boasts a reputation as one of the world's top 3 cave diving points.
A dream destination for divers! Today, we invite you to that very place.
The experience at the Grotto is more than just an activity; it is an inspiration.
The moment you enter the sea, you will see for yourself why this place is called one of the 'world's top 3 cave diving points'.
Grotto introductory diving with Travel Forest is
an introductory diving program conducted by professional Korean instructors who have been running tours since 2015, along with local instructors.
2. Preparation (Location / Transportation / What to bring, etc.)
1) Location of the Grotto
The Grotto is a natural sea cave located under the cliffs of Madong Point on the northeast coast of Saipan.
After walking down about 110 steps from the parking lot, you will encounter the dramatic scenery of the cave.
Three caves are connected to each other, and the mysterious underwater world that fills them is so beautiful that it is hard to describe in words.
2) Transportation (Hotel pickup or direct arrival)
On the day of the tour, a free pickup service is provided from the designated hotel lobby.
Pickup is available for major hotels, Garapan hotels, and guesthouses. (If pickup is not available at your hotel, we will guide you to the nearest hotel.)
However, for PIC and Coral Ocean Resort located in the far south, an additional pickup fee will be charged due to the distance from the tour site.
The additional fee is $20 round-trip for 1-4 people, and $10 for each additional person for groups of 5 or more.
(The additional pickup fee can be paid to the Korean instructor on the day of the tour.)
Since there is a parking lot, you can also travel directly if you are using a rental car.
3) What to prepare
- What to bring: $5 entrance fee, swimsuit, towel, change of clothes, water
- Provided equipment: Introductory diving suit + fins + snorkeling gear
- For environmental protection, the use of sunscreen/sunblock is prohibited, so it must be removed before entering the water.
- For safety, drinking alcohol is prohibited; please ensure you are in good condition before participating.
3. The charm of Travel Forest Grotto introductory diving
1) Korean language safety training briefing
After being picked up from the hotel... we arrive at the entrance of the Grotto.
Here, we receive safety training, which is more important than anything else.
Grotto introductory diving operates twice daily (morning/afternoon).
Before the actual introductory diving, a mandatory safety briefing is provided by a Korean instructor behind the Grotto entrance.
(If a Korean instructor is absent, a local instructor may conduct it; introductory diving is conducted with local instructors.)
- Pre-tour safety rules and equipment usage training
- Underwater breathing techniques
- Equalizing
- Clearing water from the mask
- Clearing water from the regulator
- Underwater photo pose briefing, etc.
2) With expert guides who prioritize safety
"For Grotto introductory diving, we work with Atti Dive, which has the best experts, equipment, and safety standards.
We have been conducting Grotto introductory diving tours since 2015."
Usually, a Korean instructor conducts the safety training, but the actual tour is accompanied by local guides.
Diving is conducted with 1 instructor for every 2 introductory divers.
The duration is approximately 10 to 15 minutes.
The safety guards have conducted tours with many Korean guests, so they ensure the process is as smooth as possible.
From the start, 117 steps welcome you.
You will understand why Travel Forest constantly emphasizes safety!! safety!! safety!! from the moment you start snorkeling at the Grotto.
Therefore, pregnant women, who require the utmost stability, are unable to participate.
It is not just about the stairs; you have to jump into the water to enter, and staff members have to pull you out when you finish, which can put pressure on your abdomen. For safety reasons, it is not possible.
Additionally, for introductory diving, bookings and participation are only available for those aged 15 and older.
The safety personnel (guards) have conducted tours with many Korean guests, so there are no issues with language communication.
They tend to keep things friendly by using some fun Korean words.
3) Dedicated Photo Service
Even if you bring your own GoPro for introductory diving, it is very difficult to take photos and videos underwater.
That is why our introductory diving instructor will take photos for you at various spots. (They will even take some fun, slightly posed photos.)
Let’s just focus on the introductory diving itself.
Price: 15 USD per person (approx. 30-50 photos and videos) / Payment made on-site / Shot with a high-end lens camera.
We will capture many moments without missing a beat.
Once the introductory diving begins, you will personally experience the mysterious Blue Grotto created by sunlight spreading into the underwater cave.
The fantastic scenery unfolding underwater is a special experience you can only feel in Saipan.
What more needs to be said?
A place incomparable to any snorkeling you have done before.
A place that makes you exclaim in wonder, 'Is this what the mystery of the ocean is like?'
The photos and videos taken will be delivered to you directly by the instructor.
After diving, you can enjoy snorkeling for the remaining time upon request.
4. Other Information
1) If you wish to book Grotto Snorkeling + Introductory Diving together
If some members of your group want to do Grotto Snorkeling while others want to do Grotto Introductory Diving, it is possible to book them separately.
However, please note that the tour companies operating snorkeling and introductory diving are different.
Therefore, everything from the pick-up vehicle to the timing and procedures will be different.
If you are okay with not being together during the schedule, there is no problem.
If you must follow the same schedule, please select the same option.
2) What if I want to do introductory diving instead of Grotto snorkeling?
🐠 Differences between Grotto Snorkeling vs. Grotto Introductory Diving
- Experience Method
Grotto Snorkeling
A program conducted on the water surface wearing a mask, snorkel, and life jacket, which is easy for beginners or those with a fear of water to enjoy.
Grotto Introductory Diving
A program where you dive directly to a depth of about 5-10m while sharing an air tank with an instructor, allowing you to encounter mysterious underwater terrain and marine life up close.
- Difficulty & Target Audience
Snorkeling → Suitable for those who want to enjoy it lightly, beginners, and family travelers.
Introductory Diving → Suitable for those who want to experience the underwater world in earnest and those who want to explore deeper.
- Safety & Equipment
Snorkeling → Snorkel mask and life jacket provided / Safety personnel accompany you on the water surface.
Introductory Diving → Scuba gear and fins provided / Accompanied by a professional PADI-certified dive master.
- Experience Sensation
Snorkeling → Admire the blue light of the cave and the marvelous atmosphere above the water.
Introductory Diving → Explore the depths of the cave, underwater terrain, and marine life a little closer.
- Age & Conditions
Snorkeling → 1 person or more, recommended for ages 7 and up (6-year-olds possible if accompanied by a guardian).
Introductory Diving → 2 people or more, ages 15 and up, not available for pregnant women or those with health restrictions.
As you can see, the Grotto can be enjoyed through both snorkeling and scuba diving.
[Travel Forest Grotto Related Product Guide]
If you want to take on a real challenge, try Introductory Diving; if you want to enjoy it lightly, 👉 [Grotto Snorkeling]
If you are planning various tours in Saipan including the Grotto, 👉 [Grotto Combo Pack]