The World’s ‘Friendliest’ Island is an Under-the-Radar Paradise with No Passport Required

Many travelers are familiar with places like St. John in the USVI and Puerto Rico, U.S. territories that are perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the tropics without a passport. But have you ever heard of Rota Island? 

Rota Island is located in the Northern Mariana Islands, a self-governing U.S. commonwealth between Hawaii and the Philippines in the northwestern Pacific, forming part of the Micronesia region. English is widely spoken, the local currency is the U.S. dollar, and U.S. citizens don’t need a passport. Recently highlighted by Islands.com as the ideal spot for those who are “tired of predictable destinations like Florida,” Rota is a bit harder to access, but it’s well worth the journey.

Rota is one of the lesser-known islands in the Northern Marianas that’s accessible by plane. To reach it, you’ll need to fly into Rota International Airport (ROP) from either Saipan (SPN), also in the Northern Mariana Islands, or Guam (GUM). There are no direct international flights to Rota. The flight from Los Angeles (LAX) to Guam takes 15 to 16 hours. From Saipan, it’s anywhere from 18 to 24 flight hours.

The short, direct flight from Guam to Rota only takes about 30 minutes. There’s no ferry between the islands, so you’ll need to fly from Saipan, a roughly 30- to 40-minute journey available with the inter-island airline, Star Marianas Air.

As a remote island, Rota offers a relaxed, uncrowded atmosphere that’s ideal for nature lovers, sometimes described as a destination that “speaks to the soul.” The rich Chamorro culture and warm, hospitable locals known for their use of the “Rota Wave,” with drivers and pedestrians waving to everyone they pass, resulted in its nickname, the “world’s friendliest island.” Plus, it’s easy to get to know them. Residents here often invite visitors to parties, BBQs, and other social events, often sharing local delicacies like coconut crabs.

Rota also offers lush, unspoiled tropical scenery with dense jungle, towering limestone cliffs, white sand beaches, and volcanic terrain, stunningly contrasted by clear cobalt water with natural swimming holes surrounded by coral reefs.

Rota offers outstanding snorkeling and diving with visibility often exceeding 160 feet. Top snorkeling spots include the Sasanhaya Bay Marine Sanctuary, natural Swimming Hole, and shallow coral reefs, ideal for viewing an array of colorful fish, rays, and turtles. There is a wide variety of diving sites, including underwater wrecks, wall dives, and coral formations. Avid birders can visit the Bird Sanctuary, a premier spot for observing tropical seabirds like the red-footed booby, brown booby, and great frigatebird.

History enthusiasts will find plenty too, including the As Nieves Latte Stone Quarry. A US National Landmark, this significant archaeological site holds massive unfinished prehistoric latte stones that sit frozen in time. It also includes a Japanese cannon and other WWII remnants.

Rota isn’t the type of place for an all-inclusive stay. As you might imagine, accommodation is limited. Primarily found near Songsong Village, top picks include the centrally located Hotel Valentino and Coral Garden Hotel. There are also some modest guesthouses, boutique hotels, and locally managed vacation rentals.