Håfa Adai! (Hello)

Chamorros are primarily Austronesian, have archeological evidence of being an advanced seafaring civilization dating back 5,000 years, and that over 100,000 Chamorros live outside the Marianas across the US.

The islands were named after the influential Spanish queen Mariana of Austria following their colonization in the 17th century. The Mariana Islands include the territory of Guam to the extreme south, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (14 islands) to the north.

There are 22 islands and little islets that form the Northern Marianas! Across all of the islands, there’s around 184 square miles of land area. But however small these islands are, they cram in some incredible sights – it’s worth taking it all in if you can!

There are 22 islands and little islets that form the Northern Marianas! Across all of the islands, there’s around 184 square miles of land area. But however small these islands are, they cram in some incredible sights – it’s worth taking it all in if you can!

When visiting the Mariana Islands, you can really DIVE INTO HISTORY! For all of the history buffs out there, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands can be a perfect place to explore. The islands are replete with WWII relics, and diving around, you’ll be able to spot various wrecks – there’s a lot to get into here, even if you don’t know where to look!

The Mariana Islands are in the vicinity of the Marianas Trench which is 11,034 meters at its deepest point. This is the lowest point in the world.

The Chamorro People Settled All of the Mariana Islands, Not Just Guam. The Chamorro people established settlements across the Marianas, using their canoes to move between islands.

The ancient CHamorus who were skilled at canoe building and navigation were called agad’na. Early European accounts regularly marveled at these CHamoru vessels, William Dampier, saying in 1681 for instance that: "One cannot stop talking about their great velocity, craftsmanship and lightness, because in the whole universe I do not believe there is a thing equal to them in nimbleness and swiftness."