THE Grotto, Saipan’s most famous diving site, will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. again starting on Monday, Feb. 20, 2023, according to Division of Parks and Recreation acting Director Ray Sablan.
Last month, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources announced a reduction in operating hours at the Grotto as a cost-cutting measure.
DLNR said the Grotto would open for business between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. only, every day.
“But now we are ready to welcome more tourists and support tour operators so we are going to operate from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.,” Sablan said.
But he said Grotto visitors should take precautions when swimming and diving because the site does not have a lifeguard.
Prior to the pandemic, when the Marianas Visitors Authority was still the regulatory body overseeing the Grotto, the tourist site had lifeguards.
“Right now, we have not hired a lifeguard yet,” Sablan said.
He added that the restrooms in Grotto are now clean, have running water and are well maintained.
“We have employed someone who regularly cleans the area, the Grotto surroundings as well as the restrooms,” he said.
He noted that visiting the Grotto and using its restrooms are free of charge.
“We are not yet imposing any fee. If you want to dive and swim at the Grotto, it’s free. Nobody should ask you for a fee. If you want to use the restroom it’s also free,” he said.
He added, however, that DLNR may soon impose an access fee.
“It is still a work in progress. We have not finalized anything yet. So, for now it’s free,” he said.
