AFTER months of renovations, the Grotto was officially reopened on Tuesday.
The revitalization of the cavern, a popular site among local and international dive enthusiasts, was made possible through the collaborative efforts of the Governor’s Council of Economic Advisers, the Department of Public Lands, the Zoning Office, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources-Division of Parks and Recreation, the Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, Coastal Resources Management, Tasi and the Ali’is, Loco & Taco Restaurant, Dive Wish, International Roller Skates Saipan, Saipan Adventure, and Bibong Corporation.
Also present for the reopening ceremony was the family of the late dive pioneer Captain Vicente Manglona Concepcion whose memorial is at the Grotto.
Concepcion was both the first certified dive instructor and first local dive shop owner in the CNMI.
The memorial was erected on Concepcion’s birthday in 2008 after Public Law 15-101 was signed by then-Gov. Benigno R. Fitial.
In their remarks at the Grotto on Tuesday, Gov. Ralph DLG Torres and Lt. Gov. Arnold I. Palacios expressed their gratitude to all of the project partners for all of their hard work, noting that the site is one of the most popular dive spots in the world and is a vital part of the local tourism industry.
Marianas Visitors Authority Managing Director Priscilla M. Iakopo, for her part, said, “The Grotto has won numerous international accolades and was once featured in Skin Diver magazine as the number one cavern dive in the world. In fact, the Grotto is one of the most popular sites in the Marianas, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors.”
She added, “The Grotto has been a popular spot through the years for both locals and visitors alike. Many of us swam here, walked down the over 100 steps and survived the walk back up. A few of us have even gone further by diving these beautiful waters, and then walking back up with tanks on our backs.”
Iakopo said the Grotto is a unique natural gem of the Marianas and is more beautiful and more safely accessible today than ever before.
The renovations included fixing the steps and railings, cleaning the restrooms, painting the pavilion and parking lot, the construction of a new landmark sign, as well as a new observation deck complete with seating areas and a wheelchair ramp.
Iakopo said the MVA board of directors, management, and staff are pleased to have played a role in renovating the Grotto over the past year.
She also thanked the organizations and companies that have partnered to refresh the site.
“Because of your gifts of time, effort, and contributions, the Grotto is back, better than ever. On behalf of our visitor industry partners, we at MVA appreciate all that you have done in revitalizing one of our popular sites,” she said.
She likewise acknowledged the family of the late dive pioneer, Vicente M. Concepcion..
“He assisted many government agencies with numerous search and rescue operations and provided free air tank refills and equipment use. [He] was known as the guardian of the sea and his heart was as big as the ocean…. I know that if [he] were still with us today, he would continue to share his love and knowledge as an avid diver,” Iakopo added.
“To everyone who has been anxiously awaiting the opportunity to visit the Grotto again, the time is here to make more memories.”
MVA encourages community members to visit the new and improved Grotto and also do their part to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the site.
Iakopo said the area will be maintained through the GCEA Public Private Partnership program.
Also attending the reopening ceremony were officials of the Office of Grants Management and State Clearinghouse, the Department of Corrections-Community Outreach Program, other agencies and lawmakers.
The newly renovated Grotto area is now officially open.
