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GENERAL Q: How do you get to Rota? A: Depending on where you are coming from you can fly internationally into either the island of Guam or Saipan. You then need to catch a local commuter flight through Star Marianas Air, which as of April 1, 2023 is the only airline servicing Rota. It does offer regular daily flights. You can book Star Marianas Air ahead of time through their website at Star Marianas Air Q: Are there any ATM machines available on Rota? A: Currently there is an ATM located at the Bank of Guam outside the building in Songsong village. There are also two Bank of Saipan ATM machines located at Sunshine Variety Shop located in the village of Sinapalo. One machine is inside the store and the other is outside the building to the far left of the store entrance. DIVING Q: Can we choose our dive sites? A: When you make a diving reservation you can request diving sites that you wish to visit, but there are no guarantees for any particular dive site for a certain time. Dive sites are determined on the day of your dive by the weather and ocean conditions. Your diving certification level and experience are also taken into consideration. Q: What is the visibility like? A: In one word, GREAT! and I know you hear this from every diving destination, but on an average daily basis I believe that we have some of the best visibility in the world, which usually runs at least 100 feet (30 meters) year round. Q: Do I need a wetsuit? A: The water temperature is usually 80-84 degrees Fahrenheit (28C) year round. We suggest a 3mm full wetsuit at the most. Q: Do I need to bring diving weights? A: No, leave your weights at home and save money on overweight baggage. Belts and lead weights are available. Weights in 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 pounds are available. Q: What kind of scuba tanks do you use? A: The dive shops on island mostly use Catalina "Compact 80" cubic foot aluminum tanks. These tanks are shorter, bigger in diameter and weigh a little bit (41 lbs.) more than a standard Luxfer aluminum 80 cubic foot tank. At your request you can also get aluminum 67 cubic foot tanks. Q: Do you have oxygen on board your boat? A: Yes, we carry a DAN oxygen kit on board along with a large first aid kit in case of emergencies. Q: Is Nitrox available? A: No, Nitrox is not available at either of the two current diving operators. Q: Can we do "Technical Diving" on Rota? A: There is no "Technical Diving" done at this time on Rota. If you want to do "Technical Diving" you would need to check out either the nearby islands of Guam or Saipan. Q: How far in advance do I need to make a diving reservation? A: The farther in advance the better. There is equipment maintenance, days off, vacations, etc. so if you wait until the last minute the dive shops might not always be able to serve you to the best of their ability. Q: Is there a recompression chamber on the island? A: No, there is not. The closet chamber is run by the United States Navy on the island of Guam, which is a 30 minute low level flight away. We suggest you do not push the limits and it is wise to have a DAN type of diving insurance. 
Q: Is it okay for me to dive and fly if I am only going to Guam or Saipan since the plane flies at a low altitude? A: There are no guarantees. We suggest you follow the DAN (Divers Alert Network) guidelines in regards to flying after diving. The guidelines can be found here http://www.diversalert network.org/research/projects/fad/results.asp Q: Can we collect shells? A: No, As per the CNMI Division of Fish & Wildlife regulations - CHAPTER 85-30 / 85-30.1-430 Harvest of Other Invertebrates / (a) Harvesting: No other invertebrates may be taken except as permitted by the Director. Any permit issued by the Director is subject to special conditions as determined by the Director / (b) Sanctuaries: Sanctuaries specified in 85-30.1-415(b) apply to other invertebrates / (c) Prohibitions: The exportation of any species of the following groups of marine gastropods (snails) or any part or product thereof, taken from CNMI water is prohibited: Common Name/Scientific Family Name - Cone shell (Conidae), Cowries (Cypraeidae), Egg Cowries (Ovulidae), Helmut shells (Cassidae), Murexs (Muricidae), Spiders and Conchs (Strombidae), Tritons (Cymatidae) and Volutes (Volutiadae). Q: Can we collect coral? A: Short Fish &Wildlife answer: No, Live coral cannot be taken. Although a license may be issued for the collection of dead coral from the beach above the low tide mark. A license may be issued for the collection of coral for "scientific research" purpose. All coral taken is subject to inspection by Fish & Wildlife personal. 
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