The Underwater World of Saipan is a 105-minute DVD showcasing the
incredible beauty and bio-diversity of Saipan’s underwater world. More than just a
highlight reel of Saipan’s amazing SCUBA diving this DVD takes you on 7 distinctly
different dives including The Grotto, Obyan, Banzai Cliff, Ice Cream, Managaha, Naftan
Point and Lau Lau Bay. The interactive map menu makes it easy to select individual
dives or to play them all in succession. The DVD uses 250 user-selectable subtitles to
identify more than 130 different marine creatures making it a valuable resource for
everyone from dive professionals to non-divers. In addition, a bonus 8-minute scenic
slide show highlights Saipan’s topside attractions including flame trees in full bloom,
wide open golf courses, beautiful white sand beaches, historic WWII tanks, bunkers and
guns as well as the island of Managaha and the view of Saipan from its shores.
What people are saying:
"Mike, just wanted to let you know that Bev and I have been watching your DVD tonight
and have been THOROUGHLY enjoying it. An excellent and impressive job! Bev and I
definitely give it TWO THUMBS UP! If we were only ambidextrous we'd give it FOUR!"
- Mark Robertson, Underwater photographer and longtime Saipan resident
"For the second half of the underwater DVD we turned on the "ID Fish" feature and found
it unobtrusive and a lot of fun. We'd forgotten so many of the fish names over the years.
I think we both thought that the most compelling moments on the DVD were the one where
the octopus changes color in an eye-blink. I knew octopi changed color quickly, but I
had no idea it was "that" quick. Pretty amazing. We also enjoyed the close-up shots of
the eagle rays gliding overhead. I'm sure divers will enjoy this, but I also think you'll
find an audience for people who don't dive. It will truly open up the underwater world
for them."
- Randy K.R. Schmidt, Long-time Saipan resident
Located in the western pacific, a short flight from Guam and 3 hours from Japan, the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is a popular tourist destination rich
in history, culture and natural resources. Saipan, just 5 miles wide by 12 miles long, is
the largest and most populated of the 14 islands making up an archipelago that stretches
400 miles (north to south) along the edge of the Marianas Trench. With a wide variety of
activities available including golf, deep-sea fishing, jungle trekking, eco-tours and
beach-going to name a few, the fantastic SCUBA diving and snorkeling here should not be
missed. Among the most diverse underwater ecosystems in the world, these waters are home
to over 800 species of fish alone not to mention beautiful soft and hard corals and all
the critters in between. Throw in unlimited visibility, warm tropical sun, unique
topography and regular visits by schools of spotted eagle rays and it’s easy to see why
this is quickly becoming a favorite for underwater photographers everywhere.
Cinematographer, photographer and PADI dive instructor Mike Tripp has called this island
home for more than 4 years discovering and capturing on video what makes this aquatic
wonderland unique. By taking you on seven distinct virtual dives, he makes it possible to
experience the islands unique topside attractions and diverse underwater world from the
comfort of your own home. With a little luck perhaps it will inspire you to travel to the
edge of Micronesia and discover the riches of this island nation first hand.
