Adventure Tourism in Guam
Guam has become a tropical destination of choice for travelers from Asia, the United States and even Europe. Despite the rich history of Spanish influence and World War II significance, the attractions lie in adventure for many visitors to our island. With fun and safety at the top of the list, you can find everything from the sky to under the sea to keep your adrenaline running on our island. Explore the activities below to find something that appeases your adventure needs – no matter what your age. Experience paradise – Guam awaits you.
With its endless summer climate, man-made and natural sports facilities and myriad options to explore all, Guam is the perfect destination for sports and adventure.
Guam Snorkeling
There is no need for diving equipment to have a great time in Guam’s tranquil waters. The beautiful underwater gardens of Guam provide great snorkeling areas for those in search of an unforgettable adventure. Numerous snorkeling areas around the island are sites of colorful and diverse aquatic life in Guam’s cool and refreshing waters.
Popular snorkeling spots include Gun Beach, Ypao Beach, and the Spanish Steps to name a small few. Gun Beach is a beach paradise in Northern Guam and is home to one of Guam’s prettiest beaches. The serene waters make for safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience. Ypao Beach is located at the southern end of Tumon Bay and is one of Guam’s marine reserves. This natural aquarium is a spot to enjoy the multitude of colorful fish and coral gardens. The Spanish Steps is a beach site that is considered one of the more breathtaking snorkeling spots on island. Over-arching cliffs and a beautiful view of the vast Pacific Ocean surrounds the picturesque and shallow waters. There are dozens more snorkeling sites to choose from dispersed throughout the scenic island of Guam.
Snorkeling in Guam’s waters is an experience that you will cherish for a lifetime. It is not only an adventure, but each spot is accessible free-of-charge. Have a great time and save your cash for many of the other fun and exciting island experiences available to you.
Guam Fishing
On an island surrounded by water, Guam can be as much fun at sea as it is on dry land.
Fishing is as popular now as it was in the old days, when Guam’s ancestors were fishing for a living. Through cultural tours, visitors to Guam can learn all about the various types of net fishing such as the throw net or gill net. Those who prefer a more hands-on experience can do trolling or bottom fishing, available from an array of fishing companies.
Guam’s charters offer yearlong sea game of mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo and sailfish within minutes after leaving the dock. Customers need only arrive with a towel, some sunblock and the faith that they will strike.
Join boat captains who are familiar with Guam’s waters and know exactly where the fish are biting. Learn more about the mechanics of fishing, Guam’s sea conditions, and the nature of the fish that live in our waters.
Many boat charters offer a choice or combination of fishing, historical sightseeing, dolphin watching and more.
Treat yourself to an ocean view of Cetti Bay (otherwise only available via a mountainous hike), or the Spanish Bridge at Sella Bay. There’s also Fouha Rock, home to the creation legend of Guam.
If it’s free diving or snorkeling you want, Guam’s captains will take you to the calmest spots with the best underwater views.
Guam Dolphin Watching
It is no question that Guam’s waters are riddled with an active sea life. If you want a deeper experience of life beyond Guam’s beaches, consider venturing into the world of dolphins. Dolphin watching is a popular activity on Guam. A boat will take you along the currents of the ocean to catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures. The trip out to dolphin watching sites only takes a few minutes and during this time, you can take in the view of the breathtaking horizon.
Several outfits bring guests out on dolphin watching adventures. If you are in the mood to bask in the glory of these soulful animals, this is one of many boats that can take you to see these graceful creatures. Explore the world of dolphins in their natural habitat and spend a day beneath the blue of the tide
Dolphins are a gentle species so it’s safe to bring children along too. Your kids will love to see the pods of dolphins glide through the waters.
Not many people can say they’ve had the opportunity to dolphin watch out on Guam waters. It’s a great experience and you will be taking unforgettable memories away with you.
Guam Water Parks
Guam’s tropical weather provides an excellent opportunity to take advantage of the various waterparks the island has to offer. Grab your sunscreen and swim gear and get ready to explore the adventures each waterpark has in store.
Tarza Waterpark has the largest array of waterslides. Depending on how brave you are, you can choose from a slide with a 50-foot drop to other less gutsy options like the MasterBlaster black. Onward Waterpark is another waterpark that offers a variety of activities. The Manta is a popular ride that takes passengers, both solo and in groups, back and forth on a 50 foot slide. As your heart sinks into your stomach, the rush of the ride convinces you to do it over and over again.
One of the things these two parks have in common is their lazy river. It is the perfect place to sunbathe or to simply sit back and relax on your inner tube as the water pulls you along the river. Pacific Islands Club also has a lazy river to lounge around in the sun. One thing that sets PIC apart from the other two parks is that it also has a large river for kayaking.
Whether you are in the mood for adventure or just in the mood to relax, waterparks are always a fun option when you vacation on the beautiful island of Guam.
Guam Boat Tours
On an island surrounded by water, Guam can be as much fun at sea as it is on dry land.
Fishing is as popular now as it was in the old days, when Guam’s ancestors were fishing for a living. Through cultural tours, visitors to Guam can learn all about the various types of net fishing such as the throw net or gill net. Those who prefer a more hands-on experience can do trolling or bottom fishing, available from an array of fishing companies.
Guam’s charters offer yearlong sea game of mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo and sailfish within minutes after leaving the dock. Customers need only arrive with a towel, some sunblock and the faith that they will strike.
Join boat captains who are familiar with Guam’s waters and know exactly where the fish are biting. Learn more about the mechanics of fishing, Guam’s sea conditions, and the nature of the fish that live in our waters.
Many boat charters offer a choice or combination of fishing, historical sightseeing, dolphin watching and more.
Treat yourself to an ocean view of Cetti Bay (otherwise only available via a mountainous hike), or the Spanish Bridge at Sella Bay. There’s also Fouha Rock, home to the creation legend of Guam.
If it’s free diving or snorkeling you want, Guam’s captains will take you to the calmest spots with the best underwater views.
Guam Deep Sea Fishing
On an island surrounded by water, Guam can be as much fun at sea as it is on dry land.
Fishing is as popular now as it was in the old days, when Guam’s ancestors were fishing for a living. Through cultural tours, visitors to Guam can learn all about the various types of net fishing such as the throw net or gill net. Those who prefer a more hands-on experience can do trolling or bottom fishing, available from an array of fishing companies.
Guam’s charters offer yearlong sea game of mahi mahi, tuna, wahoo and sailfish within minutes after leaving the dock. Customers need only arrive with a towel, some sunblock and the faith that they will strike.
Join boat captains who are familiar with Guam’s waters and know exactly where the fish are biting. Learn more about the mechanics of fishing, Guam’s sea conditions, and the nature of the fish that live in our waters.
Many boat charters offer a choice or combination of fishing, historical sightseeing, dolphin watching and more.
Treat yourself to an ocean view of Cetti Bay (otherwise only available via a mountainous hike), or the Spanish Bridge at Sella Bay. There’s also Fouha Rock, home to the creation legend of Guam.
If it’s free diving or snorkeling you want, Guam’s captains will take you to the calmest spots with the best underwater views.
Waterfalls
A paradise island would be incomplete without a cascading waterfall or two, and Guam has dozens to explore. While some waterfall sites such as Talofofo Falls have been developed for visitors, the vast majority of the island’s natural waterfalls are very much in the pristine condition today as they were when the Ancient Chamorro people inhabited the island.
Guam has some of the most stunning beaches you might ever see but the island’s natural beauty extends beyond white sand beaches and sparkling ocean waters. Set aside some time to explore Guam’s natural spaces and learn about the island’s culture and wildlife.
Tarzan Falls
Ranked by travelers on TripAdvisor as Guam’s best waterfall, Tarzan Falls is a natural stunner that makes for an easy half-day activity. The trail can be quite muddy and tricky to navigate after the rain, but the panoramic view of the falls from the bottom of the trail is worth the effort.
Priests Pools
Though technically not a waterfall, Priest’s Pools is the site of eight cascading infinity pools that are named after the Spanish-era priests who often visited to bathe and refresh in the late 1600s. It’s an easy walk to reach the top pool, although climbing down to explore all of the pools will require some aide for little ones.
San Carlos Falls
The pristine San Carlos Falls and Swim Hole are quintessential hidden gems that are tucked away in the lush foliage of central Guam. This hike is rated difficult by local hiking experts and it is recommended that inexperienced and novice hikers hike with an experienced guide such as the Guam Boonie Stompers group.
Guam Boonie Stompers
One of the safest and enjoyable ways to see many of Guam’s hidden natural gems is to go boonie stomping – what islanders call hiking – with an experienced guide or with a group such as the Guam Boonie Stompers. Every Saturday morning, Guam Boonie Stompers leads groups to remote beaches, snorkeling sites, waterfalls, mountains, caves, and cultural and historical sites.
Diving in Guam
Hafa Adai and welcome to the marine world of Guam, USA. Guam has the richest coral reef marine environment of any United States territory or state. Thriving with more than 1,000 fish species and over 400 kinds of corals and a diverse set of marine invertebrates. In short, Guam has what divers want through its offering of superb Pacific coral reef biodiversity.
But the submerged natural marvels are complemented by much more. Guam also has a rich historic past that includes shipwrecks and submerged remnants from the wars of WWII and WWI. There are even sites from the far past of the early trading days of Spain’s gold-bearing Manila Galleons.
Guam’s beautiful topside landscape extends into the sea. Volcanic in the south and limestone forest in the north, this unique geologic combination gives divers steep, dramatic drop-offs, coral gardens, sloping reefs and Cocos Island, a barrier reef island in the south.
The coastal areas are pocked with protected bays and coves that are great for snorkelers. Guam now has a series of marine preserves that can be easily accessed from shore for easy snorkeling.
The north provides limestone caves and swim-throughs. And, Guam’s water is consistently warm and clear. Divers, snorkelers and beach lovers can enjoy Guam’s marine world throughout the year.
Safe & Fun
Guam is by far one of the safest dive destinations in the world in terms of both security and health. As an American Territory, it has U.S. Coast Guard and Navy patrolled waters. Dive boats are all certified through the U.S. Coast Guard and local Guam agencies. All boats are required to carry oxygen and safety equipment. Guam has Navy and civilian recompression chambers for treatment of any possible diving accident.
High standards are followed by the dive shops to ensure Guam retains its reputation as a safe, fun destination for those who want to enjoy the amazing sea.
Diversity Reigns
Guam’s coral reef ecosystems:
• Four seagrass species • 306 marine macroalgae species
• 403 hard & 77 soft corals
• 1,000+ fish species
• 128 sponge species
• 295 foraminiferan species
• 53 flatworm species
• 1,673 mollusk species
• 104 polychaete species
• 840 arthropod species
• 194 echinoderm species
• 117 ascidian species
• Three sea turtle species
• 13 marine mammal species
Diving & Snorkeling Practicalities
Equipment: Many divers are pleasantly surprised to find that Guam is tax free and is well- stocked with all major brand name diving gear. There are also some scuba equipment bargain deals to be had at the various Guam dive shops. If one wants to travel light, Guam has everything a diver needs for rental.
Guam waters are 82-86F (28- 30C) degrees year ’round with normally excellent visibility. A lycra skin will suit most divers. Local divers use 1.5 – 2 mil wetsuits and only the acclimatized use 3 mil. Above water temperatures never get below 74F (at night) and never get above 90F (daytime).
Instruction: Guam also offers all levels of instruction from beginning open-water and one- day resort experience through advanced instructor training.
Technical diving is also taught on Guam with reef and wreck venues for in-water training on scuba and rebreather. PADI is the major certifying agency here.
Imaging: Underwater photography can be rewarding. Digital printing is available. Guam also has a professional camera center that carries some top camera brands. Serious photographers should bring all of their own camera gear. There is an authorized Apple sales and repair facility on Guam and PC sales and repairs are also found on the island.
Clothing: Guam is tropical and almost always sunny. Bring protective clothing like a long- sleeved T-shirt and brimmed hat. Sunscreen is a necessity.
Getting There: Guam is daily served by dozens of flights from all over Asia and the Pacific. There are numerous direct flights from Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Philippines, Shanghai, and Hong Kong.
Visas: Everyone entering Guam must have a valid passport and an onward air ticket.
Money: Guam is a U.S. territory and uses the U.S. dollar. Major credit cards are accepted.
Electricity: Guam has 110V with the standard US two-prong flat pin plug.
Stay: Guam has a large selection of hotels for every class of traveller.
Eat: A huge selection of restaurants and cuisines can be found on Guam.
