Guam: Reefs, Culture and History

From shallow lagoons to wreck dives in Apra Harbor, Guam’s reef system offers a range of experiences. There are also historic sites, CHamoru culture and natural attractions. You can plan your trip around the topics that interest you most—from underwater experiences to history and landscapes.

Reefs, Wrecks and Experiences on the Water

Guam’s reef system includes dive sites in shallow lagoons as well as World War II wreck dives in Apra Harbor. The shallow lagoons are suitable for beginners. The wrecks of the SMS Cormoran II and the Tokai Maru offer another historical dimension: the German ship dates from the First World War, and the Japanese ship from the Second World War. Both lie close together in Apra Harbor. The site is considered a unique known location worldwide for wrecks from both wars. Access and diving conditions may vary.

There is also a well-known spot for snorkeling: Gun Beach is considered a popular snorkeling site on Guam. If you would like to view coral formations and tropical fish from a different perspective, Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti has an underwater observatory with viewing windows. Kayaking, parasailing and glass-bottom boat rides are also offered from Tumon. The providers involved and the availability of these activities may vary.

Guam’s History at Specific Sites

The War in the Pacific National Historical Park commemorates the courage and sacrifice of the people involved in the campaigns of the Pacific theater of World War II. The park also preserves and interprets Guam’s natural, scenic and historic values, as well as related artifacts. Each site focuses on different aspects: The Agat Unit features remnants of fortifications used by Imperial Japanese forces during the Battle of Guam. The Asan Bay Overlook commemorates people who died or suffered atrocities on Guam during the war. The Asan Beach Unit was one of two landing sites used on July 21, 1944. The Fonte Plateau Unit features remnants of the Imperial Japanese forces’ communications center.

The museum at the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center presents the history of World War II in the Pacific and Guam’s role in it through interactive exhibits, personal stories and artifacts. A Japanese Type C midget submarine shaped like a torpedo stands in front of the Visitor Center. At the Guam Museum, a 576 m² gallery on the second floor offers an interactive visitor experience and is considered the first of its kind on the island. Specific exhibits may change.

CHamoru Culture and Architecture

The Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park commemorates the ingenuity of the ancient Chamorro people and represents cultural resilience. The park also offers a particularly accessible way to see a complete, surviving set of latte stones in their intended arrangement. This example lets you appreciate the significance of the stones as a group, rather than viewing individual stones on their own.

In Inarajan, you can also encounter a range of cultural influences. The village’s old houses reflect architectural influences from the Spanish period and the early American period of the early 20th century. Gef Pa’go Cultural Village is located right on Inarajan Bay. Chamorro Village is especially known for its Wednesday Night Market. Together, these places offer different ways to include Guam’s history, architecture and cultural traditions in your travel plans.

Landscapes, Markets and Getting Around

Ritidian Point is located in a wildlife refuge at Guam’s northernmost tip. The landscape there includes a white-sand beach, jungle trails and the remains of an ancient CHamoru village. Before visiting, check the refuge’s current information about access and conditions. Two Lovers Point, also known as Puntan Dos Amantes, is a cliffside lookout associated with a legendary story.

The Tumon Night Market is listed as taking place weekly on Sunday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. Check the hours before planning a specific visit. A rental car is considered the most practical way to get around Guam because public transportation is limited; check the current options as you plan.

If you’re looking for a hotel on Guam, you can start by considering which activities and topics are most important to your trip. Then match the locations of specific hotels to your own plans.

Discover More Destinations

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