From shallow lagoons to wreck dives from two world wars, and from memorial sites to CHamoru culture, Guam offers different ways to discover an island. The contrast between its reef system and the historic Pacific War memorial sites is especially striking. Which side you explore first depends on whether you’re interested in underwater life, history or culture.
Reef Worlds and Experiences on the Water
Guam’s reef system includes dive sites ranging from shallow lagoons to World War II wreck dives in Apra Harbour. The shallow lagoons are suitable for beginners. In Apra Harbor, the German wreck SMS Cormoran II from World War I and the Japanese wreck Tokai Maru from World War II lie close together. This proximity is considered a unique known site worldwide for wrecks from both wars. Access and diving conditions vary.
Snorkeling is another option: Gun Beach is one of Guam’s popular snorkeling spots. At Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti, an underwater observatory offers viewing windows onto coral formations and tropical fish. Kayaking, parasailing and glass-bottom boat trips are offered from Tumon; providers and availability may vary. There are different ways to experience the reef, from viewing corals and fish to visiting dive sites and taking trips on the water.
Pacific War Memorial 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 during World War II. It also serves to preserve and interpret Guam’s outstanding natural, scenic and historic values and objects. The Agat Unit features remains of fortifications used by Imperial Japanese forces during the Battle of Guam. The Asan Beach Unit was one of two landing sites used on July 21, 1944. The Asan Bay Overlook commemorates people who died or suffered atrocities on Guam during World War II.
Historic remains are also preserved in the Fonte Plateau Unit: the remains of the Imperial Japanese forces’ communications center can be seen there. At the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center museum, interactive exhibits, personal stories and artifacts tell the story of World War II in the Pacific and Guam’s role in it. Specific exhibits may change. A torpedo-shaped Japanese Type C midget submarine stands in front of the visitor center; its placement may change.
The Guam Museum offers another perspective. Its 576-square-meter second-floor gallery provides an interactive visitor experience and is considered the first of its kind on the island. Individual exhibits may change. The different sites focus on different aspects, bringing remembrance, historic remains and the interpretation of history together.
Cultural Heritage and Built History
The Senator Angel Leon Guerrero Santos Latte Stone Memorial Park honors the ingenuity of the ancient Chamorro people and stands as a symbol of cultural resilience. The park offers a particularly accessible way to see a complete, preserved set of latte stones in their intended arrangement. Here, the stones and their arrangement place a tangible cultural testament at the center.
The old houses of Inarajan 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 cultural points of connection: architecture, a cultural village by the water and a well-known market.
Landscape and Getting Around
Ritidian Point lies within a wildlife refuge at Guam’s northernmost tip. The area includes a white-sand beach, jungle trails and the remains of an ancient CHamoru village. Plan your visit according to the wildlife refuge’s latest guidance on access and conditions. Two Lovers Point (Puntan Dos Amantes) is a cliffside viewpoint associated with a legend.
The Tumon Night Market takes place every Sunday evening from 5 to 9 p.m. Check the hours before visiting. A rental car is the most practical way to get around Guam, as public transportation is limited. Transportation options may change, so check what’s currently available as you plan.
Discover more destinations: Hagåtña, Tamuning, Yona, Merizo, Argentina, Vietnam, Portugal, Seychelles.
