Top Reasons to Visit Guam

If you’re looking for a travel destination that feels simultaneously familiar and also exotic, Guam might be worth consideration. A lot of Americans move to Guam each year for work, and there is a significant military presence on the Pacific Island.

There’s a lot more to Guam than the military, however.

Guam is in the Western Pacific, a U.S. Island territory. Guam is the largest of what are known as the Mariana and Micronesian Islands, and it’s a good destination for all types of travelers, including families, couples, divers, and adventure lovers.

The following are some of the top things to know and reasons you might consider traveling to Guam.

The History

The history of the island and U.S. territory is one good reason to think about visiting. The history dates back to 2000 BC, a period of ancient Chamorro life.

There are more than 130 sites around the island on the National Register of Historic Places, and the Spanish era is where much of the history and culture comes from. However, the Americans and Japanese have also occupied Guam throughout history.

Today, the native Chamorro culture is what’s most celebrated on the island. The island’s original community of Chamorro natives has inhabited Guam for nearly 4,000 years.

Diving

Guam has a rich coral reef marine environment. In fact, you’ll find more than 400 types of coral and more than 1,000 species of fish. There’s a lot of well-maintained biodiversity, but you can also learn about the history of Guam under the surface of the water.

There are shipwrecks and submerged remnants of World Wars I and II off the shore. There are even sites that date back to the Spanish early trading days.

There are volcanoes and limestone forests in the south, so divers enjoy sloping reefs and drop-offs.

In the north are limestone caves and swim-throughs. The water is consistently clear and warm throughout the year.

As far as safety, Guam is considered one of the top diving destinations, and the U.S. Coast Guard and Navy patrol the waters.

Guam is the landmass closest to the Challenger Deep, the deepest point on Earth, although there aren’t expeditions available to tourists here.

Cuisine and Culture

Guam has some similarities to Hawaii, but with more influence from Southeast Asia. The culture and cuisine showcase the unique influences on the island throughout history.

As far as food, specialties on the island include hotnon babui, roasted pork, buenelos aga, banana donuts, and kelaguen, which is meat or seafood with lemon.

The culture is one rooted in celebration. The island people love to get together with one another, so there’s almost always something going on.

Village fiestas, for example, happen monthly.

There are also larger festivals like the Malesso Crab Festival, the Guam Micronesia Island Fair, and the Guam Live International Music Festival.

Guam is considered a melting pot, with incredibly hospitable people that love to talk and share.

Hiking

Even if you aren’t a diver, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy natural beauty, including as a hiker. They call it boonie stomp in Guam, and there are a number of waterfalls and mountains to explore. For example, LamLam is the highest peak on the island. You might also hike Marbo Cave, Waterfall Valley, and Tarzan Falls.

Two Lovers Point has beautiful views, especially at sunset, or you could head to Cetti Bay Overlook.

The Beaches

Even if you don’t want to dive below the water’s surface, you can still enjoy its beauty from the many beaches of Guam. You can surf, or just relax on the sand.

Sharks Cove Beach is one of the more rugged options off the beaten trail. There’s also Alupang Island, or you can relax in the shallow waters of Gun Beach. Surfers might go for the breaks of Talofofo Bay.

The beaches of Guam are often named as the best in the world, and no matter where you’re located, there will be one within 15 minutes of you.

Family-Friendly

As you might imagine from everything described above, Guam is family-friendly. So much of the culture of the island centers around family traditions and values. You can bring your kids to Guam, and there will inevitably be something to hold everyone’s attention.

Guam is definitely worth adding to your desired destination list if you want a unique place to go that also has some of the familiar elements you’re used to.