Guam 2025 Guide: Must-see attractions, local cuisine, and practical tips! | Trip.com

Enjoy the Ocean Views at Tumon Bay

Tumon Bay is one of Guam’s most famous beaches, featuring clear waters and white sandy shores. Here, you can go snorkeling, kayaking, or simply relax in the sun.

Watch an Unforgettable Sunset at Puntan Dos Amantes

This iconic cliffside lookout offers breathtaking views of the Philippine Sea and Tumon Bay, making it a popular spot for watching romantic sunsets.

Trace WWII History and Discover Guam’s Past

During WWII, Guam was occupied by the Japanese and later reclaimed by American forces. Today, many wartime relics remain across the island. Visit the Pacific National Historical Park in Guam for historical insights, or join a Southern Guam tour to explore significant military sites like Asan Bay Overlook, Asan Beach Park, and Fort Apugan.

Take in the Beauty of Guam’s Beaches

Like many island destinations, Guam boasts stunning beaches. Tumon Bay Beach curves in a crescent shape, offering calm, shallow waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. Ritidian Point is known for its dazzling white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Experience Chamorro Village Night Market

Held every Wednesday night, this market offers local food, crafts, and live performances, delivering a lively cultural experience.

Savor Local Cuisine

Guam’s cuisine combines flavors from Chamorro, Filipino, Japanese, and American traditions. Must-try dishes include red rice, kelaguen (a raw meat salad), and BBQ chicken.

Enjoy Duty-Free Shopping in Guam

As a duty-free port, Guam has large shopping centers with a variety of local and international brands, as well as unique souvenirs.

Dolphin Watching Excursions

The waters around Guam are home to bottlenose dolphins. Join a dolphin-watching cruise to catch sight of dolphins swimming, jumping, and sometimes even following the boat in pods.

Challenge Yourself with Thrilling Water Sports

Guam’s beaches offer an array of water sports like windsurfing, water skiing, and jet skiing. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned athlete, there’s something for everyone.

Dive into the Blue and Discover a Vibrant Underwater World

Guam’s underwater scenery is rich and colorful. Join a diving tour to explore coral reefs, shipwrecks, and a variety of marine life.

Guam features a variety of attractions including the tourist hub of Tumon Bay, the interactive UnderWater World aquarium, the culturally-rich Puntan Dos Amantes with panoramic views, the family-friendly Pacific Islands Club resort, and the serene Inarajan Natural Pool, each showcasing aspects of the island's rich heritage and natural beauty.

Tumon Bay, the cornerstone of Guam's tourist industry, is distinguished by its pristine beaches and historical features. As a marine preserve, it underscores the commitment to conserving its vibrant marine life. The bay's historical tapestry includes ties to early explorers like Magellan and events from the Spanish-Chamorro Wars, adding layers of cultural richness. Today, Tumon Bay thrives with numerous hotels and attractions, offering recreational experiences for visitors.

UnderWater World in Guam allows visitors to immerse themselves in a remarkable underwater experience, highlighted by a tube aquarium where one can view diverse marine species, including sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays, up close. Visitors can participate in interactive activities like swimming with aquatic creatures or touching a shark's egg, besides engaging in educational programs aimed at understanding marine ecosystems.

Two Lover's Point, known as Guam's top visitor attraction, merges natural beauty with a legendary tale of love and sacrifice. The site offers visitors stunning views of Guam's diverse landscapes from a cliff standing 368 feet high. Cultural experiences such as the Heart Lock Wall and the scenic Lookout Point enrich visitors' understanding of the enduring love story and Chamorro culture.

Set on the serene Tumon Bay, Pacific Islands Club Guam stands out with its blend of leisure and adventure, making it perfect for family vacations. The resort offers multiple aquatic activities, such as snorkeling and windsurfing, alongside the cultural appeal through traditional performances and crafts workshops, highlighting Guam's rich heritage.

With its luxurious spa services, guests enjoy both excitement and relaxation in a beautiful tropical setting, enhanced by diverse dining experiences and professional event facilities.

Inarajan Natural Pool, located in southern Guam, provides a serene escape with its limestone and volcanic rock formations creating crystal-clear waters ideal for swimming and snorkeling. The site also includes an old diving board, which has become an iconic feature, offering visitors a unique diving experience. The ideal visiting period is during the dry season from December to June, due to better weather conditions.

Guam's food scene is defined by its indigenous Chamorro culture with staples like the flavorful Chamorro barbecue with finadene sauce, vibrant red rice, rich chicken kelaguen, and locally adapted pancit, highlighting fresh ingredients and a fusion of tastes.

Guam's cuisines are deeply shaped by its indigenous Chamorro culture, making Chamorro barbecue an essential experience. Known for their skillful use of diverse spices and sauces, the locals have a particular penchant for barbecue.

With fresh ingredients and rich flavors, Chamorro barbecue is superb, especially when enjoyed with the local staple, finadene sauce.

Red rice is a ubiquitous traditional dish in Guam. To prepare it, seeds from the Achote plant are soaked in warm, salted water and rubbed to extract an orange-red dye.Then, mix the dye with rice and steamed it, infusing the rice with a vibrant orange-red hue. Peas, onions, and garlic can be added for extra flavor.

Chicken kelaguen from Guam is not just any ordinary salad; it's a main dish at the Chamorro festival feasts. This dish features tender, juicy grilled chicken shredded and mixed with lemon juice, fresh coconut milk, and hot peppers. The fusion of these flavors creates a rich, lingering taste experience.

Pancit, originating from the Minnan language, is a term used for noodles in the Philippines and has become popular in Guam due to immigration. This dish, modified locally, resembles vermicelli in texture and is enhanced with fresh seasonal vegetables and grilled meat, offering a distinctive taste.

Guam's transportation infrastructure prominently features its international airport and passenger ports, serving as vital hubs for both air and sea travel.

Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport, located in Tamuning and Barrigada, is the principal gateway to Guam and its only international airport. Named after Antonio Borja Won Pat, it has played a significant role in the island's connectivity since World War II. As Guam's main air hub, it handles multiple international flights daily, connecting passengers from Asia and the Pacific to this island. Visitors can conveniently access the capital city, Hagatna, and nearby hotels, especially around Tumon Bay, which is about two miles from the airport.

Apra Harbor is the main passenger port in Guam and a crucial pivot for marine travel. Recognized for its deepwater capabilities, it accommodates several cruise ships annually, contributing to the island's status as a popular cruise destination. The harbor's location provides easy reach to historical sites, local attractions, and cultural venues. Shuttles from Apra Harbor aid travelers in reaching major areas like Tumon for accommodations and shopping needs, fulfilling the transit requirements efficiently.

Bus transportation in Guam is mainly managed by the Guam Mass Transit Authority. The system includes nine bus routes that collectively cover most of the villages on the island, operating at frequencies ranging. Standard fares are affordable, with various discounts available for different passenger groups.

Taxis in Guam are another common transportation option, available at hotels and major shopping centers. They operate with regulated meters, ensuring consistent pricing for travelers.

Guam is a captivating tropical destination that offers a mix of beautiful beaches, historical sites, and modern amenities. The island's accommodation options are concentrated mainly around Tumon Bay but extend to the villages of Hagatna, Maite, Tamuning, and Mangilao. Each provides convenient access to the Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport and other local attractions.

Tumon is the vital heart of Guam’s tourism, teeming with top-tier resorts, shopping centers, and white-sand beaches. This district hosts most luxury and family hotels poised along beautiful Tumon Bay. The area is perfect for water sports enthusiasts, offering superb conditions for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Tumon is also a good choice for shopping enthusiasts. It has high-end shopping venues like T-Galleria and The Plaza Shopping Center, connected by convenient public transport like trolleys. It also has sites like the Padre San Vitores Shrine, which commemorates significant local history.

The optimal period to visit Guam is between January and May. During these months, you can experience moderate temperatures and plentiful sunshine, making it ideal for beach activities and exploring the island’s natural landscapes.

1. Stay Alert for Natural Disasters
Guam is prone to natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. Stay informed about local emergency procedures, create an emergency plan, and prepare a disaster supply kit. Follow instructions from local authorities and have a plan for evacuation if necessary.

2. Beach and Water Safety
Guam's beaches are beautiful but can be dangerous due to strong currents and jellyfish. Always swim in designated areas, follow local safety guidelines, and be cautious when swimming or snorkeling. Use a lifejacket, swim with a buddy, and be aware of posted hazard signs. If caught in a rip current, swim parallel to the shore.

3. Observe Drone Regulations
Drone photography is popular in Guam, but there are strict regulations. Always check local laws and obtain necessary permits before flying a drone. Avoid restricted areas such as military bases, government facilities, and wildlife refuges. Drones over a certain weight must be registered with the FAA.

4. Rent a Car for Convenience and Flexibility
Public transportation in Guam is limited, so renting a car is often the best way to explore the island. Make sure to book your rental in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, for greater flexibility.

Guam recognizes English and Chamorro as official languages. 

The Chamorro language, deeply rooted in its indigenous people, has experienced suppression but was reinstated officially in 1974.Despite this, the language remains endangered, with declining fluent speakers.

Travelers to Guam may encounter multilingual locals, with Japanese also notably used.

For effective communication, tourists could consider learning basic Chamorro terms or using translation apps.

Non-verbal cues like gestures also aid in overcoming language barriers.

GTG Rides: A ride-hailing service in Guam offering safe, efficient transportation solutions catering to diverse needs, such as airport transfers and tourist travel.

Guam Land Info: Provides information about landmarks, street maps, and land use zones in Guam, crucial for tourists wanting to explore the island.

Amble App: Introduced by the Guam Regional Transit Authority for paratransit riders, this app aids in requesting trips and real-time ride tracking.

The Guam Guide mobile app: Keeps users updated on new restaurants, activities, arts, and culture in Guam.

Shop Guam Festival app: Offers information about events, shopping, dining promotions, tours, and cultural activities in Guam.

Trip.com: A popular online travel platform that provides a comprehensive range of services including booking flights.

Mobile data packages for immigrants in the United States are available through providers like Holafly, which offers unlimited mobile data. It is advisable to purchase a SIM card before starting the trip to effectively compare plans and prices. Holafly provides an eSIM North America package with coverage in the USA. Other options include AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Lycamobile, and Black Wireless. Holafly stands out for its customizable plans and multilingual customer service.

Public WiFi is widely accessible throughout the United States. Many coffee shops, restaurants, public libraries, and some hotels offer it for free. However, some hotels may charge a fee for WiFi, and availability can vary depending on the location, such as in lobbies or guest rooms. Additionally, WiFi is also available on various modes of transportation, including trains, buses, and airplanes.

Guam features a tropical marine climate, warm and humid year-round, moderated by seasonal tradewinds. It experiences two primary seasons: a dry season from January to June and a wet, rainy season from July to December, receiving an annual rainfall between 84 to 116 inches. Due to its geographical location, Guam faces common occurrences of tropical storms and typhoons, particularly from July through November. The island's weather can significantly vary due to influences like the El-Nino Southern Oscillation and seasonal tropical cyclones.

For travelers, packing should include light, breathable clothing, a sturdy pair of walking shoes for hiking, and rain gear for sudden downpours. Given the high humidity and intense sunlight, it is advised to carry sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to protect against UV radiation. Emergency preparedness for tropical storms is critical, including awareness of local emergency plans and maintaining a basic emergency kit during the typhoon season.

In Guam, popular payment methods include mobile payments, credit cards, and cash.

Mobile payments like Apple Pay, Google Pay, and PayPal are widely accepted for various transactions. Credit card usage is common, particularly for international travellers, although card payments with Square are not supported in Guam.

Cash also remain a significant mode of payment, especially for smaller purchases.

When using mobile payments and credit cards, be mindful of potential transaction fees and ensure the payment platform is supported in Guam. For cash, carrying some local currency is advisable to aid smoother transactions.