If you’re planning a vacation to Guam island, this guide highlights everything you need to know to visit Guam, from things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and more.
Guam isn’t usually at the top of people’s bucket lists, but that doesn’t mean this small island lacks fantastic things to do! Located in the Pacific Ocean, Guam is clustered with the other islands in Micronesia.
It’s known for its sandy beaches, hot and humid climate, and frequent rain fall. But rain aside, this island also rocks some pretty hikes, unique natural landmarks, and a vibrant Chamorro culture that you have to see to believe. Additionally, the island has a large U.S. military base and a close-ish location to the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea, which means it’s also quite a diverse place.
Before you embark on your long journey to the island, this vacation to Guam travel guide shares all you need to know for smooth sailing.
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Is Guam a good place to vacation? Is Guam safe?
Guam is a beautiful and family-friendly vacation destination that’s just as safe as any other U.S. destination and possibly even safer. The island is a small community that sees a relatively low crime rate, and locals who live on the island are known to be friendly.
The Visit Guam tourist website shares helpful Guam safety tips for those interested in learning more.
How to get to Guam
Guam is a pretty isolated destination, so planning a vacation to Guam usually requires long travel times. Delta and United are the two major American airlines that fly into Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport or Guam’s International Airport. The only direct flight to Guam from the U.S. departs from Honolulu, so you’ll likely need to take a connecting flight.
Guam is a close location to countries like Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and China also means that many tourists from these Asian nations also frequently visit Guam.
Guam Vacation Packages
Guam packages are understandably a bit pricey due to the island’s far-off locale, and Guam travel deals are few and far between.
But there are different flight and hotel packages available on websites like Travelocity and Booking.com that you can customized to the number of nights you plan to visit Guam.Many of the resorts on Guam also feature vacation packages you can book directly through them.
Many planning a visit are interested in booking a Guam all inclusive resort, but this isn’t actually a common opinion on the island. However, one of the best all inclusive resorts in Guam is the Pacific Islands Club.
Do you need a passport to go to Guam?
It’s not uncommon to be wondering, Do I need a passport to go to Guam? Since Guam is a U.S. territory, visa entry requirements are the same as the U.S. If you’re an American citizen, you’ll need your U.S. passport. I’ve read in some cases, a Real I.D. may suffice, but better to come with an actual passport.
If you’re not an American citizen, you’ll need to read more about what visa is required to visit Guam. I know visiting America for citizens of other countries can be a complicated process, so be sure to research the requirements for smooth entry into Guam thoroughly.
When is the best time to visit Guam?
Guam weather year-round is known for being hot, humid, sunny, and rainy and sees consistent temperatures between 77°-90°F. So, you can’t go wrong visiting any time of year.
However, there are two distinct seasons to keep in mind when visiting Guam; rainy and dry seasons. September to June is considered dry season and therefore the best time to visit guam. Between July – November, the island sees the most rainfall. Although random rain showers can occur at any time, as can typhoons – it’s just a part of life on a tropical island!
↠ Read More: What You Need to Know when Visiting Guam: Essential Travel Tips
The Ultimate Vacation to Guam Travel Guide: Best Things to Do in Guam
There are countless things to do in Guam – mostly geared towards the beautiful nature and beaches of the island.
1. Snorkeling and Diving
Guam is famous for having some of the most beautiful dive and snorkeling sites in the world. Home to colorful fish, stunning coral, and even a few WWII wrecks, if you’re into snorkeling or diving, you’ll definitely want to consider doing it in Guam!
2. Beaches
No vacation in Guam is complete without spending at least a day or two (or three) at the beach! Guam has countless beaches along the coast and no shortage of shoreline to layout and soak up some sun!
Some of the most popular beaches in Guam are Tumon Beach, Sharks Cove, Gun Beach, Gab Gab Beach, and more! Just be sure to check the current safety warnings as some beaches are not safe for swimming.
3. Hiking
As an avid hiker, I had to check out the hiking on Guam – and the island did not disappoint. While the hiking trails in Guam are not particularly long or challenging, they are beautiful. There are trails to the tops of peaks boasting views of the entire island (Mt. Lamlam), to epic cliffs on the coast (Pagat Cave and Overlook), as well as caves for exploring (Talofofo Caves) and more!
4. Shopping
In downtown Tumon, the main shopping strip is a great place to wander and treat yourself. With many shopping posts in Guam, including high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, this is a great place to be if you’re a shopaholic. It’s also probably the best place to pick up your Guam souvenirs.
5. Deep-Sea Fishing
Guam is literally in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by nothing but a vast ocean. That means the deep-sea fishing trips off of the island are phenomenal. A few different tour guides run deep-sea fishing tours, but the company Aquaman is known as a highly-rated operator.
6. Dolphin Watching
Not only are the deep-sea fishing trips memorable, but so is the chance to go on a dolphin-watching trip! The ABC Dolphin Cruise is an excellent tour operator who takes cruisers out on the water searching for beautiful sea life.
↠ Read More: 21 Incredible Things to Do in Guam
Where to Eat in Guam
Guam may be a small island, but it’s also quite diverse. The island’s original inhabitants are the indigenous Chamorro people, and it’s a must to try the local Chamorro fare while visiting. Dishes like red rice, Kelaguen (similar to ceviche), and BBQ are amongst some of the must try foods in Guam.
The island also has immense American influence due to the U.S. military bases stationed in Guam and the thousands of military personnel who live there. And on top of that, Guam’s location in Micronesia, very close to surrounding Asian countries of Japan and Korea, means there is significant influence from Asian tourists from these countries.
This Guam travel guide wouldn’t be complete without mentioning a few of the best places to eat on the island.
- Pika’s Cafe: Brunch and Local fusion diner
- Jamaican Grill: Local Food and more
- Sushi Rock: Sushi
- Mosas Joint: Cozy Dining
- Hambros: Burger Joint
- Meskla Chamoru Bistro: Local Chamorro dishes
- McKrauts Bar and Restaurant: German Fare
- Ban Thai: Thai
- Mi Dahm Korean Restaurant: Korean BBQ
Where to Stay in Guam
Guam can easily be driven around in a day. With that being said, you can essentially stay anywhere you want and be in decent proximity to most tourist sites – no further than two hours max.
However, the best place to stay is in the downtown area of Tumon. This city is in the center of the island and is where most Guam hotels, restaurants, shopping, etc., can be found. Tumon Beach is also in the area, making it all the more convenient to kick off your beach vacation.
The best hotels in Guam are often considered:
- Hilton Guam Resort & Spa: a beautiful resort with ocean views and an incredible list of amenities like multiple swimming pools, water slides, tennis courts, spa, and onsite restaurants and bars.
- The Tsubaki Tower: a highly-rated luxury hotel and iconic Guam landmark. It’s situated in a prime location right off of Tumon Beach.
- Dusit Thani Guam Resort: a Thailand-inspired beachfront Guam hotel that boasts gorgeous decor. The resort has a spa, hot tub, and various restaurants.
- Garden Villa Hotel is budget-friendly Guam accommodation that offers apartment-style suites with private kitchens ideal for larger groups.
↠ Read More: Best Hotels in Guam
How-to: Getting Around Guam
While Guam does have a bus service and shuttle, I think it’s in your best interest to rent a car for ultimate freedom and flexibility. It’s the more expensive option, but it will help you maximize your time and quickly get to all of the off-the-beaten-track hikes, sights, and beaches
If you’re visiting Guam without ta car rental, here are your transportation options:
Stroll. Stroll is essentially the Uber on Guam. You can download their app and call a ride from anywhere on the island. It’s cheaper than the taxis on the island and is super convenient. Here’s where you can download the Stroll App before you arrive.
Taxis. There is also a national Guam taxi service you can use when visiting, but it’s a bit more on the expensive side.
Buses. There are buses on the island. You can find more information about the buses here and route information here.
Have I missed anything important in my vacation to Guam travel guide? Share any questions or comments about travel in Guam below.
I like that the guide addresses the diverse culinary scene in Guam, including local Chamorro dishes, American influences, and Asian cuisine. It’s helpful to have a list of recommended restaurants to try different flavors while visiting the island.