Best Places to Snorkel in Guam
Guam, an island paradise in the Western Pacific, is a snorkeling haven that boasts crystal-clear waters, diverse marine life, and beautiful coral reefs. With its rich underwater ecosystems and easily accessible beaches, Guam offers unforgettable experiences for snorkelers of all skill levels. The island’s snorkeling sites are filled with tropical fish, vibrant coral gardens, and even historical shipwrecks, making it a unique destination for ocean lovers. Whether you're seeking calm, shallow waters perfect for beginners or more adventurous spots teeming with marine biodiversity, Guam's snorkeling spots have something for everyone.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the top places to snorkel in Guam, where you’ll encounter colorful fish, mesmerizing coral formations, and maybe even a sea turtle or two. Prepare to dive into a world of natural beauty.
1. Tumon Bay
Tumon Bay is Guam’s most iconic and easily accessible snorkeling spot. The bay is protected by a barrier reef, ensuring calm and shallow waters, which are perfect for beginner snorkelers and families. Tumon Bay is part of a marine preserve, which means its coral gardens and marine life are flourishing. Snorkelers can expect to encounter species like parrotfish, butterflyfish, and angelfish. The waters are crystal clear, offering excellent visibility, while the beach itself is lined with resort amenities. Tumon’s accessibility and abundance of marine life make it a favorite for both locals and visitors alike.
Location: Tumon, Guam
How to Get There: Easily accessible from most hotels in the Tumon area; it's a short walk from the main tourist district.
Can You Rent Gear? Yes, numerous rental shops and hotels offer gear.
Local Tips: The best time to snorkel is in the early morning, before the beach becomes crowded.
Ranking: 5/5
2. Gun Beach
Gun Beach, named after the World War II-era gun still present on the shoreline, is a fantastic snorkeling destination near Tumon. Known for its coral reefs just offshore, this spot is excellent for intermediate snorkelers who want to explore deeper waters. The reef is home to a variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral formations. Gun Beach’s dramatic cliffs and secluded location give it a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for those looking to escape the more crowded beaches. The combination of history and natural beauty makes Gun Beach a standout snorkeling location.
Location: Northern Tumon, Guam
How to Get There: A short drive or walk from the Tumon tourist district.
Can You Rent Gear? Yes, rental options are available at nearby resorts.
Local Tips: Head to the right side of the beach where the coral reef is more vibrant and diverse.
Ranking: 4.5/5
3. Ypao Beach Park
Ypao Beach Park, located in the heart of Tumon, is a favorite snorkeling spot among locals and visitors alike. The beach is part of a designated marine preserve, ensuring a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Snorkelers here can enjoy clear waters filled with tropical fish and colorful coral. Ypao Beach is ideal for beginners, as the waters are shallow near the shore, gradually deepening toward the reef. The park also features picnic areas and public facilities, making it a great location for a family day out. The tranquil environment and abundance of marine life make it a top snorkeling spot in Guam.
Location: Tumon, Guam
How to Get There: Located near the Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, easily accessible by foot or car.
Can You Rent Gear? Yes, nearby hotels offer rentals.
Local Tips: Snorkel near the left side of the beach for the best coral formations.
Ranking: 4.7/5
4. Gab Gab Beach
Gab Gab Beach, located on Guam’s U.S. Naval Base, is a hidden gem known for its incredible snorkeling opportunities. The beach features a large coral reef teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and a wide variety of corals. The crystal-clear waters provide excellent visibility, allowing snorkelers to fully appreciate the underwater world. Gab Gab is particularly special due to its relatively untouched marine environment, and it even has a small shipwreck that attracts schools of fish. Though access to Gab Gab Beach is limited to weekends and holidays, it’s worth the visit for a unique and secluded snorkeling experience.
Location: U.S. Naval Base, Guam
How to Get There: Accessible on weekends with permission from the base.
Can You Rent Gear? No, bring your own gear.
Local Tips: Visit early in the day to enjoy quieter waters and the best visibility.
Ranking: 4.8/5
5. Hap's Reef
Hap’s Reef is one of Guam’s most biodiverse snorkeling spots, located near Agat. This vibrant coral reef attracts a wide array of marine life, including sea turtles, barracudas, and even the occasional eagle ray. The reef itself is bursting with color, with various coral species creating a beautiful underwater landscape. While the currents at Hap’s Reef can be strong, making it better suited for experienced snorkelers, the effort is rewarded with fantastic marine encounters. Due to its depth and rich biodiversity, it’s a favorite among local snorkelers seeking a more adventurous experience.
Location: Agat, Guam
How to Get There: A short drive from Agat, with beach access nearby.
Can You Rent Gear? No, it's recommended to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
Local Tips: Go with a guide if you're unfamiliar with the area, as currents can be strong.
Ranking: 4.6/5
6. Fish Eye Marine Park
Fish Eye Marine Park in Piti is one of Guam’s premier snorkeling spots, offering both natural beauty and unique underwater attractions. It is known for its "bomb holes," which are deep, naturally occurring depressions in the coral reef that attract a variety of marine life. The park features an iconic underwater observatory, allowing snorkelers and non-snorkelers alike to marvel at the schools of tropical fish and coral formations. Snorkeling here provides the chance to encounter colorful species such as butterflyfish, parrotfish, and the occasional barracuda. The calm, shallow waters make it an ideal location for beginners and families.
Location: Piti, Guam
How to Get There: Located just off Route 1, about a 10-minute drive from Hagåtña.
Can You Rent Gear? Yes, rental services are available at the visitor center.
Local Tips: Snorkel early in the day to avoid crowds and maximize visibility near the observatory.
Ranking: 4.7/5
7. Anae Island
Anae Island is a hidden gem for snorkelers looking to escape the more tourist-heavy spots on Guam. Located near Agat, the island is accessible by kayak and offers pristine snorkeling opportunities in its clear, blue waters. The coral reefs surrounding Anae Island are teeming with marine life, including schools of tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes eagle rays. The tranquility of this location makes it perfect for a peaceful day of snorkeling. Since it’s slightly off the beaten path, the waters remain uncrowded, providing snorkelers with a more intimate connection with the marine environment.
Location: Agat, Guam
How to Get There: Accessible by kayak from Agat Marina.
Can You Rent Gear? No, it's best to bring your own gear.
Local Tips: For a calm and serene experience, visit early in the morning to avoid boat traffic and enjoy the clearest waters.
Ranking: 4.5/5
8. Sharks Cove
Sharks Cove, despite its somewhat intimidating name, is an excellent snorkeling destination for those looking to explore Guam’s rugged northern coast. A half-mile hike brings you to this remote cove, where the clear waters reveal an abundance of tropical fish, coral formations, and, occasionally, harmless reef sharks. The area is not heavily visited, so you’ll often find yourself alone with nature. Sharks Cove offers a unique experience due to its isolation and raw beauty, and the coral reefs here remain largely untouched by tourism, making it one of Guam’s more adventurous snorkeling options.
Location: Ritidian, Guam
How to Get There: Reachable via a half-mile hike from the Ritidian Beach area.
Can You Rent Gear? No, visitors should bring their own gear.
Local Tips: Be sure to wear protective footwear due to the rocky shoreline, and check the weather before setting out on the hike.
Ranking: 4.3/5
9. Coral Gardens
Coral Gardens, situated just south of Agat Marina, is one of Guam’s most stunning underwater landscapes. Known for its vibrant coral formations, this snorkeling site offers an impressive array of marine life, including lionfish, eels, and parrotfish. The calm waters here are ideal for snorkelers of all skill levels. The highlight of Coral Gardens is its thriving coral structures, which create a colorful underwater scene that feels like a living tapestry. With relatively shallow waters, it’s a perfect spot to observe a wide range of species in their natural habitat without venturing too far from shore.
Location: Agat, Guam
How to Get There: Accessible by boat from Agat Marina.
Can You Rent Gear? No, it's recommended to bring your own gear.
Local Tips: The visibility is best during the dry season, and visiting with a guide ensures you see the most vibrant parts of the reef.
Ranking: 4.6/5
10. Inarajan Pools
Inarajan Pools offers a completely different snorkeling experience, thanks to its unique natural lagoon formed by coral outcroppings. These shallow pools, located on the southern coast of Guam, are perfect for a relaxing snorkeling session. The pools are home to small fish, crabs, and other marine creatures, making it a peaceful yet fascinating snorkeling location. The surrounding scenery is rugged and picturesque, with coral formations rising dramatically out of the water. Inarajan Pools is ideal for those looking for a more laid-back snorkeling experience, where you can float and explore at your own pace in a natural lagoon.
Location: Inarajan, Guam
How to Get There: Easily accessible via Route 4, with parking available nearby.
Can You Rent Gear? No, it’s advisable to bring your own snorkeling equipment.
Local Tips: The pools are best explored during low tide, which reveals more marine life and calm conditions for snorkeling.
Ranking: 4.4/5
Guam is filled with snorkeling opportunities that cater to every type of ocean explorer, whether you're looking for beginner-friendly beaches or more challenging, secluded spots. Dive into Guam's vibrant underwater world and uncover its marine treasures at these incredible snorkeling destinations.
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