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Activities & Experiences

Activities & Experiences

Outdoor Adventures

Guam’s natural landscape provides an ideal setting for numerous outdoor activities.

Hiking and Trekking

Difficulty Levels

Guam features various trails, from easy coastal walks to challenging jungle treks leading to waterfalls or secluded beaches. Moderate to Challenging trails (Tarzan Falls, Upper Sigua Falls, Mount Lamlam) demand good physical condition. Bring sturdy footwear, plenty of water, and insect repellent. A Hiking Backpack is useful for longer hikes. Hike with experienced guides or knowledgeable locals, especially on less-traveled trails.

Water Sports and Activities

Tumon Bay’s calm, reef-protected waters are suitable for beginners for snorkeling. Explore Piti Bomb Holes Marine Preserve. Bring or rent a Snorkel Mask. Numerous dive sites feature coral reefs and WWII shipwrecks. Dive operators offer guided trips and certification courses. Jet Skiing, Parasailing, Banana Boat Rides are available from water sports operators in Tumon Bay. Enjoy the calm waters of Tumon Bay at a slower pace on a Stand-up paddleboard or kayak.

Adventure Sports

Skydiving over Guam offers incredible aerial island views. Explore jungle terrain on off-road ATV tours. Zip-lining may be available at adventure parks.

Wildlife & Cycling

  • Dolphin Watching Tours: Spot wild spinner dolphins off Guam's coast.
  • Birdwatching: Guam National Wildlife Refuge at Ritidian Point offers a chance to see native bird species.
  • Fish Eye Marine Park: Its underwater observatory allows for close-up viewing of marine life without getting wet.
  • Cycling Routes and Mountain Biking: Dedicated cycling infrastructure is limited. Most cycling is recreational on less busy roads or specific paths.

Beach Relaxation

  • Enjoy the serene beaches, specifically the calm waters of Tumon Bay.
  • Many resorts feature expansive pool areas with loungers, cabanas, and poolside service.
  • A perfect spot for unwinding.
  • Swim or simply bask in the sun.

Spa & Wellness

  • Many luxury resorts in Tumon offer full-service spas.
  • Range of treatments including massages, facials, and body wraps.
  • Provides a relaxing escape.
  • Independent spas also operate in Tumon and Tamuning.

Yoga & Meditation

  • Formal yoga or meditation retreats are not common.
  • Some resorts or fitness centers may feature yoga classes.
  • Traditional Chamorro healing practices are for local community care.
  • Explore private sessions for personalized experiences.

Safety Tip

Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Check weather conditions before heading out, as trails can become dangerous after heavy rain.

Cultural Immersion

Deepen your understanding of Guam by engaging with its rich Chamorro culture and traditions.

Workshops & Classes

  • Valley of the Latte Cultural Park offers demonstrations of traditional Chamorro skills, like coconut husking, fire starting, and weaving.
  • Inquire about workshops for traditional weaving, carving, or music at local cultural centers.
  • Basic Chamorro cooking experiences may be available through tours or cultural initiatives.
  • Learning a few basic Chamorro phrases like "Håfa Adai" (Hello) and "Si Yu'us Ma'åse'" (Thank You) is appreciated. A Chamorro Phrasebook can be useful.

Performances & Community

Cultural Performances

Several resorts in Tumon host evening dinner shows featuring traditional Chamorro dances and Micronesian performances.

Community Events

Attending a local village fiesta is a prime opportunity to witness traditional Chamorro music, dance, and community gatherings.

Cultural Festivals

Guam Micronesia Island Fair (GMIF) and Gupot Chamorro (Chamorro Cultural Festival) are annual events celebrating island heritage. Stay updated on the Guam Visitors Bureau website for event calendars.

Community-Based Tourism

Support businesses and attractions that directly benefit local communities.

Artisan Workshops

Inquire about specific workshops for traditional weaving, carving, or music at local cultural centers.

Traditional Dance

Witness traditional Chamorro dances like warrior dances and blessing dances at cultural shows.

Entertainment & Nightlife

Guam's nightlife is mainly in Tumon, with options for evening enjoyment.

Live Entertainment

  • Live Music Venues: Some hotels and independent bars in Tumon feature live bands playing a mix of local, regional, and international music. Check local listings for schedules.
  • Theater and Performance Spaces: Formal theater productions are infrequent. Cultural dinner shows at resorts combine dining with traditional performances.
  • Nightclubs and Dancing: Tumon has a few nightclubs, mainly catering to tourists and younger locals, offering DJ sets and dancing.
  • Bar Districts and Pub Crawls: The main strip in Tumon has a concentration of bars and pubs where you can enjoy drinks and socialize. Some operators may offer organized pub crawls.

Evening Enhancements

Late-Night Entertainment

Beyond bars and clubs, some restaurants and cafes in Tumon stay open late. Duty-free shopping centers in Tumon also have extended hours.

Evening Fun

Enjoy cocktails at beachside bars and experience resort-hosted entertainment. Socialize with fellow travelers and locals.

Dining & More

Explore diverse dinner options and check local event listings for special nights. Relax under the stars at a quiet beachfront spot.

Planning Your Evenings

Tumon as Hub

Tumon is the heart of Guam's evening activities, with a high concentration of nightlife.

Varied Preferences

Options cater to various preferences, from lively clubs to relaxed lounges and family-friendly entertainment.

Local Guides

Inquire with hotel concierges or local event listings for up-to-date entertainment schedules.

Shopping & Markets

Explore Guam's shopping scene for souvenirs, local crafts, and international brands.

Traditional Markets

  • Dededo Flea Market: Operating on Saturday and Sunday mornings, this is Guam's largest and most popular outdoor market.
  • It offers a wide array of local produce, prepared foods, snacks, clothing, electronics, and souvenirs. It is a lively cultural experience.
  • Smaller village markets or pop-up craft fairs may occur seasonally; check local event listings for dates and locations.
  • Consider a Reusable Shopping Bag for your purchases to minimize environmental impact.

Artisan & Luxury Shopping

Artisan Workshops and Crafts

Look for small artisan shops or cultural centers that sell locally made crafts. These often include woven items (baskets, mats), wood carvings, shell jewelry, and art inspired by Chamorro culture.

Luxury and Boutique Shopping

Tumon Sands Plaza features high-end international luxury brands. The Plaza Shopping Center offers a mix of duty-free and specialty stores adjacent to major resorts.

Duty-Free Goods

Find a variety of duty-free goods at the airport and Tumon Sands Plaza for convenient shopping before departure.

Souvenir Recommendations

  • Chamorro crafts: Woven items, carved latte stones (miniatures), shell jewelry.
  • Local food products: Finadene sauce (bottled), Guam coffee, dried fruits.
  • Guam-themed apparel: T-shirts, hats.
  • Unique items reflecting local culture.

Ethical Shopping Guidelines

  • Support local artisans directly to ensure your money benefits the community.
  • Be mindful when purchasing items made from natural materials; ensure they are sustainably sourced.
  • Avoid purchasing items made from endangered species or protected marine life.
  • Choose products that minimize environmental impact.

Shipping & Customs Information

  • If you purchase large items or many souvenirs, inquire about shipping options directly from the retailer.
  • Be aware of customs regulations for your home country regarding items like food products, alcohol, or natural materials.
  • Keep receipts for your purchases for customs documentation upon return.
  • Check duty-free allowances for your country.

Market Experience Tips

Dededo Flea Market
  • Arrive early for the freshest items and to avoid peak crowds.
  • It's a cultural experience; take time to soak in the atmosphere.
  • Engage with vendors to learn about local produce and crafts.
Souvenir Hunting
  • Bargaining is generally not common in established stores, but may be possible at smaller market stalls.
  • Look for unique, handcrafted items that tell a story of Guam.
  • Consider items that are lightweight and easy to pack for your return journey.

Activity Planning Insights

For seamless booking of various activities and experiences in Guam, explore options on GetYourGuide.

Activity Planning Summary

Maximize Your Day

  • Plan outdoor adventures for mornings to avoid peak heat.
  • Incorporate cultural immersion activities in the afternoon or evening.
  • Schedule relaxation or spa time to rejuvenate.
  • Visit markets early for the best selection of goods and local foods.

Considerations

  • A rental car provides flexibility for exploring various activity sites.
  • Check local weather forecasts to adjust outdoor plans.
  • Embrace diverse options, from thrilling adventures to serene cultural experiences.
  • Support local businesses and tour operators for authentic engagement.