A tropical gem that enchants visitors with its crystalline waters and lush landscapes, Guam is an underrated paradise tucked away in Micronesia. Officially regarded as a territory of the United States, it is also deemed as the biggest island in the sub-region of Micronesia. This spectacular island features seemingly endless white-sand beaches that shelter a delicate ecology, wildlife reserves that are home to indigenous flora and fauna, and stellar experiences that introduce you to native Chamorro culture.
One of the best ways to take in the island’s boundless natural beauty is by diving deep and exploring the world beneath its turquoise waters. Consider scuba diving in Guam for your next trip. If you’re curious about which places are worth the plunge, check out this list of the best diving sites in Guam.
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Air V&V - Get vaccinated while vacationing
Want to vacation worry-free in the new normal? Guam might just be the destination for you, thanks to the launch of the Air V&V program. This vaccination and vacation program not only offers the administration of either Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson with digital records but also COVID-19 testing when necessary.
The vaccination services are for those aged 12 and above and are available right at the participating Air V&V hotels, some of which are Dusit Thani, The Tsubaki Tower, Guam Plaza Resort & Spa, and Royal Orchid Hotel. To receive the dose, you’ll only need to present an ID with a photo, such as your passport. You may choose your vaccine depending on availability and may be jabbed a day after your arrival the soonest.
Air V&V Guam
Click below for more information about Guam’s Air V&V (vaccination and vacation) program.
Reef Dives
1. Plan a tryst with turtles at Agana Bay Dive Site
Agana Bay is a coveted dive site in Guam. It is especially renowned for ‘drift diving,’ a type of scuba diving where tidal currents propel the diver further, allowing them to span longer distances underwater with ease. This diving spot is located across from the AMT Beach House dive shop, and it is lined with both hard and soft corals.
Divers will be delighted to encounter stunning turtles and reef fish, along with a multitude of other marine gems at this site. Although it is known as a boat dive site, one can also engage in shore diving at this bay.
Agana Bay Dive Site
Address: Hagåtña, Guam
2. Explore unknown depths at Palace Wall Dive Site
Located nearly 35 to 150 feet (10 to 45 meters) under the surface of the sea, this exceptional diving site is a favorite with deep air and extended range technical divers. Access to this site can be found near Sheridan Hotel. This site features shallow reef flats, making it accessible and suitable for divers of all calibers. Ornamented with hard and soft corals, it is not only home to turtles, but also to a variety of reef and pelagic fish.
The best time to dive into the waters here is during summer, when the seas assume a calmer demeanor, allowing one to dive and explore with ease.
Palace Wall Dive Site
Address: Tamuning, Guam
3. Swim with the sharks at 11-Mile Reef
Known as one of the most exhilarating diving experiences on the island, the 11 Mile Reef site is also one of the most arduous dives because of its strong reef currents and erratic swells. Recommended only for advanced divers, this site plunges down to a depth of about 80 to 160 feet (24 to 48 meters). It is also located nearly 11 miles (17.7 kilometers) to the west of Agat Marina.
This boat dive is not for the faint-hearted, and access to the site can prove to be rough due to choppy seas. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for pilot whales or spinner dolphins. Once you take the plunge, you will be greeted by a diverse range of marine fauna, such as sharks, turtles, and barracuda and pelagic fish.
11-Mile Reef
Address: Agat, Guam
4. Discover enchanting sea anemones at Pete's Reef
This boat dive located off the coast near Facpi Point is an easygoing, fun dive that can be taken by beginners. Divers can expect depths of up to 70 feet (21.3 meters), and it can be accessed by a thrilling kayak ride as well. Apart from the usual marine suspects such as common fish and coral formations, divers will also be delighted to encounter huge snapper and pipefish. One of the main highlights of this dive, however, is the extraordinary sight of sea anemone that can be found on the sand channel, at roughly 45 feet (13.7 meters) deep.
Pete's Reef
Address: near Facpi Point
5. Conquer your fears at Blue Hole
This stunning heart-shaped crater in an underwater reef, located off the coast at Cabras Marina, is one of the most coveted dive sites in Guam. Often referred to as the ‘most requested dive site’ on the island, this exceptional sinkhole invites intrepid divers of all stripes and calibers to explore its plunging depths that range from 60 feet (18 meters) to 300 feet (91 meters).
Blue Hole is especially famous for having a deeper exit at roughly 130 feet (39.6 meters) that opens into the ocean. However, this is deemed to be beyond recreational diving limits and requires proper certification to enter. Watch out for a diverse variety of ocean life as you swim through the dark waters, such as octopus, snappers, marble rays, sharks, and turtles.
Blue Hole
Address: Cabras Marina, Piti, Guam
Wreck Dives
6. Explore war-era wrecks at the extraordinary Tokai Maru site
On a fateful day in 1943, the Japanese passenger-cargo ship Tokai Maru sunk to Apra Harbor’s depths in Guam. Since then, it has clung to its watery grave beside another war wreck, the SMS Cormoran II, which sunk during World War I. Over the years, this has collectively become one of the most intriguing shipwreck dive sites on the island.
Located about 120 feet (26.5 meters) deep, the Tokai Maru dive site is one of the most enduring vestiges of world war history under the surface of the sea. Its intrigue is further heightened due to the fact that both the Tokai Maru and SMS Cormoran II, wrecks from World War II and World War I respectively, can be sighted here side-by-side.
Tokai Maru Dive Site
Address: Apra Harbor, Piti, Guam
7. Be mesmerized by the fascinating Kitsugawa Maru wreck site
One of the most well-preserved war-era sites on the island, Kitsugawa Maru or Kitz, as it is fondly known, is a highly commended recreational diving site. The site harbors heavily barnacled but intact vestiges of a Japanese water tanker that sunk in 1944 during World War II. Owing to its perilous depths that reach up to 140 feet (42.6 meters), the site is only recommended for experienced wreck divers. Even these divers require the support of Nitrox for extended diving times.
Kitsugawa Maru Dive Site
Address: Apra Harbor, Piti, Guam
8. Swim alongside vibrant marine life at the American Tank wreck site
Experience the best of Guam diving when you head to the American Tanker wreck, which is an enjoyable and fairly easy boat dive that can be accessed off a breakwater at Apra Harbor. American Tanker was used to transfer fuel during World War II. Located at depths of 25 to 110 feet (7 feet to 33 feet), this wreck invites divers to explore a piece of fascinating World War II history. Apart from the historic wreck, divers will also encounter marine life such as damselfish, butterflyfish, and peculiar skeleton shrimp.
American Tanker Wreck
Address: Apra Harbor, Piti, Guam
9. Discover undersea treasures at Sharks Pit
A saltwater dive site reaching depths of up to 130 feet (39.6 meters), Sharks Pit offers a fascinating blend of war-era attractions and vibrant marine fauna. The site is located near the U.S. Naval Station, close to the Tipalao housing area. Historically, the area near this site was a dumping ground for the US Navy and it was also frequently greeted by sharks at one point.
Although they are barely visible in this area now, the site is still renowned for having an array of undersea war-era artifacts, soft corals, butterflyfish, and turtles. Another highlight of this dive is the groups of sea fans that can be encountered at nearly 45 feet (13.7 meters).
Sharks Pit
Address: Near U.S. Naval Station, Orote Peninsula, Guam
10. Visit the partially submerged Barge Reef site at Apra Harbor
This lesser-known dive site is located off Apra Harbor and reaches depths of up to 120 feet (36.6 meters). Interestingly, the highlight of this site is the actual World War II barge that rests atop a reef. Underneath, the reef leans into a sandy stretch that tucks away schools of rainbow runners, corals, and even massive sponge colonies.
Barge Reef
Address: Apra Harbor, Piti, Guam
Beach Dives
11. Explore Tumon Bay's exceptional Gun Beach dive site
For a fun and easy Guam diving experience, head to the beautiful Gun Beach, located in Tumon Bay. Reaching maximum depths of up to 150 feet (45.7 meters), this exhilarating dive promises encounters with coral wonders, manta rays, and turtles. To access this dive site, walk north along San Vitores Road until you reach the beach area past Nikko Hotel. Here, follow the cables that will lead you to the reef.
Another delightful fact about this dive site is that it makes for an equally spectacular nocturnal dive, offering divers a chance to rendezvous with many nighttime sea creatures.
Gun Beach Diving Site
Address: North Tumon Bay, Marine Protected Area
12. Spot spinner dolphins on this easy dive at Bile Bay
Featuring boat and shore dives, Bile Bay offers divers a wonderful opportunity to spot and interact with spinner dolphins. This site, located near Merizo, plunges to depths of up to 60 feet (18.2 meters). One will also encounter huge caverns and reef fish at this site. Bile Bay is also renowned as a popular kayaking and snorkeling spot, as well.
Bile Bay
Address: Near Merizo, Guam
13. Discover underwater bliss at Gab Gab II
A great option for both boat and shore dives, Gab Gab II undoubtedly offers one of the best experiences when it comes to scuba diving in Guam. The site almost always sees plenty of marine activity due to the feeder buckets stationed here. Plus, it is an absolute delight for first-time divers. You’re likely to be surrounded by a vibrant array of jackfish, butterflyfish, sea anemones, nurse sharks, and even octopus on your dive here.
Gab Gab II
Address: Near Santa Rita, Guam
Explore the underwater world of Guam
This breathtaking island in Micronesia is known for offering spectacular diving experiences. With an extraordinary display of marine life and coral beauty as well as historic war artifacts preserved underwater, Guam offers the opportunity of a lifetime to those who dive into its miraculous depths.
Air V&V Guam
Click below for more information about Guam’s Air V&V (vaccination and vacation) program.
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