Guam is a U.S territory that is a mere 30 miles long. But this island is packed with amazing beaches, recreation, a vibrant culture, and more than enough to see and do, all the while allowing you to enjoy the comforts of home. Guam is part of Micronesia and has a culture influenced by Chamorro, Asian, and American cultures. Here we’ll take a look at just ten of the many reasons that Guam should hold a rightful place on everyone’s vacation bucket list.
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The People
The Chamorro are respectful and social type, paying homage to their elders and making time to socialize within their villages. Some residents still practice—and offer instruction in—traditional basket weaving and canoe making techniques, illustrating their dedication to the history of their culture.
The History
History buffs can soak in their fill of tiny villages, or the San Dionisio Church first built by Spanish missionaries in the late 17th Century. Hagåtña, the island’s capital, offers a historic walking tour of the area, or one can head to the Asan beach park, which preserves the shoreline where the marines and army landed in 1944.
The Celebrations
The Chamorro culture is ripe with a celebratory attitude. Classic Chamorro fiestas are a regular part of life on Guam, and the entire village takes part in the fun. Locals come out to mingle with neighbors and visitors, play music, eat, and dance, giving you a real sense of the culture and inviting you in out of the clouded lens of the tourist.
The Food
Guam’s deep-rooted culture shows its richness through its amazing local dishes. The Chamorro diet consists of fruit, nuts, roots, and fish as primary ingredients. Rice is also strongly featured, and one can even sample "red rice", which gets its unexpected color and flavor from being cooked in water soaked with red seeds from the achiote tree.
The Diving
There are many local dive sites around the island, including The Blue Hole (featuring a hole in the reef to drop through) and the Kitzagawa Maru and Tokei Maru, two sunken Japanese warships. You can even charter a private boat 210 miles offshore to the world’s deepest point, the Marinas Trench.
The Comforts of Home
Because Guam is a U.S. territory, there are also luxury resorts and shopping, as well as good old American fare to be found at old favorites like the Hard Rock Café. The military presence on Guam has brought in much of the American culture—allowing it to be an exotic vacation that includes exciting new adventures coupled with the blissful comforts of the mainland.
The Scenery
Guam is full of scenic overlooks, waterfalls, and stunning drives. The southern tip can be driven around in a mere 40 minutes, and its less-populated state of being creates a beautiful backdrop. This rural area features a volcanic mountain range, Sigua Falls, black sand beaches, and even an ancient Spanish bridge.
The Attractions
Looking for adventure? Guam hosts a nighttime Ferris wheel, snorkeling, submarining, diving, hiking, cruises, skydiving, or even walking on the sea floor touting a diving helmet. The Gef Pa'go Cultural Park is a great place to find hand-crafted tokens, dance performances, and local food.
The Legends
Take in all that Guam has to offer, and don’t forget to stop by Two Lovers Point. This beautiful cliff line on the north side of Guam overlooks the Philippine Sea, and is the site of a legend of two lovers who leapt to their deaths because they were forbidden to be together in life. Then hop on over to Fouha Bay where, by Chamorro culture, a rock on the northern tip is believed to be the cradle of civilization.
The Beaches
The beaches of Guam leave nothing to be desired. The Northern Mariana Islands are a beautiful outcropping just northeast of Guam with beautiful beaches and plentiful sunshine. You can sunbathe, grab a round of golf, hit a casino, or take a look around underwater with some scuba gear. With water that isn’t too hot or too cold, every day is a perfect beach day.