5 Best Guam Tours + What to Know About Guam (2024)
If you’re looking to escape to an island paradise that’s smaller and even more remote than Tahiti, consider Guam. Located in the Northern Pacific Ocean, this secluded island is full of diverse landscapes, home to a rich culture, and offers visitors a wealth of activities. And, while you can certainly explore the island independently, I recommend joining one of the many awesome Guam tours. This way, you intimately explore this breathtaking island with a knowledgeable local! So, if you’re ready to embark on an adventure through Guam, here are the 5 best Guam tours I recommend checking out!
What is Guam Like?
For those unfamiliar with Guam, it’s a territory of the United States. In fact, during World War II, the island functioned as a crucial military base for the Allies. As such, you’ll notice there are several historic sites honoring the efforts of people who served there during the war.
In terms of geography, Guam is a tropical island with gorgeous beaches and a verdant mountainous interior, but not one quite as mountainous as Tahiti. It has everything from waterfalls to rainforests to tons of rivers! Truly, it’s a nature lovers paradise with all the stunning landscapes to explore.
Not to mention, the atmosphere is very laid back. But, there’s still the ever-present respect for the ancient Chamorro culture, which you’ll quickly learn to appreciate as you explore this beautiful destination!
Each year, the tropical destination sees about 1.4 million tourists, which easily eclipses the island’s only 170,000 inhabitants. But, with such an abundance of activities and Guam tours offered, it’s easy to understand why! Speaking of…
5 Best Guam Tours
Now that you have a bit of background information on Gaum, let’s dive into some of the incredible experiences you can partake in during your visit!
1. Valley of the Latte Jungle Riverboat Adventure Cruise
✅🌴 Check out the Valley of the Latte Jungle Riverboat Adventure Cruise
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 stars — 120+ 5-star reviews! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 4 hours
The Valley of the Latte Jungle Riverboat Adventure Cruise includes:
- Cruising along the Talofofo and Ugum Rivers in the Valley of the Latte
- Discovering a Chamorro village 1,000+ years old
- Learning how ancient Chamorros started fires
- Traditional basket weaving demonstrations
- A delicious and filling BBQ lunch
- Round-trip hotel pick up & drop off (if needed)
Why choose this tour? This is the highest-rated and most popular tour of Guam! It also offers visitors a chance to explore the island off the beaten path and to get a glimpse into the ancient Chamorro culture. The guides are knowledgeable and friendly, making sure you are comfortable and have an amazing experience from start to finish. And, of course, you get to try some tasty local food! So if you’re looking to delve into Guam’s beautiful culture, then this tour is perfect for you!
“I loved everything about this adventure. Although I was solo, everyone made me feel welcome and part of the group. The tour guide was very informative and funny, the lunch stop was very enjoyable and even the food was good. The water buffalo guy was awesome and definitely deserves a raise. This was definitely the highlight of my trip to Guam.”
– Darrien S. (see more reviews)
✅🌴 Check out the Valley of the Latte Jungle Riverboat Adventure Cruise
2. Guam’s Best Beach Diving – Beginner and Advanced Dives
✅🌴 Check rates for Guam’s Best Beach Diving – Beginner and Advanced Dives
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars – almost all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 3 hours
Guam’s Best Beach Diving – Beginner and Advanced Dives includes:
- Getting up close with colorful corals and tropical fish at Dog Leg Reef
- Seeing various wrecked World War II artifacts on the ocean floor
- Spotting Green and Hawksbill Sea Turtles
- All necessary diving equipment
- Can opt to do 2 dives
Why choose this tour? If you’re looking to escape the tourist crowds and experience Guam’s stunning underwater life up close, then this is the tour for you! Whether you’re a beginner looking to try scuba diving for the first time or an experienced diver, this tour is a great option. The guides are also highly experienced and are passionate about showing visitors the wonders of Guam’s underwater world. So if you’re like me and love getting up close and with all kinds of sea creatures, this is the tour for you!
“Bob was the absolute best! This was my first time ever diving and he made it fun and easy to catch on. I felt completely safe during the adventure. Even when I panicked, he was right there by my side to make sure I stayed out of harm’s way. It was absolutely beautiful and one of the most fun things I did while in Guam. I highly recommend!”
– Kenya L. (see more reviews)
✅🌴 Check rates for Guam’s Best Beach Diving – Beginner and Advanced Dives
3. Guam’s 5-Star Guided Snorkeling Tour!
✅🐟 Check rates & availability for this excellent Snorkeling Adventure
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars – nearly all 5-star reviews! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 1.5 hours
Guam’s 5-star Guided Snorkeling Tour includes:
- 90-minutes snorkeling in the clear water of Guam with expert guides
- All the necessary snorkeling equipment
- A quick snorkeling safety briefing
- Changing rooms & showers
Why choose this tour? For those short on time or who are perhaps not quite ready to take a full-on diving experience, this small-group snorkeling adventure is the best alternative. During the tour, you’ll be prepped on everything to expect, provided with all the necessary gear, and spend about 90 minutes discovering the diverse marine life that exists in and around the beautiful waters of Guam! So if you’re chasing after an all-inclusive snorkeling experience, be sure to check out this awesome company!
“Bob was excellent. My sister and I had only snorkeled once before and are not good swimmers. Bob was very attentive to our needs and we felt safe.“
George A. (See More Reviews)
✅ 🐟 Check rates & availability for this Snorkeling Adventure
4. Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard & Guided Snorkeling Tour
✅🌴 Check rates & availability for the Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard & Guided Snorkeling Tour
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars — near-perfect reviews! | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2.5 hours
The Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard & Guided Snorkeling Tour includes:
- Mask, snorkel, reef shoes, & safety vest included for snorkeling
- Stand Up Paddleboard w/ leash and paddle for SUP Lesson
- Explore a private beach in Guam’s Apra Harbor
- Complimentary drinking water
- Showers for rinsing off
- Small-group tour
Why choose this tour? If you’re looking for something to do that’s both fun, exciting, and relaxing, then this Guam tour is a perfect choice! Not only does it provide you with an opportunity to immerse yourself in some of Guam’s most pristine waters and see all its beautiful sea creatures but you’ll also get a chance to try stand-up paddle boarding in a safe and comfortable environment. Thus, if you want to foray into the more hidden gem side of Guam and observe the vibrant underwater world, consider this valuable tour package that includes snorkeling and stand-up paddling!
It was an out-of-body experience. It was truly incredible. Fish in all shapes and sizes and the corals had such vibrant colours. Whilst the paddling was great, the snorkeling was just amazing, you would regret not coming and it should definitely be on your list when you find yourself in Guam. Genuinely unforgettable.
– tOUR gUEST (See More Reviews)
✅🌴 Check rates & availability for the Learn to Stand Up Paddleboard & Guided Snorkeling Tour
5. Sunset Cruise – Dinner & Dolphin Watching in Guam
🛳️ NOTE: This sunset cruise around Guam is currently unavailable! I will update the post when it is available again 🙂
✅ 🌅 Check rates & availability for the Sunset Cruise – Dinner & Dolphin Watching in Guam
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ TOUR LENGTH: 2 – 3 hours
The Sunset Cruise – Dinner & Dolphin Watching in Guam includes:
- Round-trip transportation from pre-determined meeting points and select hotels
- 2-hour sunset sightseeing dinner cruise in a 53-foot catamaran
- All-you-can-eat barbecue buffet
- Unlimited beer, wine, and soft drinks
- Can upgrade to dine with the captain
Why choose this tour? The tour offers a great mix of relaxation, exploration, and delicious food! It’s ideal for those who want a completely hassle-free excursion that allows you to just sit back, relax, and eat/drink as much as you can while enjoying stunning sunset views over Guam’s water!
“It’s a nice trip and dinner. The staff are fascinating and very hospitable. Food is nice and place is wonderful. The whole adventure is fun and worth to repeat. We enjoy the show, and the company of the the other guests.”
– Gonzales (see more reviews)
✅ 🌅 Check rates & availability for the Sunset Cruise – Dinner & Dolphin Watching in Guam
Why Take a Tour in Guam?
In my opinion, tours in Guam (or really anywhere in the world) are almost always worth it because they provide you the opportunity to travel off the beaten path for a bit. I mean think about it, with a tour guide or local expert by your side, you can get a more intimate and personal look into the island’s history and culture. Not to mention, you can ask your guide any questions you have about Guam and get insider tips on lesser-known gems. Because who better to ask than a knowledgeable local!?
And, honestly, I’ve found that going on mini excursions always enriches my vacation experience as a whole. How? Well because more often than not, they help you leave the super tourist places, and you realize how much more there is to discover! This is at least how I felt. So, if you’re looking to truly immerse yourself in the unique beauty that Guam has to offer, consider taking a local tour while staying there!
Other Fun Things to Do in Guam
- Tumon Bay Mall – For those who fancy a bit of shopping, this is the most popular place to do some retail therapy. It’s located right along the scenic and often crowded Tumon Bay. At this shopping center, you’ll find everything from restaurants and cafes to cheap goods and high-end luxuries. (Beware the crowds! – it’s pretty touristy)
- War in the Pacific National Historical Park – This is a site I highly recommend making an effort to visit. At this memorial site, there are tons of historic monuments, interactive exhibits, a wall with names of the fallen from the war, and benches that you can even have a picnic on afterward. The park is extremely well maintained by the rangers, so try and make an effort to see the memorial park — you won’t regret it!
- Tagachang Beach – This beach is an absolute hidden gem that’s located on the northern side of the island. Because of its remote location, you’ll find that it’s much less crowded and not as well maintained. Regardless, this white-sand beach is a lovely spot to soak up the sun and relax!
- Puntan Dos Amantes – If you want to witness sweeping views of the island, then you simply can’t miss Puntan Dos Amantes, otherwise known as Two Lover’s Point. This spot provides one of the best vantage points of Guam, with beautiful views of Tumon Bay stretching out before you. There’s a $3 entrance fee, but it’s worth it!
Is Guam Worth Visiting?
If you couldn’t tell from the general tone of my post and how enthusiastic I am about all the adventure possibilities you can embark on…Guam is well worth visiting! It’s perfect for those looking for a relaxing island getaway, far from the hustle and bustle. Plus, this destination has everything for an idyllic tropical escape – stunning beaches, friendly locals, delicious cuisine, luxury resorts and so much more.
The island also provides you the opportunity to recenter yourself mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually in the island’s magnificent beauty. And within the tropical paradise awaits the compelling history and culture of the ancient Chamorros, which dates back over a thousand years!
Of course, if none of this sounds appealing to you in the slightest bit, then Guam may not be worth it for you. However, I encourage you to keep researching because new places can be worth visiting in unexpected ways!
Best Time to Visit Guam
Guam has a tropical climate and its weather remains constant almost year-round. This means that throughout the entire year, the average high temperature is about 88°F and the average low temperature is 77°F. Only the amount of precipitation that the island receives varies. For instance, during the wet season (July to November), Guam can experience around 22 days of rain per month!
Meanwhile, during the dry season, which lasts from December until June, the island has about 12-17 rain days per month. This still is a significant amount of rain, especially if you’re like me and from an area that receives very little rain, but “dry season” is just a comparative metric. Thus, based on the climate and weather conditions, the best time to visit Guam is between February and April!
Of course, the weather can be fickle, so arrive prepared, and don’t let the weather deter you too much from exploring this gorgeous island!
Is Guam Expensive to Visit?
I won’t lie, similar to most island destinations, it can be pretty expensive to visit Guam, especially for us Americans. This is mainly because there are no direct flights from the US to Guam, so you’ll have to plan for a layover in either Hawaii or Toyko if you’re coming from the United States.
Not to mention, unless you’ve got serious credit card points or have found a golden unicorn flight route, round-trip flights typically cost well over $1000! The cheapest one-way flight I’ve found was a whopping $800, and I have some pretty good flight search tools and techniques.
Another reason Guam is expensive to visit is that a decent portion of the goods that Guam needs have to be imported from other countries. This then causes prices to increase. But don’t worry… There are ways to keep costs down and it’s possible to travel to Guam on a budget. Almost all of the ways I discussed traveling to Tahiti with a tight budget apply to Guam, so have a peek at that if you’re looking to save!
✈️ NOTE: If you’re trying to find cheap flights, I like using both Skyscanner and StudentUniverse.
Where to Stay in Guam
If you’re looking for places to stay, I recommend using the interactive map below to check out different housing options! You can view up-to-date prices and easily tell where you would be located!
Guam Tours: FAQs
Guam tours range from 1 – 4 hours.
Prices for tours around Guam range from about $70 – $130. This may be expensive if you’re working on a tight budget, but again, I fully believe these tours are worth the money. Plus, you’ve likely already spent a good bit getting to Guam, so you might as well enjoy it! 🤠
In general, I recommend bringing a nice travel umbrella (in case of fickle weather), a bottle of water, reef-safe sunscreen, sturdy sandals, and a camera to record your adventure! For a good action camera, I love my GoPro Hero9 Black camera and highly recommend it if it fits your budget. And if you’re shopping around for sandal recommendations, check out Chacos! They are amazing for traveling through tropical conditions, breathable, and offer lots of support!
The shortest distance from Hawaii to Guam is 3,945.08 mi or 6370 km. This equates to about a 7-hour and 45-minute flight if you’re going direct!
Despite Guam having a reputation for higher crime rates compared to other remote places like Zakopane or Carcassonne, I would say the island is relatively safe. Nine times out of ten, you have nothing to worry about. But, here are three ways to stay safe and help you enjoy your time in Guam. First, avoid leaving your personal items unattended. Secondly, be aware of your surroundings, especially at night. Lastly, know the emergency numbers for the area so you know who to contact if something happens.
Wrap-Up: 5 Best Guam Tours + What to Know About Guam (2024)
Guam is a wonderful destination for any traveler seeking a unique getaway that combines adventure and relaxation. And whether you’re a first-time visitor, or just looking to explore further than the traditional tourist hot spots, there are plenty of amazing tours in Guam that can provide an unforgettable experience. From floating through the Valley of the Latte to snorkeling alongside the diverse marine life in the clear blue waters, this small island packs a punch! So don’t miss out, and I hope this post has enlightened you on some of the wonders you can discover across the island!
Explore Other Gorgeous Islands
- 🏝️ Tahiti: In need of an island getaway? Discover the stunning island of Tahiti and all the adventurous excursions the island has to offer. And just to make sure you have everything, be sure to check out my ultimate packing list for a perfect island vacation.
- 🇵🇫 Moorea: Learn everything there is to know about visiting the dreamy island of Moorea from Tahiti.
