Exploring Guam’s Adventurous Landscape
Exploring Guam’s Adventurous Landscape
The beautiful waters, sandy beaches, lush terrain and warm climate of Guam, a tropical island located in the Western Pacific, make it an ideal destination to enjoy outdoor adventures year round. As I discovered on my recent trip there, the island serves up plenty of activities to enjoy the outdoors, including incredibly scenic golfing, some of the best diving and snorkeling, deep-sea fishing, hiking (known to the locals as “boonie stomping”) and so much more.
Diving and Water Adventures Galore
Guam is the richest coral reef marine environment of any United States territory or state – thriving with more than 1,000 fish species, over 400 kinds of corals and a diverse set of marine invertebrates. To me, that means two words: SCUBA diving. Guam offers Pacific coral reef biodiversity, beginning in the Tumon Bay Marine Preserve, right of the coast of Guam. Plus, Guam also offers access to dives in the Mariana Trench and even World War II shipwrecks.
If you’re not a diver, Tumon Bay Marine Preserve offers plenty of places to snorkel, swim, kayak, windsurf and stand-up paddleboard year round, as the water is comfortably warm. Don’t miss a wild ride on a banana boat (one of my favorite Guam adventures), flying high while parasailing or literally walking on the ocean floor during a SeaWalker Tour with the help of a special glass helmet that allows you to breathe comfortably while wandering the ocean floor. You feel like you’re part of the ocean, being surrounded by so many colorful fish and coral reefs.
For a sea adventure of a different kind, head out on a dolphin watching tour. It’s an experience like no other, watching dolphins playing in their natural habitat. Guam also offers some of the best deep-sea fishing in the world! Hire a local charter, and try your luck at reeling in a variety of sport fish, including sailfish, marlin, tuna and more. You never know what you might catch!
Exploring on Land
After enjoying the water, I decided to try my hand at “boonie stomping,” or what we know as “hiking.” Boonie stomping is the ideal way to explore the island’s unique terrain. Trek along winding paths, near jagged cliffs, through lush jungle hideaways (this is where the stomping comes in) and along secluded sandy beaches. You’ll see the island in a way very few visitors do, and the photo ops are absolutely incredible. I was able to make all my friends back home jealous! If you don’t want to hike alone, join the Guam Boonie Stompers on one of their tours. The Boonie Stompers meet on Saturday mornings. Make sure to bring plenty of water with you and wear comfortable shoes.
Time on the Green
For more land-based fun, golfers will find their very own paradise on Guam’s immaculately manicured courses. Imagine greens surrounded by lush tropical jungles, or hitting a tee shot from atop an ocean cliff. The island’s diverse courses differ based on local environment and difficulty level, but they all incorporate Guam’s unique beauty. Some were even designed by legends such as Jack Nicklaus and Arnold Palmer, so there’s plenty to keep things interesting (or frustrating, as golf can sometimes be).
No matter your level of thirst for adventure, Guam is an outdoor wonderland that’s sure to please, and while you’re here, the island offers a variety of rich cultural experiences, plus world-class shopping, dining and entertainment. This vacation paradise is waiting for you!
Adventures on the Water
Tumon Bay Marine Preserve
coris.noaa.gov/about/eco_essays/guam/mpa.html
Dolphin Watching Tours
visitguam.org/about/membership/directory/category/recreational-activities
Fishing – Boat Charters
visitguam.org/about/membership/directory/category/recreational-activities
Diving
visitguam.org/about/membership/directory/category/recreational-activities-diving
Fun on Dry Land
Guam Boonie Stompers
facebook.com/GuamBoonieStompersInc
Off-road Adventures
junglerulesguam.com
Guam Golf Courses Association
guamgolf.net/english
For More Information
Guam Visitors Bureau
visitguam.com