Discover the Wonders of Guam
Gun Beach in Tumon Bay. Photo Credit: Celia Bohnhoff
Welcome to Guam, a breathtaking U.S. territory located in the heart of the Pacific Ocean and the largest island in the beautiful Micronesia region. If you love the ocean or have ever been curious about what lies beneath the waves, Guam is the perfect place for your next scuba diving adventure! The island is part of the Marianas Archipelago, and as the southernmost island, it's home to a truly staggering array of marine life. In fact, Guam boasts over 1,000 species of reef fish and 600 different kinds of coral—making it a scuba diver's dream come true.
Guam’s waters are teeming with life, offering fringing reefs, patch reefs, submerged reefs, offshore banks, and even a barrier reef. The biodiversity here is like no other, and whether you're a seasoned diver, just starting or wanting to learn, the variety of dive sites and underwater ecosystems will amaze you.
And if you're wondering what Guam has to offer in terms of rest and recreation, you'll be thrilled to know that we boast one of the world's best diving spots. Guam is truly a paradise for divers, offering an unmatched blend of adventure, relaxation, and awe-inspiring underwater beauty.
The Mariana Trench: Diving Deep into the Ocean's Secrets
An MDA dive student and a Green Sea Turtle Photo Credit: Kenneth F Holbein
One of Guam’s most unique features is its proximity to the Mariana Trench, just 250 miles away. If you didn’t know, the Mariana Trench is the deepest point in the ocean, plunging to a mind-boggling 6.8 miles below sea level! Because of this, Guam attracts not only divers but also explorers and scientists who want to unlock the mysteries of the deep. Remember Titanic director and avid explorer James Cameron?
In 2012, he achieved a lifelong dream by diving into the Mariana Trench aboard the Deepsea Challenger. His submersible vehicle dove to the Trench's depths just north of Guam. If you’re interested in his adventure, he even documented it in his film Deepsea Challenge, released in 2014.
While we might not be diving that deep on a recreational dive (thankfully!), the rich sea life around Guam, thanks to the nearby Trench, creates some of the most extraordinary underwater landscapes you’ll ever see.
Warm Waters and Perfect Diving Conditions
Another fantastic thing about Guam is its warm water temperatures year-round. Imagine diving in the comfort of 82-degree waters in February or 86 degrees in August—no wetsuits necessary! Being close to the equator has its perks, and the island's constant sunshine keeps the ocean waters perfect for diving, no matter when you visit. It’s ideal for both beginners and experienced divers alike, and who wouldn’t love warm water surrounding them as they explore the ocean?
Photo Credit: LMG Photography with Permission from Lee Webber (MDA)
Some of the most popular dives in Guam are the WWI and WWII shipwrecks as well as the Spanish Galleon, the Pilar. All the wrecks are located on the Southern end of the island. Several Scuba companies in Guam offer boat dive packages that explore the wrecks, three of which are easily accessible from the Navy Base.
Guam's Legendary Shipwrecks
Photo Credit: LMG Photography with Permission from Lee Webber (MDA)
One of Guam’s major attractions for scuba divers is the incredible collection of historic shipwrecks that dot the southern end of the island. These wrecks offer not only a glimpse into history but also exciting dive adventures. Several scuba companies on the island provide dive packages that will take you to these underwater time capsules, and some are conveniently located near the Navy Base.
The Famous Shipwrecks of Apra Harbor
Let’s talk about some of the most famous wrecks you can explore. Down in Apra Harbor, there are four major shipwrecks, three of which are accessible to divers. One of the most famous is the SMS Cormoran II, a WWI German auxiliary cruiser that was intentionally sunk by its own captain to prevent its capture by the U.S. in 1917. Resting 120 feet below the surface, the Cormoran II is nearly fully accessible to divers, making it an extraordinary experience.
Photo Credit: LMG Photography with Permission from Lee Webber (MDA)
What’s even more fascinating is that this shipwreck lies right next to another historic wreck: the Tokai Maru. The Tokai Maru was a WWII Japanese freighter, originally designed as a luxury vessel but repurposed for war efforts. Sunk by a torpedo in 1943, it rests between 40 and 120 feet deep. Divers are often thrilled to discover that they can touch both the Cormoran II and Tokai Maru at the same time—an experience that’s pretty rare and one-of-a-kind in the world!
Photo Credit: LMG Photography with Permission from Lee Webber (MDA)
The Kitsugawa Maru: A WWII Mystery
Another shipwreck that shouldn’t be missed is the Kitsugawa Maru, a WWII supply ship that met its fate in Apra Harbor. It was hit by a U.S. submarine in 1944, but despite its damage, it was refurbished by the Japanese. After further attacks by the U.S., it was finally scuttled (intentionally sunk) by gunfire. Although the Kitsugawa Maru sustained more damage later on when a Navy ship mistakenly anchored near the wreck, it’s still a fascinating dive for those with a Nitrox certification, as it sits at depths of 130-140 feet.
Photo Credit: LMG Photography with Permission from Lee Webber (MDA)
The Blue Hole: Guam's Most Famous Dive
If you’re looking for the most popular and iconic dive site in Guam, look no further than the Blue Hole. Located just south of Apra Harbor’s opening, this incredible dive site is a crater-like formation in the reef, filled with vibrant marine life. Sharks, turtles, octopuses, and marble rays are just a few of the creatures that make the Blue Hole their home.
As you descend into the crevice, you’ll be amazed at the heart-shaped opening that you leave behind—quite a sight to see! The Blue Hole has a depth range from 50 feet (where the opening begins) to over 200 feet deep. Depending on how far you want to explore, different certification levels are required, but even at the shallower depths, the beauty of this dive is undeniable. And don’t forget to snap that essential underwater photo!
Photo Credit: LMG Photography with Permission from Lee Webber (MDA)
Gun Beach: A Gem for Beginners and Experts Alike
For a more relaxed shore dive, head up to Gun Beach, located on the northern side of Guam in Tumon Bay. Unlike the deeper wreck dives, Gun Beach has a more shallow depth, ranging from 10-30 feet, making it a fantastic spot for beginner divers. But don’t be fooled—the marine life here is just as stunning! Turtles, rays, and colorful schools of fish call this place home, thanks to its protected status within the Tumon Marine Preserve.
If you love snorkeling, Gun Beach is also a great spot to enjoy some underwater exploration without having to go too deep. Whether you’re diving or snorkeling, the vibrant coral reefs and rich marine biodiversity here won’t disappoint.
Gun Beach in Tumon Bay. Photo Credit: Celia Bohnhoff
Dive Centers in Guam: Ready to Guide Your Adventure
Guam is home to several outstanding dive centers that can provide everything you need for your underwater adventure. Here are a few top-rated places to check out:
1. MDA (Micronesian Divers Association)
With locations in Piti and the Navy Base, MDA has been a top scuba training center for over 40 years. Whether you’re a beginner looking to get certified or an experienced diver interested in advanced courses, MDA has it all. They offer everything from shore dives to boat dives, and even specialty courses like their “Get Wrecked in Guam Diver” or the “Tokai Cormoran Diver” course. Fun fact: they’ve certified nearly 80,000 divers!
2. GTDS (Guam Tropical Dive Station)
Situated in East Hagatña, GTDS offers a range of diving certifications, from entry-level to professional. They’ve been around since 1992 and are one of Guam’s premier dive centers. Whether you’re interested in wreck diving, boat diving, or even dolphin watching tours, GTDS has options for everyone. And if you’re new to diving, their introductory courses will help you discover a whole new world under the sea.
3. AMT (Axe Murderer Tours)
Don’t let the name scare you—AMT is a fantastic dive center located in Hagatña that offers certifications from beginner to advanced levels. With training available at the Sheraton Hotel pool and shore diving options right on Scuba Beach, AMT makes it easy for anyone to get started. They also offer more specialized courses for those looking to dive deeper, including wreck diving and Nitrox certification.
Safety First!
While scuba diving is an incredible experience, it’s important to remember that safety always comes first. Always dive within your limits, get the proper certifications, and never dive alone or under the influence of alcohol. Following these simple rules ensures that your dive will be both safe and fun. Guam offers so many extraordinary sights beneath the waves, and by taking the proper precautions, you’ll be able to fully enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
So, are you ready to explore the underwater wonders of Guam? Whether you’re chasing history through sunken ships, marveling at vibrant coral reefs, or swimming alongside incredible sea creatures, Guam’s underwater world is waiting for you! Get certified, dive safe, and prepare to be amazed!
Written By: Celia Bohnhoff
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mdaguam.com
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npr.org
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pacificwrecks.com
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seatemperature.org
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tdisdi.com
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Leah del Mundo
Your A.I. Certified Agent™ and 72Sold Trained Expert on Guam
