Tumon Bay

Tumon Bay, a gorgeous crescent of white sand and glowing turquoise water on Guam's western coast, is the tropical heart of the island and its most beloved beach. Sheltered by an offshore coral reef that stills the sea into a calm, clear lagoon, the bay is ideal for swimming, snorkelling among colourful fish, and relaxing on soft sand beneath swaying palms. Along its shore runs Guam's main resort and entertainment strip, with hotels, restaurants and shops, yet the water remains beautifully inviting and the sunsets over the Pacific are spectacular. As a marine preserve, the bay protects its reef life, making Tumon a delightful blend of natural beauty, warm tropical waters and easygoing island pleasures.

History

Tumon Bay or Agana Bay is the most likely place where Ferdinand Magellan dropped anchor on 6 March 1521, Guam's first encounter with Europeans. In the 1960s a shallow cut was blasted in the reef opposite San Vitores Beach for small boats, hotels went up along the shore in the 1970s and 1980s, and after a study in 1986 found that fish stocks had fallen 70% in 15 years, the bay became a marine preserve, fully enforced from 2001 (Wikipedia, Tumon Bay).

The landscape

• The turquoise lagoon - the calm, clear reef-protected water.
• The white beach - the sweeping crescent of soft sand.
• The snorkelling - the colourful reef fish in the preserve.
• The sunsets - the spectacular Pacific sunsets over the bay.

When to go

December to June, the drier season, brings the sunniest, most settled weather ideal for the beach and snorkelling, avoiding the wetter, stormier second half of the year; Guam's tropical climate is warm year-round. Calm, clear days are best for exploring the reef.

Before you go

Tumon Bay is also Guam's main resort strip, so it is developed and can be busy, its charm a blend of natural beauty and tourist bustle rather than seclusion. As a gorgeous crescent of white sand and calm turquoise reef water, a marine preserve perfect for swimming, snorkelling and sunsets, though, Tumon Bay is a genuinely beautiful and enjoyable tropical beach.

Nearby

Two Lovers Point, the capital Hagåtña and the reefs of the coast lie nearby.

Key facts