Official Language:
English & Chamorro
Secondary Language:
Japanese
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Currency:
US Dollar
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Population:
Approximately 135,000 people call Guam home. This
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Weather:
Climate and current weather information for Guam: Cliamte is tropical, generally warm and humid, moderated by the northeast trade winds. The dry season is from January to June, and the rainy season is from July to December. There is not much variation in seasonal temperatures.
Guam's climate is pleasantly warm year-round. The mean annual temperature is 81°F degrees; generally, the range is from the low 70s to the middle 80s °F (20-27°C). The coolest and least humid months, marked by prevailing westerly tradewinds, are in December through February. Although the warmest months are from March through August, the refreshing trade winds blow steadily. The annual rainfall totals 80 to 110 inches. There are two seasons, the dry and the rainy. The dry season, "fanumnangan," begins in December through June. The rainy season, "fanuchanan," falls within the remaining months.
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Guam is located in the South Pacific, Cruise ships dock at the Port of Guam (tel. 671/477-5913/5), located at 1026 Cabras Highway. Guam is a territory of the United States. A stop here on your cruise vacation will take you to the largest and southernmost of the Mariana Islands in the north-western Pacific Ocean. It is 30 miles long by 8 miles wide. A plateau of coral formation makes up the northern portion of this tropical island. The southern portion on the other hand is hilly and volcanic. Apra Harbour, located on the western coast is the only good
anchorage port. Just to the north is Agana. Guam is one of the main US defence lines in the western Pacific Ocean is home to an extensive naval, army, and air force installations. There are, 23,000 American troops occupying Guam at all times.
Guam is located in the South Pacific, but has remained the property of the United States, which becomes evident the second you start touring the shopping complexes and eating establishments. The island is somewhat Americanized, but the glorious landscape and marvelous weather give Guam the remote, alluring feel that you have been looking for.
The Marianas Trench, the deepest known ocean depth (-39,198 ft.), is located southeast of Guam. Guam's dramatic coastline and white sand beaches are ringed by coral reefs and clear, crystalline waters teeming with exotic marine life and blessed by a balmy tropical climate and gentle trade winds.
Once you arrive on Guam you will see that the island is a harmonious place, full of great sights and wonderful eateries. The Guam Museum is a wonderful place to learn all about the Chamorro people who occupied Guam over 1500 years ago. Incredibly, they were still there in 1521, when Ferdinand Magellan sailed onto the shores of this dazzling island paradise. Hiking around Tumon Bay is a truly delightful experience, as the region features majestic cliffs, lush grasslands, and dazzling views of the sparkling sea.
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Attractions |
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Once your cruise ship arrives in Guam you will see that the island is a very beautiful place, full of great sights and wonderful restaurants. Visit the Guam Museum where you can learn all about the Chamorro people who occupied Guam over 1500 years ago. Take a hike around Tumon Bay, a wonderful experience. The region features majestic cliffs, lush grasslands, and gorgeous views of the sparkling sea.
Guam's natural beauty, the luxury hotels and resorts that dominate the beach front at Tumon and Agana, the surrounding restaurants, malls, golf courses, water sports and entertainment facilities create a perfect vacaction spot for visitors.
For diving lovers you will enjoy the three hundred varieties of coral that make Guam a diver's delight. Whales, dolphins, mantas and skip jacks are just some of the sea life seen offshore. Popular wreck dives include a World War II Japanese "Zero", a U.S. tanker and a World War I German cruiser. The waters at Asan Beach contain several pieces of submerged military equipment embedded in the colorful coral reefs. Snorkeling is an absolute must to discover the multitude of exotic coral and marine life to be found alongside ocean treasures of incomparable beauty that line the reef.
Hagatņa (Agaņa)The city of Hagatņa (formerly known as Agaņa) has been the centre of Guam ever since the Spanish first set about remodelling the island on behalf of God. The town is small enough to explore on foot in an afternoon and there are plenty of parks and historic buildings. Central Hagatņa features the remains of Casa Gobierno, the Governor's Palace, which dates back to 1736.
Don't miss the revolving statue of Pope John Paul II, on the site where the man himself held mass in 1981. The twirling pontiff certainly beats the miniature Statue of Liberty in Paseo de Susana Park to the north. In the south-east of the park, a statue of Chief Quipuha stands forever condemned to survey the congested traffic of Hagatņa's main thoroughfare, Marine Drive. Quipuha donated the land for Guam's first Catholic church, the site of the present Dulce Nombre de Maria Cathedral in the town centre of Plaza de Espaņa. Next door is Latte Park, named after the mysterious stone pillars, or lattes, moved here from an ancient Chamorro village. Dating back to 500 AD, the pillars are thought to have been the foundations for some very impressive native homes.
Tumon BayThe tourist centre of Guam is just up the beach from Hagatņa. Called Tumon Bay, it's essentially a one-road-deep resort strip fuelled by hotels, clubs and restaurants. It's also geared towards Japanese package tourists, which translates to high prices. Tumon Bay itself is quite shallow and at low tide it's possible to wade right out to the reef for a look around. Y'pao Beach Park is on the bay's south-west side and was once home to an ancient Chamorro village, as well as a leper and penal colony. These days it's a popular fiesta site. Up the other end of the bay is Gun Beach, named after a rusty old Japanese gun hidden in jungle growth at the foot of the northside cliff. The beach is notable for its very cool 'star sand', tiny orange grains with star-shaped points. It's actually the calcium carbonate shells of a common protozoan found on Guam's reefs.
Inarajan- A sleepy village with a smattering of Spanish-era influence and some of the island's richest Chamorro flavours, Inarajan is perched on Guam's scenic south-east coast. Along the waterfront is the Chamorro Cultural Village, a publicly funded complex of bamboo and thatch shelters where traditional Chamorro crafts are demonstrated. Salugula Pool is a natural saltwater pool with diving platforms and arched bridges. Down the road are the ruins of a concrete Baptist church built in 1925, and a bronze sculpture depicting a battle between two Chamorro chiefs, Malaguana and Gadao. In the cliffs across the bay from Inarajan is Gadao's Cave, which has ancient pictographs said to be drawn by Gadao himself. Another worthwhile trip from the town is to Talofofo Falls, a two-tier cascade with swimming holes. Be prepared for a fairly hefty entrance fee. Nearby Talofofo Bay Beach Park is one of the island's prime surfing haunts.
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More Information |
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Web: http://ns.gov.gu/
Web: http://www.travel-library.com/pacific/guam
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