This spot has been added by

snorkeling team
Snorkeling Report's team
Other contributors You can help us keep this page up-to-date by uploading your pictures to the photo gallery, or by sending us your comments via the contact form

Last updated on

If you visit Guam, it is quite likely that Tumon Bay will be the place you stay. This large sandy beach, about 1,5 miles long, is filled with resorts, restaurants and bars. Fringed by a large and stunning lagoon, ideal for beginners, and offering a stunning reef drop-off to experienced snorkelers, it is the most accessible (and the busiest) snorkeling spot in the island.

View on Tumon Bay's coral reef, Guam snorkeling
View of Tumon Bay’s coral reef.

How to get to Tumon Bay snorkeling spot?

Located on the West side of the island, a 10-minute drive from the airport ($25-30 by taxi), Tumon Bay is the main seaside resort in Guam, where most of the luxury hotels are found.

Tumon Bay snorkeling map, Guam

Water entrance for snorkeling Tumon Bay

You can enter the water anywhere along the beach, but if you plan to explore the reef drop-off, you should enter the water approximately in front of the channel.

Tumon Bay snorkeling tips and recommendations

This spot can be divided into two areas: the vast shallow lagoon, starting from the beach and some 400 meters wide, ideal for beginners, and the reef drop-off area, which should be only explored by the most experienced snorkelers.

1. The lagoon

Tumon Bay lagoon is a great location for first-time snorkeling. The water is warm, clear and shallow (↕2-4ft/0.5-1m), with absolutely no currents and no waves. The seabed is mostly sandy with scattered coral areas, which grow denser as you get close to the reef.

Although the lagoon is shallow and there is little coral, you can still spot several species of fish, including butterflyfish, triggerfish, Moorish idols and damselfish. The lagoon can be snorkeled at almost any time, since it is well-sheltered.

Double-saddle butterflyfish at Tumon Bay, Guam snorkeling
The double-saddle butterflyfish is one of Guam’s most beautiful shore water fish.

2. The drop-off

The barrier reef and its drop-off are located about 400 meters from the shore. You can identify this area from the beach because this is where the waves break. Some 50 meters before the reef edge, the coral becomes so dense that it’s difficult to go further, but some channels allow you to reach the outer reef.

On the high parts of the drop-off (↕3-12ft/1-4m), the seabed is beautiful and supports a diversity of marine life. Swimming along the reef, you will probably spot shoals of surgeonfish, emperor angelfish and regal angelfish, several species of triggerfish, as well as fire clownfish in their anemone.

Fire clownfish on Tumon Bay reef drop-off, Guam snorkeling
Large communities of fire clownfish live on the reef edge.

Please keep in mind that only the more experienced snorkelers can venture in this area, and only when the sea conditions are perfect. Postpone your snorkeling or stay in the inner lagoon if the sea is rough. Always keep at a safe distance from the channel, as boats and jet skis use it to reach the open sea.

Restaurants and accommodation near Tumon Bay

There are a dozen hotels on the beach, facing the lagoon. In this area, along Pale San Vitores Road, you will find a large number of places to eat and shop.

 

  • Level required Beginner
  • Maximum depth3ft/1m in the lagoon, 100ft/30m on the drop-off
  • Water entranceEasy, from a sandy beach
  • LifeguardYes
  • Visitor numbersHigh
  • Access costsFree
  • Restaurants nearbyYes
  • Public toilets & showersNo

MAP Spot

These snorkeling spots are accessible to beginners and kids. You will enter the water gradually from a beach, or in a less than 3ft. deep area. The sea is generally calm, shallow, with almost no waves or currents. These spots are usually located in marked and/or monitored swimming areas. It is not necessary to swim long distances to discover the sea life.

This level only apply when the spot experiences optimal sea and/or weather conditions. It is not applicable if the sea and/or weather conditions deteriorate, in particular in the presence of rough sea, rain, strong wind, unusual current, large tides, waves and/or swell. You can find more details about the definition of our snorkeling levels on our snorkeling safety page.