Fun on Guam: Beachin’ good fun on Andersen, Naval Base Guam

Family fun at Tarague Beach. (Photo by Tessie Faustino Guerrero)

Naval Base Guam’s Gab Gab Beach

Gab Gab Beach, or Fab Gab as we like to call it, is truly a hidden gem and easily our family’s regular go-to place for no-frills low-cost weekend fun.

Gab Gab II is one of the most popular and most enjoyable dives on Guam. (Photo by mdaguam.com)

Great for picnics, birthday parties, unit gatherings, hail & farewells, snorkeling, swimming, diving, sand volleyball, SUP’ing and all sorts of water play. The beach umbrellas and grill grates can be rented for a meager amount, and camping is allowed by reservation with the Outdoor Recreation Center. There is something for everyone.

Gab Gab is located on Naval Base Guam, so you’ll need base access to get to it, its also one of the most popular shore dives on Guam, and any given day of the week you’re likely to find divers exiting or readying to enter the water via the easy stairs next to the “3-sided pool.”

If you get there early enough, make a leisure surface swim due North out to the Atlantis Submarine Tender buoy, and drop down on the plateau reef at about 50’, known as Gab Gab II, where baited buckets attract the fish for the viewing pleasure of the underwater tourists. You’re almost guaranteed to get an up close view of the docile Nurse Sharks, large schooling fish, and possibly a moray eel in the artificial reef ball. Also look out for anemones teeming with clown fish at various locations on the reef.

Steer clear of the submarine while diving, but be sure and give a wave to all the tourists peering out the portholes.

It’s also a beginner snorkeler’s paradise. Enter the water via the stairs and your only yards from colorful coral, sloping reefs, an abundance of fish and there is always a greater than average chance of seeing a turtle along the reef edge. Note, no forms of fishing or collection of marine life (live or dead) is permitted at Gab Gab.

Bathrooms are provided, and outdoor showers are just steps away from the water stairs - convenient for divers and snorkelers exiting the water to rinse their gear and themselves. During your surface interval, enjoy some beach volleyball, relaxing under the umbrellas, barbecuing in the poolside grills.

Enjoy Fabulous Gab Gab, but be sure and clean up after yourselves when you leave.

Dadi Beach

Dadi Beach is also located on Naval Base Guam. It is quiet, away from the hustle and bustle, and is a great spot for laying out and soaking up some sun, swimming, picnics and watching sunrises. You can even catch glimpses of dolphins, turtles and manta rays.

San Luis Beach

San Luis Beach is another oasis on Naval Base Guam. It is known for being a great dive spot, standup paddle boarding, kayaking, and more.

Fantasy Island

Fantasy Island is located off base at Polaris Point which is two miles from the front gate of Naval Base Guam in the beautiful village of Piti. It is most known for its camping grounds.

• Planning on heading out to the beaches this weekend but don’t have the proper outdoor equipment? Don’t let it ruin your plans! Drop into Rec-N-Crew and inquire about all your outdoor needs. Call (671) 564-1826.

Andersen’s Tarague Beach

Whether you’re with a group of friends or looking for some personal time, Tarague Beach on Andersen Air Force Base is your answer to camping on Guam.

Make the most of the day at the beach enjoying activities such as swimming, snorkeling, beach volleyball or barbeque. The beach also provides a playground for kids, a nature trail for hiking and exploring the different historical highlights and agriculture in the area.

Tarague Beach offers 20 campsites along the sandy beach. Most of the campsites are shaded by beautiful pine trees and the ocean breeze keeps you cool. Each campsite includes a picnic table and grill. Bathrooms and showers are centrally located so all patrons can use them conveniently.

Bamboo Willies beachfront restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday.

As the evening approaches, catch a breathtaking sunset, roast marshmallows or make smores.

Camping at Tarague is open all year round. However, December through February usually offers the best weather conditions: slightly cooler with a little less rain and humidity. This makes for perfect camping.

Sirena Beach

Sirena Beach has a pavilion where you can spend the night camping under the stars.

• If you don’t own any camping equipment, Outdoor Recreation has all your supplies such as tents and other camping equipment for rent. Reservations for campsites as well as supplies can be made online at www.MilitaryMWRGuam.com under Outdoor Recreation or by calling (671) 366-5204 or 5197.

• Fishing is allowed by permit only. Permits are $12 at Outdoor Recreation.

Swimming pools

The Navy operates three swimming pools on the island. At Naval Base Guam, the swimming pool is located near South Tipalao Housing and the barracks area. Call the pool at (671) 564-1822.

At the Naval Communications Station, the pool is located on the main drive of the base, next to the laundromat. For more information, call (671) 355-5091/564-1822.

At the Naval Hospital, the pool is located near the housing area. To reach the Naval Hospital pool please call (671) 564-1822/344-9009.

The Andersen pool is located near housing, directly next to the Youth Center and Skate Park. They have an aquatics program for all ages and interests. Red Cross certified instructors teach swim lessons to all ages and all ability levels. They also have lap swim, open recreation swim, a wading pool for your little ones and a picnic area that is available on a first come, first serve basis. For inquiries, email andersenaquatics@gmail.com, or call (671) 366-3202.

Marina/boating

Situated on scenic Apra Harbor, Sumay Marina Adventure center offers a variety of activities for water sports enthusiasts. Enjoy a day of sightseeing, fishing or diving on one of our 19′ Edgewater rental boats. The Marina also offers fishing and dolphin- watching trips on its 23-foot Pro-Line charter boat.

To rent boats, you must have a National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) endorsed certificate. If you need a certificate, go to BOATUS.ORG, click the link for Online Courses, then on to the Free Boating Safety Course. Choose any state that is endorsed by NASBLA. Print a certificate and present it to the marina staff and they will assist you with scheduling a check ride on our boats. Reservations start at $100 plus the cost of fuel for four hours of boating.

For boat owners, two boat-launch ramps are provided as well as outdoor dry storage pads and wet slips at the marina docks. For more information, call (671) 564-1826.