Exploring Guam: Enjoy water activities at Gab Gab and Tarague Beaches

Naval Base’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.

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.
 
Things to know

• Open 24 hours a day unless noted.
• Please note there are no lifeguards on duty at Gab Gab Beach throughout the year.
• 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 564-1826.
• There is a $20 rental fee for cabanas on the right –hand side of Gab Gab Beach. This is required to guarantee that a spot will be reserved for your function. Patrons can still use unreserved Cabanas for free. For more info, call 564-1826. (Fee is waived for Command Functions. Call 564-1846 for more info).

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 30 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.

You also have the option to enjoy dinner or cold refreshments at Bamboo Willies beachfront restaurant.

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.

Things to know

• 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 the website under Outdoor Recreation or by calling (671) 366-5204 or 5197.