Safety · Destination Guide
Guam Usa
Wrecks from two world wars, a heart shaped blue hole, and tropical walls in the Western Pacific
Updated Oct 30, 2025 • 34 sources
Safety And Conservation
Dive within training limits, monitor surf and weather, and respect protected areas. Guam has emergency medical care and a hyperbaric facility on island.
Top Risks
- Primary risk: Typhoon and heavy rain season
- Secondary risk: Rip currents and surf on north and east coasts
- Emergency contact: Emergency Dispatch (911)
- Safety overview: Dive within training limits, monitor surf and weather, and respect protected areas.
Dive safety
- Check daily marine and surf forecasts.
- Carry an SMB and audible signaling device for blue water pickups.
- Watch for boat traffic in Apra Harbor and respect port security zones.
- Avoid shore entries on north and east coasts during high surf or rip current advisories.
- Emergency: Dial 911.
- Hospitals: Guam Regional Medical City in Dededo and Guam Memorial Hospital in Tamuning provide 24 hour emergency care.
- Hyperbaric: Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy is available at GRMC's Wound Care & Hyperbaric services.
- DAN: Divers Alert Network Emergency Hotline +1 919 684 9111.
Snorkel and freedive safety
Typhoon and heavy rain season
August to October is peak risk for tropical cyclones. Operators may shift to harbor dives. Track advisories and be flexible.
Rip currents and surf on north and east coasts
Trade winds and long period swell create hazardous surf. Avoid exposed shore entries when High Surf or High Rip Risk is posted.
Seasonal jellyfish and man o' war
Box jellyfish pulses and Indo Pacific man o' war reports occur some summer periods. Wear a rashguard and avoid contact on beaches.
Wildlife and protected areas
- The Guam Coral Reef Marine Preserves protect key reef flats and lagoons. No take, no coral contact, and no anchoring on coral.
- Use reef safe sunscreen.
- Follow operator briefings on moorings and low impact entries.
Do Not Do This
Avoid entering when typhoon and heavy rain season. Confirm local briefings before committing.
Emergency contacts
| Contact | Role | Phone | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emergency Dispatch | Police, Fire, EMS | 911 | 24/7 |
| U.S. Coast Guard JRSC Guam | Maritime search and rescue | +1 877 418 0168 | 24/7 |
| GRMC Emergency Department | Hospital ER and hyperbaric coordination | +1 671 645 5500 | 24/7 |
| Guam Memorial Hospital Emergency | Hospital ER | +1 671 647 7907 | 24/7 |
| DAN Emergency Hotline | Diving medical emergencies | +1 919 684 9111 | 24/7 |