Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice
Although most refuge lands and outdoor spaces have remained open for the public to enjoy, we encourage you to:

  • Check local conditions on this website and call ahead for current information
  • Follow current CDC safe practices by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
  • Most importantly, stay home if you feel sick


Features

  • Coconut Crab

    Coconut Crab

    The slow growth of the world’s largest terrestrial arthropod, the coconut crab, makes it susceptible to even low levels of exploitation.

  • Rotator_Turtle

    Green Turtle

    The green turtle, or haggan, can grow to approximately four feet in shell length and weigh up to 300 pounds.

  • Mariana fruit bat rotator

    Mariana Fruit Bat

    This fruit bat, known locally as fanihi, sleeps during much of the day, but can also be found grooming, scent rubbing, flying, and climbing.

  • Serianthes_flower

    Serianthes Tree

    Serianthes nelsonii, also known as Hayun lagu, is an endangered endemic tree found only on the islands of Guam and Rota.

  • Mesb Instar 1

    Mariana Eight Spot Butterfly

    This endangered species is protected and hard to spot; so visitors must take care near its host plants like Elatostema, aka Tupun ayuyu.

What's Going on at the Refuge

Current Conditions - Coronavirus (COVID-19) Notice

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is following federal, state, and local public health authority guidance to implement a phased approach to increase public access to Guam National Wildlife Refuge. Based on this guidance and in accordance with the White House and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Guam National Wildlife Refuge is beginning to safely increase access. Beginning June 10, 2020, the Guam National Wildlife Refuge Ritidian Unit will reopen public access to designated beach areas, nature trails, and the Nature Center. Visitors should note that face masks/coverings are required before entry, use of hand sanitizer upon entry, and limit of ten persons inside the Nature Center. Plant collection permits are available for visitors to collect coconuts, breadfruit, and/or certain medicinal plants.Tours and other programs will resume June 20, 2020. Please visit this site for updates. We look forward to seeing you soon!

For more information visit FWS Coronavirus

Traditional Gathering CD is Now Open for Public Comment

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A Draft Compatibility Determination on Traditional Gathering (noncommercial plant collection) at Guam NWR is available for public comment.

Learn more

Litekyan's Cultural Resources

Litekyan (Ritidian) is one of the most culturally rich and powerful places on Guahan (Guam).

Learn more

Educational Resources

Enjoy this educational Sea Turtles coloring book in both Chamorro and English by the University of Guam and partners!

Sea Turtles coloring book
Welcome

Visit the Refuge

Guam National Wildlife Refuge, Ritidian Unit welcomes the public free of charge. Visitors can explore roughly two miles worth of trails, visit latte stone and other cultural sites, relax on a beautiful white-sand beach, or schedule a tour of the newly rediscovered ancient village or of the numerous caves found along the limestone cliff line. Visitors can also experience what Guam may have looked and sounded like 500 years ago, by visiting our Nature Center building, where four 16-foot murals depict Guam’s natural environment before European contact. *Disclaimer:  There are no lifeguards on duty and ocean currents can be very strong. Stinging jelly fish (Man of war) are also occasionally found. Therefore, caution and the use of personal flotation devices is highly recommended for water activities. For other tips and safety suggestions, we recommend checking out our Plan Your Visit page.

Schedule a Tour

Hours of Operation

Normal Hours of Operation

The Refuge is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday, except federal holidays or during life-threatening weather conditions. Please check the National Weather Service’s website below to determine if there are any active weather advisories for Guam. If active advisories exist, the refuge will be closed (Note: Keep a lookout for closure signs along Route 3A). Once active advisories have been lifted, refuge operations will return to normal. The refuge may also close based on refuge staff discretion, if hazards are identified.

National Weather Service - Guam Advisories

About the NWRS

National Wildlife Refuge System

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The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America's fish, wildlife, and plants.

Learn more about the NWRS
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