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

Refuge Closed Due to Tropical Storm Mangkhut

September 8, 2018 Tropical Storm Mangkhut

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service closed Guam National Wildlife Refuge, including the Ritidian Unit, on Saturday, September 8, in preparation for any effects from Tropical Storm Mangkhut. The Refuge will remain closed until circumstances allow and it is safe for staff and visitors. Please check back for information on when the refuge is open.

Join us for our monthly beach cleanups!

The Guam National Wildlife Refuge (GNWR), Ritidian Unit is an important nesting habitat for the endangered green sea turtle. Support vital conservation efforts and come join the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service to Keep Guam Beautiful! The GNWR hosts monthly beach cleanups at Ritidian Refuge on the first Saturday of every month, and is always looking for more volunteers! Visit our Events Calendar today for more details regarding upcoming cleanups and our volunteer rewards program.

Join us for our monthly beach cleanups!

Guam Kingfisher Hatches

Kingfisher chick by Erica Royer of SCBI

Check out this article, which includes a video of a female Guam kingfisher hatching in May 2018 - the first hatching at the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute in Virginia in 4 years!

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

Refuge: 0730-1600; Nature Center Building: 0900-1500

The Refuge is open to the public daily, 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

NWRS Logo

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
Follow NWRS Online