Features
Coconut Crab
The slow growth of the world’s largest terrestrial arthropod, the coconut crab, makes it susceptible to even low levels of exploitation.
Green Turtle
The green turtle, or haggan, can grow to approximately four feet in shell length and weigh up to 300 pounds.
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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 Tree
Serianthes nelsonii, also known as Hayun lagu, is an endangered endemic tree found only on the islands of Guam and Rota.
Welcome
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 life-jackets is highly recommended for water activities. For other tips and safety suggestions, we recommend checking out our Plan Your Visit page.
Schedule a TourHours of Operation
The Refuge is open to the public four days a week, Saturday - Tuesday, 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 AdvisoriesAbout the NWRS
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
What's Going on at the Refuge
Guam National Wildlife Refuge is reducing visitor services at the Refuge from seven to four days a week. The Refuge will be open on Saturday, Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday, from September 14, 2016, to March 17, 2017. Hours of operation will remain the same, from 7:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. After a trial period of six months, the reduction in hours will be reassessed to see if it is possible to reopen on a six or seven day a week schedule.
News ReleaseLitekyan (Ritidian) is one of the most culturally rich and powerful places on Guahan (Guam).
Learn moreCheck out the latest updates and happenings from around the Refuge
News
Guam Rail or Ko'ko
A flightless bird, the Ko’ko is omnivorous and prefers mixed forest. It is easy prey for monitor lizards, cats, rats, and the brown tree snake. Breeding programs have been set up to eventually reintroduce this treasured bird to Guam.
Last Updated: Sep 14, 2016