Physical gifts under the tree make for a pretty holiday picture, but as the saying goes, you canโt take it with you! In a time when most of us are oversaturated with belongings, consider giving the gift of an experience that will enrich your loved ones life and make a memory to last for years to come.
To get you started, hereโs a list of some experiences to have right here on Guam!
Stand Up Paddle Boarding
We are lucky to live on a beautiful island with easy access to water sports and gorgeous hikes. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of day to day life can leave locals struggling to make time for outdoor fun. Help your friends and family make it a priority by renting stand up paddle boards for your group, and make a day of it!
You have two great options for renting at Fujita Beach in Tumon:
SUP Shack Guam drops off and picks up boards, with rates from $15-$20 for two hours per board, depending on the day of the week and the number of boards being rented. To schedule, you can message them on Instagram or Facebook @supshackguam, or WhatsApp them at (671) 929-0436.
Paddle Guam offers two hour rentals for $15, and on weekends you can find their canopy at the entrance to the beach with boards at the ready for โwalk-upโ service. On holiday weekends, though, you should reserve in advance to ensure you can get a board. You can also reserve for a weekday paddle by appointment. Gift certificates are available. To reserve a board or purchase a certificate, message them on Instagram @paddle_guam or call them on WhatsApp at (671) 689-8693.
Valley of the Latte River Adventures
Sneak away to Taloโfoโfoโ and get lost in the serene beauty of the Taloโfoโfo and Ugum rivers. Valley of the Latte offers a variety of river adventures for people of all ages and abilities, but if your group can opt for kayaking or paddle boarding, we canโt recommend it enough! Thereโs nothing like navigating your own way through the river, with the ability to touch the water and explore anything that catches your eye.
The adventure doesnโt stop there โ guests are also treated to insights from knowledgeable guides, and traditional cultural demonstrations like weaving, fire starting, and coconut use, plus a delicious fiesta plate lunch. Rates for tours go from $55-84, depending on adventure and with discounts for locals and military.
You can easily give the gift of this experience with Valley of the Latteโs gift cards, which can be sent electronically and are available for purchase on their website, valleyofthelatte.com.
Boat tour
Perfect as a gift for a group of your closest friends or family, a private boat tour is a recipe for fun in the sun and an opportunity to marvel at the natural wonders of Guam.
There are a few local companies that offer a range of experiences, so you can accommodate a group of any size. For larger groups, check out Ocean Venture Boat Charter, and for groups of six or fewer, try Guam Private Boat Trips.
Captained by Roison Wade, tours launch from Malessoโ and start at $240 for 1.5 hours. They can be tailored to your groupโs interest to include snorkeling, dolphin and turtle watching, and an exhilarating experience known as skurfing in which you balance on a surfboard while holding on to a water ski handle.
Bring a cooler and some snorkeling gear or use hers, and youโre sure to have an adventure to remember. Learn more at guamprivateboattrips.com.
