Information for Visiting Sailors

Port and Customs Clearance. Guam is an unincorporated territory of the United States subject to U.S. Federal Customs and Immigration.

Visiting yachts must clear Guam customs and immigration at Apra Harbor, Latitude 13° 30' North, Longitude 144° 40' East. Before entering the Harbor, contact PORT CONTROL on Channel 13 for instructions. Visiting yachts are usually directed to proceed to MYC. Crews are usually permitted to go ashore to await clearance.

All non-U.S. citizens entering Guam by yacht MUST HAVE A U.S. VISA.

Although visitors from certain visa exempt countries entering Guam by Air generally do not need a visa, this exemption does not apply if arriving by yacht. Visitors arriving by yacht without a visa can apply for a visa upon arrival for a fee of $200: however, there is no guarantee they will be allowed to enter. Since November 2002, 2 visiting yachts, one Japanese and one Australian, arriving without crew visa's have been denied entry.

If you plan to arrive on a Sunday, you will be required to pay overtime for Customs and Immigration services.

Yachts should take care not to encroach into the U.S. Naval Harbor which is also located within Apra Harbor (See attached map). There will usually be a U.S. Coast Guard vessel outside the entrance of Apra Harbor. The Coast Guard may contact you or even board your vessel, particularly if you appear to be surveying or approach too close to the U.S. Navy facilities or vessels. There are also several small patrol boats inside of the harbor which may also approach you, and have been known to follow yachts to the Marianas Yacht Club anchorage.

MYC can usually be contacted on Channel 79 Alpha. There are no docks, access from yacht to shore is by dingie only. If possible, someone will meet you outside of the anchorage to escort you in. It is not recommended to enter the anchorage after dark.

Reciprocal Privileges.Current members of recognized yacht clubs may use Marianas Yacht Club facilities on a reciprocal basis and are granted free club membership for two weeks. Click here for description of MYC facilities.

Visiting yachts may have mail sent MYC to be held for arrival at: Marianas Yacht Club, PO Box 2297, Hatagna, Guam 96932, USA. As a U.S. territory, Guam is served by the U.S. Postal Service. While Guam is considered a domestic mal destination, package rates are higher due to distance from the U.S. mainland. domestic mail. Please let us know when you expect to arrive. MYC phone number 671-477-3533.

Weather. The climate on Guam is warm and humid year round. From January to April the NE trades blow, while from July to November it is rainy and stormy. Guam is located in an area susceptible to frequent tropical storms and typhoons that can be extremely powerful. The last major storm to hit Guam was a super typhoon with winds over 250 miles per hour. Typhoon season is generally accepted to be between July and November. However, 2 of the last major typhoons occurred in December.

Harbor Refuge. Yachts and small boats and yachts are permitted to seek shelter in the Apra Harbor refuge in the event of approaching typhoons. The refuge area is located in Piti Channel, which can be reached by boats under 50' with a maximum draft of 8'. Minimum requirements for lines and shackles must be met in order to secure your vessel in the Harbor of Refuge. It is usually possible to purchase necessary lines and shackles at one of the marine suppliers on the island: however, there are often runs on such items as typhoons approach and stocks may be depleted. The Harbor refuge area is reputed to be well sheltered in any kind of winds. Due to the number of boats seeking shelter, yachts should move to the shelter and secure as early as possible.

Boatyards and Chandleries. Private boatyard and chandlery facilities do not exist on Guam. Arrangements can be made to hire a crane to haul out boats with less than 7' draft. and private individuals can normally be found to assist with work. Machine shops are also available. However,full marine support is limited.

Parts and Supplies. Yachting facilities on Guam are limited. Only general supplies are normally available. Yacht rigging and replacement parts for specific yacht systems are usually not available. However, as there are regular air links with mainland USA, most parts can be air freighted, or mailed via the U.S. Postal Service to Guam in a reasonable time. Guam is serviced by FEDEX, USPS and other package services.

Provisions. With several U.S. standard supermarkets and groceries with good stocks of fresh fruits and vegetables, Guam is an excellent port for replenishment of provisions.

Fuel and Water. Fuel and water can be obtained at the fishermen’s wharf at the Hagatna Boat Basin or the Agat Marina for shallow draft boats. Arrangements can sometimes be made for larger vessels at the port.

Hagatna Boat Basin is located approximately eight miles North of Apra Harbor. The entrance to the harbor is through a narrow channel that is accessible, although somewhat difficult to negotiate. Advice on the difficult reef entrance to Hagatna harbor can be obtained from harbor control on VHF Channel 16.

Fuel operations at Agat are offered only two days per week and are only offered for a minimum of 30 gallons. Advance arrangements for fuel at Agat are recommended. The method of choice for fuel and water is by jerry can.

Getting Around. Public transportation on Guam is limited and taxi service is prohibitively expensive for more than minimal transportation. Visitors planning on staying for any length of time should plan on renting a car. Reasonable car rentals are available and can be arranged from the club or check Guam-OnLine.Com for additional information.

Entertainment and Relaxation. Guam is a major tourist attraction for U.S. and Asian visitors. Although visitation has significantly declined as the economies of Japan and other Asian countries have deteriorated in the last few years, tourism is still the main stay of Guam's economy. As a U.S. territory, Guam offers many U.S. style restaurants, theaters, golfing, off-road racing and other attractions. Guam also has a long and rich history, with many historical sites all around the island.

Military Facilities

There are two large U.S. Military facilities on Guam, Commander Naval Forces Marianas (COMNAVMAR) and Andersen Air Base. Each base has a large commissary, exchange, Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) and medical facilities. There is also a Navy Hospital on the island. Military members and retirees will find these facilities comparable to other U.S. mainland and overseas facilities. Additionally, COMNAVMAR also has a small marina which may be used by authorized personnel. More information may be found on Guam-OnLine.Com's military page.

Additional Information. Guam-OnLine.Com provides a wide range of information about the island of Guam, it's history and culture, landmarks, things to do, nightlife. military facilities, real estate, shopping, etc. The Marianas Yacht Club links page also provides links to sites with information about Guam and information of general interest to yachtsmen and sailors, particularly en route to Guam and the Western Pacific.