I was raised on Guam and left in the 80s and never had a chance to visit Pagat Cave. My husband, son, and I were visiting for a couple of weeks and had no one available to help us get to the cave, so we went with Guam Adventures and we are happy we did. Our hiking guide, Rocco, was friendly, caring, informative, and entertaining.
Some information future hikers might find helpful:
Everyone will meet at the Guam Adventures office which is right by the beach, outside the back of the Hilton Hotel. If you’re driving yourself, you can park in the Hilton’s parking garage without paying a fee or needing a pass (as of June 2024). The entire activity is listed as taking 3-4 hours. We finished under four hours.
Bring a hat, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and use shoes with traction…
Since the cave is water-filled, wear swimwear under your clothes, bring a towel, water shoes, and a waterproof phone case.
Most importantly bring cold water (at least two bottles/person). Water bottles and snacks are provided before the hike. (Our snacks were cookies and granola bars.) I brought some water which I partially froze. Much of the hike will be shaded but it’s strenuous and hot. And when you’re out in direct sunshine, it’s extra hot.
The hike is listed as challenging and it is! Unless you’re in good shape and exercise regularly, don’t do it. There are many steep areas, jagged rocks and slippery areas. Gloves will help with holding on. I didn’t bring gloves but Rocco loaned me a pair. I’ve done challenging trails in the mainland, but this was harder, in my opinion. I wore jeans on the way in and was thankful that I didn’t get scratched up, but on the way out, I wore shorts, and I preferred that since it was cooler.
Pagat Cave is pitch black, but the tour guide will bring lighting. There were other hikers in the cave and several brought their own lighting, which helped brighten the cave. The cave was awesome and unforgettable. I don’t know how to swim, so I just waded in the cool water.
At the end you’ll be given the opportunity to buy pictures that were taken by the hiking guide. You can include a tip for your hiking guide with your purchase or just bring cash to tip.
Note: There’s no bathroom/porta-potty
Thank you, Rocco, for encouraging me to enter the cave when I was just gonna wait by the entrance!