From Tumon, take Marine Corps Drive (Route 1) west through Hagåtña and Piti to the naval base gate, then turn south on Route 2 through Agat. Route 2 follows the west coast to Umatac and Merizo, where it becomes Route 4 and returns up the east coast through Inarajan, Talofofo, Ipan and Yona to Hagåtña. The whole circuit is roughly 90–100 kilometres. Driving times below are approximate and exclude stops; Guam’s speed limit is mostly 35 mph (about 55 km/h) and lower through villages, so nothing happens quickly.
Routes at a glance
| From | Best route | Time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tumon to Agat | Route 1 west through Hagåtña, then Route 2 south | About 35–40 min | Fuel only by hire car |
| Agat to Cetti Bay Overlook | Route 2 south along the west coast | About 10–15 min | Fuel only |
| Cetti Bay to Umatac and Merizo | Route 2 south, then round the southern tip | About 10 min to Umatac, 20 to Merizo | Fuel only |
| Merizo to Inarajan | Route 4 along the south-east coast | About 15 min | Fuel only |
| Inarajan to Talofofo Falls | Route 4 north, then inland on the signed side road | About 20–25 min | Fuel, plus the park entry fee |
| Talofofo Bay to Tumon | Route 4 north through Yona to Hagåtña, then Route 1 | About 40–45 min | Fuel only |
| Full loop from Tumon | Routes 1, 2 and 4, anticlockwise | About 2.5 h driving; allow 6–8 h | One day’s car hire plus fuel |
| Tumon by taxi or tour | Guided island tour booked at a hotel desk | Usually a half or full day | Varies — taxis are costly at this distance |
Getting around Southern Guam
By car: the loop roads are paved, well signed and easy to drive, with the sea almost always in sight. Drive on the right. Watch for dogs, chickens and the occasional carabao at the roadside, slow right down in villages, and take care after rain, when the road surface can be slick. Fill the tank before you leave Agat — fuel stations and shops are scarce further south.
Without a car: the island’s public buses are infrequent and not practical for sightseeing, and the Tumon shopping shuttles do not come this far. A taxi for the day is expensive; a guided island tour from a hotel desk is the realistic alternative.
On foot: Umatac, Merizo and Inarajan are each small enough to stroll around in half an hour. Trails to waterfalls and coves start from unmarked lay-bys and are best done with someone who knows them.
