Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay)
- Shortboard, Longboard
- Best for
- Intermediate
- Skill Level
- Ocean, Mixed
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Umatac Bay is a classic exposed surf location on Guam’s southern coast, with both left and right waves. The break is described as a sand-and-reef influenced beach break (with exposed reef/rock sections) that performs best when the right swell direction and tide combine. For surfing, high tide is consistently preferred. Working swell windows are reported around 1.0 to 2.5 m, with NW to W swells highlighted as favorable, and winter is repeatedly framed as the optimum season. Clean-day conditions are described as possible when winds are offshore from the east-southeast, helping groom the faces. The bay has notable safety considerations: submerged rocks and reef sections are recurring hazards, and currents can become strong during larger swell events. After heavy rain, river-mouth debris is also mentioned, so conditions should be reassessed before paddling out. Despite these hazards, the overall experience is characterized as a well-known local surf spot with warm water year-round (upper-20s °C). Crowds are typically described as small or few on weekdays, with only modest weekend presence during good swells.
- Both left and right-hand waves
- High tide preferred
- Long ride potential on good days
- Warm tropical water year-round (about 27–29°C)
- Classic, scenic surf destination on Guam’s south coast
- Long ride potential when conditions line up (including about 150 to 300 m on good days)
- Offshore east-southeast winds can help produce cleaner faces
- Water stays warm year-round (roughly high-20s °C)
- Exposed, reef/rock influenced bottom can make wipeouts riskier
- Can come with strong currents on larger swells
- Generally not a consistently “working” break—some sources describe it as only working once in a while
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- NE, E, ESE
- Offshore directions
- ESE
- Wind Range
- 15–25 kts
- Wind Type
- Trade — Trade winds (easterlies), with a light local breeze contribution.
- Reliability
- medium
- Gust Factor
- Light gusts
- Best Months
- November, December, January, February, March, April
- Shadow Zones
- Higher terrain around the bay can provide shelter from the prevailing easterly trade winds, helping keep conditions glassy.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Ocean, Mixed
- Beach
- Sand — Reported as sandy with rock/reef influence; one provider also describes mixed beach composition.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Medium — Often reported around 1.0 to 2.5 m in the working window.
- Chop Level
- Light chop
- Launch
- Small — Beach entry in front of the Umatac community center / church area.
Through the year
Quiet on weekdays; small crowds of local surfers on weekends during good swells.
July to November (wet season and primary window for typhoon activity).
By sport
What to expect for each.
Umatac Bay is an exposed sand-and-reef influenced beach break with both left and right waves. It works best with larger NW/typhoon-era swells and at high tide; the bottom becomes more hazard-relevant near reef sections and points.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- NW, W
- Swell Height
- 1–2.5 m
- Optimal Tide
- High — Sources consistently emphasize high tide as the preferred condition.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Open, exposed setup with limited natural shelter; conditions depend strongly on swell and wind angle.
- Wind Effect
- East winds are offshore and can give clean, groomed faces.
- Bigger Swell
- Can hold up on bigger swell (reported up to 2.5 m+), but strong currents become a key factor and reef/rock hazards remain present.
- Wave Quality
- Excellent — Regional classic feel; clean-day percentage is reported around 29%.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — Bay can look good to powerful depending on swell size and direction.
- Wave Shape
- Peeling
- Peel Speed
- Medium
- Ride Length
- Medium — Normal rides are typically 50 to 150 m; can reach about 300 m on exceptional days.
- Typical Ride Length
- 50–150 m
- Ride Length Details
- Good day length: about 150 to 300 m; typical ranges include 50 to 150 m, with ~300 m possible on exceptional days.
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) in the full forecast view.
Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) wind and wave forecast summary
- Wind
- 3–11 ktsGusts 18 kts
- Direction
- ENE69°
- Strongest day
- Sun, Oct 2511 kts
- Windy days
- 0/712 kts or more
- Waves
- 0.7–1.2 m9s period
- Temperature
- 26–30 °C
Over the next 7 days, Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) is forecast for daytime winds of 3–11 kts, peaking around 11 kts on Sunday, October 25 with gusts to 18 kts. The prevailing direction is ENE. Waves run 0.7–1.2 m with a period of about 9s. Based on the Wavind model, in the spot’s local time.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- rocks
- shallow reef
- submerged rocks
- reef sections
- strong rip currents during big swells
- river mouth debris after heavy rain
Rescue & support
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- Yes — Rescue units are served by Guam Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard Sector Guam.
- Emergency Info
- In an emergency, dial 911. Guam Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard Sector Guam provide rescue coverage.
- Localism / Vibe
- Mild
Rules of the spot
Standard surfing etiquette applies; respect the local community and residents.
- Beware of rocks and shallow reef sections.
- Works best at high tide.
- Conditions are often cleaner when winds are offshore from the east-southeast.
- Currents can increase significantly on larger swells—use extra caution.
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hagåtña
- Nearest Town
- Umatac
- Nearest Airport
- Antonio B. Won Pat International Airport (GUM)
- Parking
- Park at the Umatac community center (also noted near a church).
- Public Transport
- Limited; a rental car is recommended for access to the southern coast.
- Access
- Drive into the town/community area (e.g., the community center) and park; surf access is within about 5 minutes; bay is visible from the road.
- Cost Level
- Moderate
- Local Language
- English, Chamorro
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Nearby town — Limited local guesthouses in the south; most visitors stay in the Tumon Bay area.
- Food & Drink
- Small local convenience stores and occasional food stalls in Umatac village.
- Equipment Rental:
- Equipment rental is available at surf shops in central Guam; very limited on-site at Umatac.
- Gear Storage
- Not available on-site at Umatac (as reported regionally).
- Gear Repair
- Basic surf/board repair is available at shops in Hagåtña and Tamuning.
No schools or services are listed for this spot yet.
Off the water
Umatac is a historic southern coastal village with rugged volcanic scenery and Spanish-era heritage sites, combining a relaxed local atmosphere with nearby outdoor access.
A viewpoint/hike area offering views of the bay and southern foothills.
An 18th-century Spanish fortification with panoramic views over Umatac Bay.
Commemorative landing site associated with Ferdinand Magellan’s first European discovery of Guam.
Commemorative site where Ferdinand Magellan is said to have landed in 1521.
Scenic hiking trails nearby leading to views of bays and volcanic hills.
Local eatery serving traditional Chamorro dishes.
A quiet seaside park suitable for picnics and cultural appreciation.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay)?
The best overall months at Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) are December, January, February, March, April, May. The best wind months are November, December, January, February, March, April.
Which wind directions work at Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay)?
Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) works with NE, E, ESE winds. Offshore directions are ESE.
What skill level is Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) suitable for?
Umatac Bay (Umatac Bay) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Intermediate.