Ypao Beach Park

Ypao Beach Park

Ypao Beach Park
4.5
About
Everything except food and sunscreen is available at this beautiful beach: grassy spots for games, a sandy stretch, great swimming, a playground and restrooms.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.


4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles1,031 reviews
Excellent
622
Very good
334
Average
65
Poor
8
Terrible
2

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Eric
Chicago, IL3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
The tropical fish were just amazing and beautiful. Stunning!

I would recommend buying a snorkel set and just enjoy a day relaxing as you view the tropical fish in their natural habitat. It is very refreshing, safe, and calming.

Eric ~ from Chicago, USA
Written August 28, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

tan☆popo
愛知72 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
During our stay, we went to three places: Hoshino Resort Beach, Nikko Guam Beach, and Ypao Beach. This was the most beautiful and had the most fish.

You can buy snorkeling sets at ABC Stores, but I heard that they are cheap but not very convenient to use, and it was a hassle to carry them home, so we rented them at the Hilton Hotel Beach Center.

Guests staying at other hotels can also use them. They lent us life jackets for free.

Small children must have a life jacket or a swim ring to enter the sea from the Hilton Hotel side. You cannot play in the sand in the shallow area.
I think you can play in the sand if you walk to the neighboring Ypao Beach Park.
Google
Written January 25, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wvbeachmom3
Charleston, SC273 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2021 • Family
This is a gorgeous beach with a nice sandy area to lay out as well as shaded areas for small children or babies. The water is breathtaking and stunningly gorgeous. There’s a lot of shells and pieces of coral. Would Definitely recommend water shoes. The snorkeling here is also very good and the water very clear. The parking is only open til 6 pm. Have been a couple times already this stay and planning a third.
Written December 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

2Baldws
15 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Jun 2019
It is such a beautiful spot and one hears all of the "Keep Guam beautiful". My question is Why don't you? As a public beach is everybody's responsibility to keep it pristine.
Why is it necessary to trash the surroundings? Tje coral is so delicate and the fish so colorful and it is public. Pleaase community, help keep IPAO beach the beach the Visitor Bureau is talking about.
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

travelerwith4
Saint Charles, IL86 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2020 • Solo
Right in the heart of hotel area, easy road, plenty of parking. Deep enough to swim even at low tide. Life guard! See pictures. I like morning, lots of shade and less crowded.
Written December 10, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

mzzazn
Beijing, China198 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2014 • Friends
Ypao beach is a wonderful area especially if you're not looking to spend money to entertain yourself. The beach area is free to visit and it isn't restricted to specific hours like Ritidian Beach/Point is. I like to list pros and "warnings" for reviews. Please look below.

First of all, I have been to Ypao beach many times. I currently live in the surrounding area. I have never had a bad experience at Ypao myself. I have only visited it once at night, but I was with a group of friends. When I go to the beach, I enjoy staying for a long time.

***** Pros:
-It's a great area for a beach picnic
-There are restrooms where you could change your clothes at
-There are showers outside where you could rinse salt water off of yourself
-Whenever I have visited, there is a stand with beach toys (snorkels, float tubes, etc.) which you can rent or buy
-You're able to see the different shades of the beach easily here
-The snorkeling is quite nice compared to other beaches
-There are life guards on duty here
-Great for "groups" of friends and family.
-During weekdays (especially during business hours), it's quiet.
-Great to go running.
-There's grassy areas so you can bring a yoga mat and exercise too.

***** Cons:
-This is a very popular tourist destination, often times couples with their wedding attire will come to take photos
-The current is unpredictable here and can sometimes be pretty strong
-There have been instances where people have had their items stolen and/or their cars broken into here
-It's great for groups of people, but since there's so many tourists, I wouldn't recommend it for couples.
-People have been robbed here at night. Be careful. Being with just another person male or female won't matter.
-No lockers here so keep an eye on your belongings

*****Tips for day time:
-Bring two towels, one for the ground and one to dry yourself off
-Bring drinks and snacks. When I have visited, I haven't seen vendors with food, but maybe I'm not so lucky. However, I would think it would be expensive
-Bring your own snorkel gear if you can so you don't have to spend money
-If the current is strong, I do suggest some fins so you don't tire yourself out
-Look at the flags to see if the current is too dangerous for yourself or for young children. I have seen two adults be pulled back to shore by a life guard on duty already.
-If you enjoy snorkeling and you're a decent swimmer, go farther out by some of the flags. There's more coral out there and more to see.
-If you're on your own, bring a water proof bag you can bring your keys and belongings with into the water. Kids and adults are running around here so don't just assume your belongings are safe.
-Bring sun screen.
-If you have a beach chair, it's nice to bring and to put in the grassy areas for some shade.
-If you like to shampoo/condition your hair, I have seen many people bring their soap in order to clean up after swimming.
-Ypao is a nice place to read a book and play music (instruments) so entertain yourself here.
-Bring your camera but keep it safe. It's a nice place for photography both above and under water.

*****Tips for Night time:
-Come with a group of people for safety! I honestly cannot stress this enough. Two people aren't enough. You may end up being safe, but it isn't worth the risk.
-When I came, we brought music, it was really nice.
-Bring flash lights if you can.
-Try to bring bags to dispose of cans, bottles, etc. at night. Many people are not considerate and just throw it to the side. Be a respectful visitor!

***** Side notes:
- I have been warned about cone snails, but I don't really pick up sea shells too often. These can be dangerous so just be careful.
- If you're near the grassy area wear sandals or flip flops since I have seen broken glass in these spots.
- Bring extra batteries if you're taking under water photos. You have to work with the current sometimes and may end up spending more time in the water than planned.
- Be considerate of others and try not to blast your music ridiculously loud.
- My friends and I brought a frisbee out here and a football to amuse ourselves.
- Bring everything with you, do not put valuables in your car. If you do, make sure you hide it out of view!
Written November 12, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

oopsydaisey
Ann Arbor, MI476 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2013 • Solo
I had a lengthy review that I wrote for Tumon Beach but erased it because it really belongs to this group of reviews. Ypao Beach Park has been renamed to Joseph Flores Beach Park. It has been a preserve for the past 15 years or so. Ypao Beach Park is within the Tumon Beach, hotel row area. It is located next to the Hilton and is a public space. There is a lot of parking but try to park at the entrance area that is open because that is the safest from break ins rather than under the trees next to the Hilton.

This area attracts a great many Asian, particularly Korean and Japanese family and honeymooner tourists. But that is ok because the fish don't seem intimidated by too many people and there are plenty fish and you don't see nearly as many people as you would in the touristy areas of Hawaii. Ypao is a premier snorkel spot because it is a preserve and it is well monitored by the lifeguards. Go at high tide so you don't scrape against the coral and so there are more fish available to see. I got a Lifeproof cover for my iPhone 5 and was very happy with the results. It allows underwater photos and vids up to two meters which is all you need here. It is very relaxing watching these critters and, as long as you settle down and are relaxed in the water, they will come around you as if you were any other animal in the sea. They are very colorful as you can see from the photos.

The beach park has a lot of great features which you won't always find in other tropical locations but reflect the culture of the people who are festive, partying, embracive, inviting and welcoming. There are large pavilions for big parties and small ones for family gatherings. There are outdoor beach showers at frequent intervals to rinse off yourself and your snorkeling gear as well as bathroom areas that are well kept. Lifeguards are aplenty and are very friendly; they always seemed ready for a conversation and one even gave me a gift which I treasure (apparently because he was grateful for something I gave to the island years ago - but the gesture was so reflexive that one must take it as a sign of this beautiful and loving group of people).

Leave your belongings near the lifeguard tower if you are alone. The lifeguards don't mind watching out for them and though many islanders will give you the last bowl of rice in the house, they sometimes feel that what is yours belongs to them too (not all, but some).

From these diligent lifeguard watchers I learned there had been a shark attack some months before on a man alone who went over the reef; that yes, there is a moray eel out there but he won't bother you if you don't stick your hand in his mouth (he was near the flag when I was there and I took a pic but I was afraid to get too close so you can't see him in the pic); that one of the guards saw a barracuda inside the reef some years back but nothing since.

Be sure and pick up Franko's Guam Guide and Dive Map and a Reef Creatures Identification Guide at Guam Visitors Bureau or at KMart on Marine Drive. It will help to ID what you are seeing. Be sure you have plenty of sunscreen. It is tough to leave the water because watching the fish under these circumstances is so hypnotizing and induces a state of euphoria I think.

After an hour or two of this, try going to Hilton Tree Bar for a Mai Tai. The wait staff chats with you and the scenery is very cool. I particularly like the rainy season for pics because the clouds bring out the colors and are, themselves, breathtaking.

If that isn't enough for you, there is a little archeological dig going on down there and, though I was not there long enough to find out more about it, you could try going to the University of Guam library or one of their research labs in Mangilao to find out more about it.

The last time I was in Guam was 30 years ago and my last review reflects that time. I am pleasantly amazed at how these tourist areas have been developed. Except for the distance and some inconveniences, Guam really rivals Hawaii for a go to destination. It is also not as glutted with tourists and traffic, though getting difficult, is nowhere near what I saw on Oahu and Kauai.

No, they don't sell food here. Bring your cooler and reserve an area if you want to barbecue which is the custom here. But you are surrounded by hotels with eateries and some quick stop places for water, soda, sunscreen etc. nearby.

One note. This is NOT gun beach. Gun beach is way at the other end of the Tumon Beach area nearer to the Westin.
Written September 5, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

oopsydaisey
Ann Arbor, MI476 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2012 • Solo
I worked here for many years and, though I left a number of years ago, I will never forget this snorkeling experience. I worked at the hospital located on the cliff line overlooking Tumon and I used to go down to the beach next to the Hilton. I would snorkel all the way down hotel row to the very end, perhaps a mile or two as I recall. The fish were plentiful and the current was always with me. It was a very spiritually uplifting experience. Sometimes I would be the only one . . . just the fishies in all their beautiful tropical colors and me; floating on down to who knows where. I was supposed to be training for the Cocos island swim but I was really just floating on down with the current. Mmmmmm. Wish I were back there . . . not a care in the world.
Written January 25, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Isaac Y
54 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2016 • Couples
If you don't know swimming and scared with deep water, this place is a good for you to snorkeling with a shallow reef and coral. You even can walk in some place as well.

You can't imagine why so many coral and fish next to you in such a shallow water.

Most important, it is free of charge. You just need to borrow the life jacket and snorkeling tools from your hotel. Then, go out to the beach.

I feel so happy to bring my wife to see this, because she don't know swimming and quite nervous in deep water.

No regret to play and have fun in here.
Written January 7, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kotarojuku
Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan31 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2017 • Couples
ヒルトンホテル前のイパオビーチを海岸に平行にまっすぐ進むと、サンゴがびっしり群生しています。わりと遠くですが、子供でも足がたつほどの浅瀬なので、誰でも行けると思います。残念ながら白化したり、人に踏まれて死んでいるサンゴも多いで、サンゴを踏まないように、ところどころにある砂地を見つけて、そこを通っていくと、広範囲の生きたサンゴの群生が現れます。Going straight Ypao Beach in front of Hilton Hotels parallel to the shore, Coral grows in colonies closely. It is far, but anyone can go relatively because even a child is shallows as a foot stands. Unfortunately gregariousness of extensive live coral appears when I find a sandy area in the spots to whiten, and that there is much coral which it is stepped by a person, and is dead and does not step on coral and go along there.
Written May 8, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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YPAO BEACH PARK (2025) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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