Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage
Pagat Cave Natural Area is located on the northeastern coast of Guam within the village of Yigo. This protected area is centered around one of Guam’s most remarkable karst limestone cave systems, created through thousands of years of geological and hydrological processes. The caves are part of the larger Pagat Cultural Site, which includes numerous prehistoric latte stone sites, ancient burial grounds, and evidence of extensive Chamorro habitation and cultural history. Visitors to Pagat Cave Natural Area can explore complex passages within the cave, home to rare cave-adapted fauna such as bats and unique invertebrates. The surrounding forested landscape supports native broadleaf and limestone forests, sheltering indigenous plants and wildlife adapted to the island’s distinct environment. The site is cherished both for its natural beauty and its importance in preserving Guam’s ancestral heritage. Recreational activities center on guided cave tours, nature photography, and cultural education, with careful stewardship to protect the fragile cave ecosystems. Hiking trails lead visitors through dense vegetation to the cave entrances and nearby beach access points along Pagat Point. Pagat is appealing to spelunkers, history enthusiasts, and ecotourists, providing a rare blend of outdoor adventure and cultural immersion in Micronesia. As one of Guam’s few publicly accessible cave areas, Pagat Cave Natural Area also serves as a critical site for conservation and archaeological study within the U.S. territory.
