The Aquarium of Guam

Timeline

From the first plans in 1994 to the reimagined aquarium reopening in 2026, follow the story of Guam’s window into the ocean.

Foundations
1994 – 1999
1994

Guam establishes a plan to create a public aquarium

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Plans are formalised to develop a world-class aquarium for Guam, setting the foundation for a new visitor experience on the island.

1996–1998

Existing building is transformed into an aquarium facility

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A retail and entertainment structure is redesigned and engineered into a large indoor aquarium, including installation of major life support systems and a walk-through tunnel.

1 June 1999

UnderWater World Guam opens to the public

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The aquarium opens in Tumon, introducing visitors to a unique tunnel experience surrounded by sharks, rays and tropical fish.

Growing up with Guam
2000s – 2010s
Early 2000s

The aquarium becomes a key visitor attraction in Guam

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The facility quickly becomes one of Guam’s most recognisable attractions, complementing the island’s natural marine environment with an accessible indoor experience.

Early 2000s

Underwater tunnel dining experience is introduced

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Guests are offered the opportunity to dine inside the tunnel, creating one of Guam’s most distinctive and memorable visitor experiences.

2000s–2010s

School programmes introduce generations of students to marine life

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Educational visits and guided programmes connect children with the marine animals and ecosystems found in Guam’s surrounding waters.

2000s–2010s

The aquarium becomes a familiar part of community life

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Families return regularly, making the aquarium a place associated with shared experiences, milestones and lasting memories.

2000s–2010s

The aquarium supports coastal clean‑up and conservation awareness

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The aquarium contributes to environmental initiatives, including island-wide clean-up efforts, helping raise awareness of ocean health and marine conservation.

Reaching further
2016 – 2025
2016

The aquarium supports Mariana Trench exploration activities

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The facility serves as a command centre for a major ocean exploration initiative, linking Guam to global scientific research.

2020

Aquarium joins university‑led reef restoration partnership

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A formal partnership with the University of Guam and government agencies supports coral reef restoration and environmental conservation efforts.

2023

Aquarium of Guam appoints Advanced Aquarium Technologies

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The Aquarium of Guam appoints Australian multinational Advanced Aquarium Technologies, a specialist in the design, development and operation of world class public aquariums, to review and reimagine the aquarium. AAT takes over curatorial leadership of the facility.

March 2024

UnderWater World is renamed the Aquarium of Guam

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The attraction is reintroduced under a new name, marking a new chapter while building on more than two decades of history.

15 January 2025

Baby blacktip reef sharks are born at the aquarium

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The birth of young sharks is celebrated with the community, including a public naming initiative.

Reimagining
2025 – 2026
October 2025

Aquarium closes temporarily for major redevelopment

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The facility closes to allow for a full transformation, representing the most significant upgrade since opening.

2025

Long-term managed services agreement signed with Advanced Aquarium Technologies

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The Aquarium of Guam and Advanced Aquarium Technologies sign a long term Managed Services Agreement committing AAT to permanently embedding three members of AAT staff at the aquarium including the General Manager, Curator and Assistant Curator roles.

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January 2026

Guam Museum exhibit highlights reef species and cultural connection

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A giant clam exhibit at the Guam Museum highlights the cultural and ecological importance of reef species and the connection between people and the ocean.

2025–2026

Aquarium undergoes a complete reimagining

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Exhibits, infrastructure and visitor experiences are redesigned to better reflect Guam’s interconnected aquatic environments.

Second half of 2026

The renewed Aquarium of Guam reopens

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The aquarium returns as a modern, immersive and educational experience for residents and visitors.

The story continues

A bright new chapter begins

The reimagined Aquarium of Guam is ready to welcome you back. Come explore, learn and fall in love with our ocean.

Plan your visit

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