Cetti Bay: Guam's Coastal Historical Gem

Cetti Bay, nestled near Umatac on Guam's southern coast, is a captivating destination where history and nature intertwine. This scenic bay, part of Guam's Territorial Seashore Park, has been inhabited for approximately 3,000 years, with evidence of ancient Chamorro settlements found in latte stones and pottery shards. The bay is also known as Atte in ancient times, where it sided with rebel Chamorros during the Chamorro Spanish Wars. The area's unique geological formations, including the pillow lava of Attelong Acho (Black Rock), reveal Guam's volcanic origins. The Spanish later created a road system through Cetti Bay, connecting Hagåtña with Humåtak. Today, Cetti Bay is listed on both the Guam and National Registers of Historic Places. Visitors can explore the bay's rocky south side and sandy north side, surrounded by grassland, coconut trees, and a ravine forest that conceals Cetti Falls. The bay is ideal for fishing, snorkeling, and discovering seashells. Hiking trails offer breathtaking views, though accessing the bay by foot can be challenging, often requiring a hike from Humåtak or Sella Bay. Alternatively, reaching Cetti Bay by boat when the waters are calm is a popular option. While exploring, keep an eye out for the ancient Chamorro village of Jati near the north shore, where two latte structures and remnants of pottery can be found. US Navy archeologist Douglas Osborne documented the island’s archeological sites in 1947 and was mystified by Cetti, noting a large "taza", a latte cap made of fine coralline limestone.