Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers

Yap

For more than four decades, Yap has earned its place as a premier destination for year-round mantas and holds the distinction of being the world’s first Manta Sanctuary.

This sanctuary was established by Bill Acker, who founded and still operates Yap Divers, the island’s first dive shop. Bill is an inductee to the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame. And there is so much more to discover in Yap beyond its majestic mantas.

SURROUNDING REEF

One of the most remarkable aspects of Yap is the variety of dive sites that ring the entire island. This surrounding reef provides an extraordinary range of underwater experiences, from vibrant coral gardens teeming with reef fish to exhilarating drift dives along the island’s walls. For larger marine life, Yap offers opportunities to see everything from manta rays and reef sharks to barracudas and schools of jacks. Smaller marine life can be found in Yap’s abundance of macro photography subjects, from nudibranchs and shrimp to octopus and other unique species.

DIVERSITY & TRANQUILITY

Each of Yap’s 50+ dive sites offers a unique experience, catering to divers of all levels — from beginners to advanced. The diversity of these sites ensures that photographers, videographers, and marine life enthusiasts alike will find dive sites suited to their interests and camera settings. The tranquil environment of Yap’s pristine waters allows divers to explore at their own pace.

BLACKWATER DIVING

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers is treading into new waters with the latest addition of blackwater diving. Yap is home to the world’s deepest ocean trench with a maximum depth of 27,976 feet (8,527 metres). Blackwater diving takes divers to a mysterious world of alien-like creatures that can be seen just beneath the surface after migrating up from the depths. This new dive gives divers an adventurous experience in this pitch-black deep-sea environment, giving a diver a newfound perspective of the ocean. Yap’s blackwater diving is best done in the non-tradewind season, which is generally from June to the end of November. Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers offers seasonal blackwater diving weekly and upon request.

A UNIQUE CULTURE

Yap’s culture is rich with tradition, passed down orally through generations. The island’s unique system of chiefdoms preserves these practices, with local leaders guiding their communities. Every year on / around March 1 is Yap Day — a vibrant cultural festival showcasing traditional dances, crafts, and competitions. This celebration brings Yap’s past to life, inviting visitors to immerse in the island’s enduring heritage. Photos by Tim Rock, Sheila Ott, David Fleetham, Michele Westmorland, and Marty Snyderman, respectively.