The Diving

Manta Rays can always be found at the many cleaning stations in the channels and bays around the island. Manta Ray Bay is one frequently visited site to the north of the island. Several species of cleaner wrasse have set up shop in a large coral formation that sits at about 17m, and the rays never seem to stop coming by. Several species of hard and soft coral can be found in the area, as well as an assortment of butterfly and angelfish.

Miil's Channel, Yap, Credit

Nearby Mi'l Channel is home to scores of reef fish including large Barracudas, Moray Eels, and groups of Bumphead Parrotfish. Hawksbill Turtles often stop in for a visit. Further out in the deeper waters of the channel, keep watch for schools of snapper and jacks. Octopus and lobsters can be found hiding in the rubble where the bottom gets rocky. Beware of the currents at this site. They can be virtually non-existent when the tide is slack, and then rev up to over 5 km/hour! Also, the water can be flowing one way at the surface and the opposite direction on the bottom. It can be an awesome drift dive if you time it right, but pack a sausage just in case.

When the sun sets on Yap, the Mandarins come out to mate at Rainbow Reef. Mandarinfish, that is. A short boat ride takes night divers to a sheltered cove within a Finger Coral-filled lagoon.  Look closely and you'll see the larger males courting the female Mandarinfish in amongst the coral. They dart back and forth, until eventually the ladies select a suitable mate. The two fish come together and momentarily drift up above the coral. They then separate and quickly go their own ways, releasing a mix of eggs and sperm which are fertilized and sink to the protection afforded at the base of the coral. It's a one of a kind dive, and a great opportunity for some fantastic photos.

Corals, Credit

Yap Caverns is at the southernmost point of the island. There is an extensive network of caverns, caves and swim-throughs that extends from 3m down to around 18m. White-Tip Sharks snooze on the sandy bottom areas, and large schools of Parrothead Humpbackfish, Yellowfin Tuna and Amberjack often hang around at the entrance to the caverns. Grey reef shark congregations numbering 20 or more are not uncommon.

Vertigo could be considered the ultimate double bill with sharks and rays sharing the underwater stage. Schools of Grey and Black-Tip Reef sharks are not shy about joining groups of divers for a swim. Ray circle above, and the visibility is usually very good, making this a favourite haunt for photographers. It is the steepest and deepest drop off on the western side of the island. Turtles and schools of Barracuda are sometimes spotted in these waters.

Manta Rays, Credit

Spanish Wall gets its name from the white Pulse Coral that is abundant in the area and resembles delicately woven Spanish lace. This is a better dive for those who are happiest swimming with bigger fish. Once you get down below 10m you'll see plenty of reef fish. Then drop down a little deeper, turn your back to the wall and face out into the blue. Grey and Black-Tip Reef Sharks slide in and out of sight. Silky and Tiger Sharks are occasional visitors to some of the steeper wall dives here and at other deep water drop offs.

Koto Point, Yap, Credit

 The barrier reef that rings Yap is one of the healthiest in Micronesia, and thrives with all manner of marine life. Staghorn and Cabbage Corals are abundant, and hide tiny crustaceans,  while Clownfish peek out from their protective anemone preserves. Bumphead Parrotfish, Butterflyfish and Lionfish all call the reef home. A little further out the currents intersect attracting pelagic species. Keep your eyes peeled for sharks or even dolphins in the depths. The visibility is usually excellent on the reef, often more than 30m.

How to Get there

Yap International Airport is regularly serviced by Continental Air Micronesia and United Airlines. Many visitors fly first to Hawaii, Guam, Los Angeles or Manila, and then on to Yap. Depending on where in the world you are coming from, it can be a lengthy and somewhat complicated journey. Most dive resorts are happy to help you plan out the best route from home, and arrange for airport transfers, stop over accommodation and the like.

Yap International Airport, Credit

Where to Eat & Drink

Yap's hotels and resorts have on-site restaurants offering European, Asian and North American delicacies. It goes without saying that there is an abundance of fresh and flavourful seafood on local menus. Fish tacos are popular, as is sashimi, and grilled fillets of tuna and other local fish. If you have caught your own, most restaurants will be happy to prepare it how you like for a nominal fee.

Mangrove crab, Credit

Be sure and sample a pint of beer from the Stone Money Brewing Company. They are Yap's one and only microbrewery with a Swiss brew master in charge of operations. Try Hammerhead Amber or Manta Gold, the brewery is located in The Manta Ray Bay Hotel. As for night life, your best bet is probably to play peeping Tom to the mating Mandarinfish out on Rainbow Reef. Book a night dive, and give the bar scene a miss!

Other Activities

Deep-sea fishing charters are a popular half or full day activity option if you decide you need a dive-free day. Troll for Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna and Wahoo, or cast for Giant Trevally. Mahi-Mahi, and several kinds of snapper and grouper can also be caught in Yap's waters. Many of the island's restaurants and resort kitchens will happily prepare your catch as a meal. Grilled and seasoned to order, or sliced paper thin as a sashimi appetizer, enjoy your fish prepared your way.

Snorkelling is also an excellent way for non-divers or kids to keep occupied, and there are several sheltered sites that can be visited year-round. Mountain bikes can be rented, and there are ancient stone paths to hike. The island's many mangrove forests are perfect places for a few hours exploration. Yapese crafts and cultural visits offer tourists a glimpse into a unique and ancient island way of life.

For a romantic escapade, Credit

Family Friendly

Most people who make their way to this corner of Micronesia do so for the diving. Teenagers and older children may be kept easily occupied, toddlers and the wee ones not so much. It is a long and sometimes complicated trip to reach Yap. Something to keep in mind if you will be travelling with young children. That said, most resorts are family-friendly and will do what  they can to organize supervised activities for the kids. Enquire in advance to see what is available.

In June the island hosts a Kids Sea Camp Week, while August and September bring professional and amateur photographers to Yap for workshops and a photo festival.

Tips

Manta mating season is December to April, and this is when you will see the greatest number of Manta Rays, exhibiting all kinds of behaviour. The rays are however, always in residence at the cleaning stations in the channels and bays around the islands. May to September means the calmest seas and more varied dive sites are accessible more often.

Hawksbill Turtle, Credit

Contact your dive resort or hotel before you book your flights to the island. They are an excellent source of inside information and tips to make your trip as quick and hassle-free as possible.