Dive Yap
Yap's miles of unspoiled reefs and limited visitor arrivals attract divers from all over the world to make the long journey to Yap's pristine dive sites and enjoy the exclusivity and peace-of-mind that comes with having entire reefs of exotic marine life and 'big fish' action to explore in uninterrupted pleasure day after day.
Manta Rays Year-round in Yap
Diving Yap is a unique experience and an eco-tourist's dream as its pristine waters are home to one of the few Manta Ray Sanctuaries in the world. This sanctuary was established into law in 2008 and protects the habitat of Yap's resident population of Manta Rays up to 12 miles (19.3 kms) offshore, and in an 8,243-square-mile (21,350 sq. km) area, comprising 16 main islands and atolls and 145 islets.
Unlike most other Manta dive destinations, visitors are able to dive in harmony with these majestic creatures year-round, as the majority of these gentle giants of the sea are local residents enjoying the safety of Yap's protected waters. They come into the lagoons each day to feed and to have their bodies cleaned by small fish at specific locations known as cleaning stations where tides, currents, food and schools of smaller fish all come together under favourable conditions on a regular basis.
During certain times of the year, the mantas also mate, forming train-like chains as numerous males follow females through the rituals of manta courtship.
Yap Shark Action & much more
Yap's outer reefs and drop-offs are teeming with a vast diversity of marine life, from schooling shoals of reef fish to turtles, sharks and eagle rays. Large schools of Black Tip, White Tip and Grey Reef sharks are found in abundance on the reefs off Yap's Southwest coast, just 30 minutes away in a fast dive boat, with the occasional pelagic Nurse Shark dropping by for a visit along with more regular ocean-going species such as Barracuda, Wahoo, several species of Tuna, Mahi-mahi, Marlin and Billfish.
While Yap's Mantas take star billing, Yap's prolific shark action is fast catching up, providing a spectacular 'big fish' dive experience in an easily accessible, unpolluted and secure environment.
Yap's reefs are a kaleidoscope of colour and their crystal-clear waters home to a wide variety of soft and hard corals, schools of reef fish of all sizes and a vast array of exotic marine 'critters' that attract the attention of even the most jaded macro photographers.
A popular attraction is the Mandarin Fish mating ceremony and after swimming with mantas and sharks, encounters with green sea turtles, dolphins and even whales are a regular and much sought after highlight of any dive.
On and under the water Yap offers a unique dive experiences for every level of diver, from beginners to the most experienced, fully backed-up with modern facilities and equipment, the latest technology and highest safety standards meticulously maintained by experienced dive operators and guides. Out of the water Yap's unique Pacific Island culture takes visitors back in time to a traditional life that respects the natural environment and lives in close harmony and rhythm with it.
Snorkeling Yap
Yap offers a wealth of unspoiled coastline, beaches, inlets, lagoons and fringing coral reefs, and these make for great snorkelling sites easily accessible by land, sea kayak or from a small boat. All the water inside the reef is privately owned, and while visitors are welcome to most areas, it is necessary to obtain permission from the appropriate parties before heading out on your own discovery tour. There are several private beaches open to snorkellers for a nominal fee and the necessary arrangements can be made at the Yap Visitors Bureau office.
Kayaking Yap
Yap's diverse mangrove eco-system is yet another unique world to explore and bridges life above and below the water. A guided kayak tour is the perfect way to explore this unspoiled ecosystem, one of few on this planet that remains preserved and respected by its caretakers. On these tours your guide will introduce to the Yap’s numerous bird species, some of which are endemic to Yap, and share his knowledge of Yapese folklore and culture that spans more than two millennia. If you bring a mask and snorkel you may even get a chance to observe the archerfish as it spits jets of water several feet through the air into the overhanging vegetation to knock down insects for its dinner!
Fishing Yap
Micronesia has what many consider the most fertile fishing waters in the North Pacific and the waters outside Yap are an angler's dream. Mahi-mahi, Tuna, Wahoo, Billfish and Blue Marlin are some of the most common big game fish found in Yap's waters.
Yap has professional sportfishing charter operations that are locally owned and staffed offering full-service charters on a regular basis. Equipment is available for rent on island, but the selection is not be as broad as usually available in more developed destinations. The serious fisherman or woman may want to bring his or her own gear, or at least a few favourite lures. Fishing within the reef's lagoons is slightly more complicated to arrange, as all the waters inside the reef are privately owned, but with advance notice it is possible to arrange day or night-fishing expeditions with local guides.
