Introduction
A Resort on the forefront of sustainability in the diving industry
The Resort: The Yap motif of the entire hotel is marine life, with each of the rooms individually decorated in tropical elegance. Each room bears a fish name and is decorated accordingly, with photographs and paintings of that fish, hand-carved vital chains, and handmade bedspreads. Seven nights, three dives daily, meals, and some of the best diving Yap offers, from $1,799 per diver.
Diving in Micronesia
Welcome to our guide for diving and traveling in Micronesia, where you can discover the incredible diving experiences available across these islands and the best ways to explore them.
What Divers Should Know About Micronesia
Micronesia is a region in the North Pacific consisting of thousands of islands, known for some of the world’s finest diving. This area includes the Federated States of Micronesia, the Caroline Islands, Guam (part of the Northern Mariana Islands), and Palau.
The Micronesian islands are among the least visited places in the world, with scuba diving being the primary driver of tourism in the region. Interestingly, all of Yap’s waters are privately owned by local village clans, adding a unique aspect to the diving experiences available there.
The Islands of Micronesia
Covering nearly 3 million square miles of the Northern Pacific Ocean, Micronesia comprises three main countries: the Republic of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Guam, which is part of the Northern Mariana island chain. Despite the vast ocean territory, the total landmass of Micronesia is surprisingly no larger than the city of Los Angeles. To dive in this captivating region, visitors must travel to one of these three countries.
Sustainability: Manta Ray Bay Resort has been at the forefront of sustainability in the diving industry.
1. Renewable Energy: Solar water heaters for the hotel were the first phase of solar implementation. Every roof has solar panels to offset island power usage.
2. Direct Investment in Ecology and Marine Environment Education: Manta Ray Bay is happy to announce a 2019 Shark Conservation Dive Package with Divers 4 Sharks and the Shark Angels.
The previous creation was a joint project with Manta Trust and the Micronesian Conservation Coalition that became one of the most successful dive packages, Manta Mania. Another special event is Marine Biology Weeks in Yap, where guests dive with a marine biologist, Stephan Moditzo, and perform laboratory exercises during three workshops.
These events take money to get going time spent nurturing connections with scientists, meeting with activists, and working with the people who support them. This investment is made to continue leading in the industry and grow future divers awareness of the issues concerning our ocean.
3. Coral Reef Restoration: This coral reef restoration project, in partnership with Richard Shaul and Sea Byte, Inc. Three restoration areas have been established and samples harvested. This project includes monitoring, evaluation, and capacity building by creating a local team that will carry out this project.
4. Plastic-less: All plastic is on the chopping block, including drinking straws, food wrappers, and containers, as well as drinking cups. We might not be able to end our relationship with plastic, but our operation cuts every disposable plastic product out of the daily program.
Packages
Family Dive Adventure vacation package
Standard Room (7 Nights / 5 Dive Days: $1,799, 15 dives)
Each unique Standard Room is well-appointed in tropical style and features one or two queen-sized beds. The standard rooms are on the opposite side of the resort, with views of the hills and beyond.
Includes:
- NITROX
- On-the-Boat Lunch
- Free WiFi
- Wake-up call with Coffee/Tea DeliveryBreakfast on the S/V Mnuw
Let us custom-design your Yap family dive vacation, and we can pre-book your non-diver activities, meals, specialty dives, tours, and excursions. Call us today at 803-419-2556. Congratulations to the Mantaray Bay resort for their green thinking and implementation.
Accommodations
Faraway Luxury
Luxurious Ocean-themed Rooms
Experience luxury in our beautifully appointed, individually themed rooms and suites. Enjoy breathtaking views of the bay and our floating restaurant, The Mnuw, from a private veranda. Relax in a warm sunset soak in a private rooftop jacuzzi or take a refreshing, romantic dip in a private pool. Indulge your senses in an island-inspired shower with a waterfall and warm rain effect. We have accommodations to suit every guest.
Standard View Room
Our unique Standard Rooms are tastefully decorated in a tropical style and come with either one or two queen-sized beds. These rooms are located on the opposite side of the resort, offering views of the hills and surrounding area.
Ocean View Room
Each individually themed Ocean View Room boasts a stunning view of the lagoon. Wake up to the beautiful sunrise reflecting off the calm waters. These rooms are styled in tropical décor and provide either one or two queen-sized beds. Some even feature water beds for an added touch of comfort!
Deluxe Ocean View Room
The Deluxe Ocean View Rooms are our premier accommodations. They offer spectacular ocean views, king-sized beds, private patios, and unique interior designs. Some rooms include private plunge pools, exceptional stone showers, or even private rooftop jacuzzis! Each room is unique and equally elegant, ensuring a memorable stay.
Diving / Diving Site(s)
Manta! Manta! Manta!
The Diving
The dive shop also offers a variety of specialty dive certifications for those looking to enhance their formal training. Notably, Yap Divers is home to the only PADI-certified Manta Ray Awareness Course in the world, creating a unique opportunity for an unforgettable Yap Island vacation. Divers can enjoy a plethora of experiences, including regularly scheduled drift dives, wall dives, cavern dives, night dives, and our specialty—Giant Manta dives! Consider adding Palau for an extended, even more amazing trip!
Dive Training
The Dive Staff: Yap Divers, an award-winning dive center, is Yap’s first PADI Golden Palm Resort, located adjacent to the Manta Ray Bay Hotel, forming the island’s first PADI Gold Palm Resort. With Yap Divers, you can expect clean and pure air, safe diving, and comprehensive instruction available from Open Water to Divemaster levels.
Dining / Restaurant(s)
Ocean view at every table
Mnuw Restaurant & Nautical Bar
The Mnuw is one of the most unique restaurants and bars in Micronesia, if not the world. This 170-foot (55-meter) Phinisi schooner from Indonesia features three dining decks, two bars, and a fully-equipped kitchen on board. Start your day with a stunning sunrise breakfast, or unwind after a full day of activities with a cold beer or tropical drink while sharing sea stories.
The Manta Ray Restaurant
Imagine rough-hewn beams and floors, teak walls, wall sconces, cozy nooks, and the nostalgic aroma of wood. Experience intimate lighting and a warm atmosphere at our restaurant. Located on the main deck of the SV Mnuw, the hundred-year-old South Seas schooner, you can enjoy fine views through panoramic windows.
The menu is inspired by Asian, local, and European recipes, offering generous portions that are both wholesome and delicious. Daily delights include homemade pizza, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and fresh fish sandwiches. Pair your meal with the microbrewed beer from Stone Money Brewing Company, and you’ll quickly understand why guests find it hard to leave this venue.
The Crow’s Nest Bar
On the spacious top deck of the Mnuw is the “Crows Nest Bar,” a perfect spot to enjoy the open air while overlooking the sea. It’s an ideal place to wrap up a day of diving, sipping on a tropical drink made right before your eyes, or enjoying a tasty Stone Money brew on tap. They also serve a full restaurant menu up here.
The gigantic movie screen, oftens showcase a mix of Yap’s finest diving footage, guest productions, and mainstream movies. There’s nothing quite like watching a film outdoors on the deck of a schooner in a tropical paradise, all while sipping a cold beverage after a day of breathtaking diving.
Activities
Yap is remarkable to explore
Snorkeling
The warm, crystal-clear water and the incredible diversity of ocean life make Yap an ideal destination for snorkeling.
Kayaking
As you paddle among the mangroves, you will discover areas that can only be accessed by kayak. There are no roads or powered boats, and no habitation—just you and nature. This offers the perfect opportunity to explore one of the few ecosystems on our planet that remains untouched by humans.
Fishing
Imagine looking over the side of your kayak into the deep blue water, so clear that you can see fish swimming 100 feet below. Picture yourself just 20 yards from the edge of the reef, gazing across the turquoise lagoon towards a lush green tropical island in the background. You cast your lure into the waves breaking on the reef, and suddenly—boom! A massive black Giant Trevally charges from the surf, attacking your wooden bait. The fight is on!
Land Tours
The concierge staff at the Manta Ray Bay Hotel offers a complete range of land tours designed to showcase the unique island culture of Yap. These tours cover everything from the famous stone money and stone money banks to traditional thatched-roof men’s houses, centuries-old stone paths that still connect various villages, and the island’s unique flora and fauna.
Know Before You Go
Yap is easier to get to than you think
Getting to Yap
Traveling to Yap may initially seem challenging, but it is actually quite simple. You can reach Yap directly from major airports in Guam (GUM) and Palau (ROR), which are connected to international hubs in the USA, Japan, Germany, Australia, and many other countries. With a bit of planning, you can easily arrange your trip.
International & Regional Flights
There are several flight options available for getting to Yap. United Airlines offers international flights from Guam twice a week. Additionally, PMA provides regional flights from Palau twice a week, along with special charter options.
