Manyta Ray Bay Hotel

Yap is world famous for it`s large population of resident manta rays. On Yap a manta dive does not mean diving hoping for a manta encounter, it means diving to see the mantas.

There`s much more to diving in Yap than just Manta Rays, however. Yap`s outer reefs abound with species of tropical reef fishes, invertebrates and corals. When coupled with the abundance of larger species like mantas, sharks, and turtles, Yap is a paradise for the underwater photographer or videographer. More than 200 species of hard and soft corals form the reefs of Yap.

Diving
Our fleet of 7 fast, modern, twin engine dive boats ranging in size from 21 to 38 feet allows us to accommodate any individual needs, from private charters to fun packed group trips.

All our boats carry radio, oxygen and emergency medical kits for safety and our boat drivers know every nook and cranny of the reefs by heart.

After many years of faithful service we have retired our smelly and loud Yamaha two stroke engines, and upgraded to the new four stroke engines from Honda and Yamaha. Not only do the new engines have more power but they are environmentally friendly, no more smoke and noise pollution and they have much better gas consumption rates than the old engines. On your next dive trip with Yap Divers, we are sure you will agree with our decision to change engines, as you enjoy a quiet ride through the channels and mangroves telling dive stories to your new buddies.

We like our guests to be comfortable, so in addition to being fast and safe our boats were made to be comfortable. Smooth riding even in choppy seas, with sun protection and amply stocked with supplies like cold, fresh drinking water, hot tea and snacks. If you feel like indulging yourself, our chefs will set you up and make sure a delicious lunch is waiting for you on the boat between your dives.

At the end of an unforgettable day of diving, it`s nice to know that there are only a few dozen steps or so from the quay to the bar aboard the S/V Mnuw, our 100 year old South Seas Schooner.

Our tanks and rental equipment are up to the same high standards. We don`t like rusty, banged-up tanks and gear that`s falling apart, so we use nothing but the best. We also offer Nitrox diving, a great way to go since most of the diving here is ideal for Nitrox. If you would like to try but lack Nitrox certification we offer both TDI and PADI courses.

Snorkeling
The warm, crystal clear water and the incredible richness and variety of the ocean life makes Yap a great place for snorkeling.

Snorkelers are welcome right alongside the scuba divers on all boats departing to dive sites both on the reef and within the lagoon. On most of our sites, the reef starts very near the surface and can be appreciated by snorkeler and diver alike. However, we would like to caution all snorkelers that swimming from the ocean-side onto the reef is best left to good swimmers/experienced snorkelers even on the calmer days.

For those snorkelers preferring the calmest waters, we have many pristine sites wholly within the lagoon. These sites can place the reef and all it`s fish right next to the mask of the surface swimmer.

Snorkeling charters are available every day and can be booked directly at the dive shop. Access to a few of our best sites can be restricted at low tide. It`s best to arrange your charter one day early so we can plan to get you out at the best possible time.

Almost all of Yap`s shallow lagoon is a delight to swimmers and snorkelers. The following is a brief sampling of the snorkeling sites that we feel highlight the best of the tropical seas and yet are still within easy reach of the boats operating out of Colonia.