Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers

About Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers

Scuba diving with mantas? Manta Ray Bay Resort is located on the island of Yap. Four volcanic islands with some 130 atolls are part of Yap and offer exhilarating dive sites. Marine themes enhance each of the guest rooms. The rooms with Ocean views, private plunge pools, stone showers, or a private rooftop Jacuzzi are very popular. Enjoy our article on The Mantas of Yap.

Manta Ray Bay Resort Diving

The Japanese during WWII used Yap as a stationary aircraft carrier. As a result, the local waters are home to both Japanese and American planes and shipwrecks. But mostly, you are scuba diving the Federated States of Micronesia to see mantas. Yap Divers is the onsite dive center for Manta Ray Bay Resort. Multiple boats of various sizes take you out to dive sites such as Rainbow Reef, Vertigo, and Yap Caverns. Exploring this part of Micronesia is not for the beginner diver as some currents are rather swift. There are over 100 resident mantas in the plankton filled waters of Yap. So each morning mantas line up at the cleaning stations at Mi'l Channel and Goofnuw Channel. You could spend all day at these sights viewing fish of all sizes, but you don't have enough air time. While staying at Manta Ray Bay Resort you'll also have a chance to dive with several species of sharks, tuna, barracuda, wahoo, and Mahi-mahi.

Attractions and Activities

At Manta Ray Bay Resort you can eat, dine, drink, or even watch open-air movies on a permanently moored 110-year-old 170ft long schooner called the MV Mnuw. At the Nautical Weaver Bar on the bridge deck or at the Crow’s Nest Bar you can delight in the fresh taste of Hammerhead Amber or Manta Gold microbrews made right on site under the name: Stone Money Brewing Company. On the main deck is the Manta Ray Bistro known as the island’s finest restaurant. The resort is also home of the Taro Leaf Spa. On land you can do beach excursions, cultural tours, and WWII history tours. And of course you have to visit the stone money, which in this part of Micronesia is a heavy subject.

Amenities

Boutique/ Gift Shop
Entertainment
Meeting Rooms
Oceanfront/ Beachfront/ Waterfront
Pool
Restaurant/ Bar
Safe In Room
Spa/ Massages
Tour Desk
Whirlpool/ Jacuzzi

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Diving Activities

Caverns
Dolphins
Drift Diving
Macro Life
Manta Rays
Nitrox
Pelagic
Reef Diving
Turtles
Underwater Photography
Wall Diving
Wreck Diving

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Adventure Activities

Hiking
Kayaking

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FAQ

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Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers - Yap, Micronesia Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers - Friends & Family Special - Yap, Micronesia

Where is the resort located?

The resort is on the waterfront in the heart of Colonia, Yap’s main town. It is a short 10-minute ride from the airport and within walking distance of many shops, snack bars/restaurants, post office and banks.

Is it close to the water?

The hotel is on the waterfront, overlooking a picturesque bay. Guests are greeted with a spectacular morning sunrise and a glassy calm sea.

Is there a beach?

There is no beach at the hotel, but Yap has secluded beaches. Transportation to the beaches, picnics and snorkeling opportunities are provided by the Manta Ray Bay Resort.

Is there a boat dock?

Yes, there is a boat dock on the resort premises, within a few steps of the lobby and dive center.

Is there a restaurant at the resort?

The Manta Ray Restaurant is located on the main deck of Mnuw and offers an excellent view of the harbor. Meals are also served in the Nautical Weaver Bar located on the Bridge Deck of the Mnuw and/or the Crow’s Nest on the top deck. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served daily. The food is inspired by Asian, Local and European recipes with generous portions which are both wholesome and delicious.

What time does the restaurant open in the morning?

As this is a dive resort, the restaurant opens at 6 AM. Freshly baked pastries, hot coffee and a complete breakfast menu are available from that time. The restaurant specializes in pancakes, waffles, omelets and fresh fruit in the mornings.

What time does the restaurant close?

The kitchen closes at 9:30 P.M. (unless we have divers running late in which case we wait on them) and the bar normally closes about 11:00 P.M. but will remain open for our guests as needed.

Are the rooms air-conditioned?

Yes, all rooms are fully air-conditioned, as is a portion of the restaurant, the lobby and gift shop.

Are there telephones in the rooms?

Yes, all rooms have Direct Dial International service.

Is there internet access?

Yes, FREE WiFi access is available 24/7 in every room, the lobby, pool, restaurant and bar.

Can I drink the water?

Yes, there is a water filtration system and the water is drinkable from the taps in any of the rooms and at the dive center.

Is there a TV in the room?

All Deluxe Ocean View rooms have color TVs with DVD players however there is no local stations available at the resort. The TVs are used for watching your dive video or rented DVDs available at the front desk or from numerous video shops on the island.

How big are the rooms?

The rooms are oversized (350 – almost 500 square feet) and each room has a unique layout. All of our rooms have tiled floors, ceiling fans, air-conditioning, built-in hair dryers, spacious showers and comfortable beds.

Is there a swimming pool?

Yes, there is a wonderful infinity pool complete with 2 life-size stone manta rays on the bottom and a unique waterfall along one wall.

Does the hotel provide towels for diving?

Yes, towels are put on the boat prior to departure and kept dry until needed.

What other activities are available besides diving?

Eco kayak tours, hiking, cultural tours (10 pax minimum required), land tours, deep sea fishing, traditional sailing canoe trips and an in-house spa.

What is the water temperature?

The water temperature is 82 F degrees (28 C degrees) all year round, warm enough to wear just a dive skin, Polartec, or 3mm neoprene suit.

What is the underwater visibility?

Reefs and walls the visibility often exceeds 150 feet (50 meters) and can top 200 feet. The visibility in the channels for the manta dives range from 30 feet (10 meters) up to 100 feet (30 meters) with the average being about 50 to 60 feet (since the manta rays come so close to you, this is ample).

What is the range of diving depths?

Manta dives are anywhere from 20 to 70 feet deep (6 to 20 meters). The average depth for reef dives is 60-80 feet and our walls begin at 20 feet and plunge vertically to more than 400 feet.

Are there strong currents?

Occasional currents (mild to medium) in the channels for the manta dives are easy to navigate since there are calm spots behind high coral heads and coral ridges. Mild currents occasionally occur on the outside walls, making them excellent for drift dives. Overall, Yap diving is easy and safe.

Are the coral reefs alive?

Yes! Yap reefs are in great condition, some are pristine. We are blessed with some of the most beautiful coral formations in the Pacific – table corals the size of dinner tables, giant mounds of blue staghorn, golden elkhorn and giant brain corals. The southern wall dives are healthy and robust hard coral reefs. We also have selections of soft corals in Mi’l Channel as well as the soft corals of Yellow Wall.

Any signs of coral bleaching?

El Niño has spared Yap and there is virtually no coral bleaching on Yap’s reefs. The island of Yap is adjacent to one of the Pacific’s deepest submarine trenches, providing the reefs with fresh, cool, clean water on a consistent basis.

What will I see on my dives?

Mantas, of course. Yap has the largest concentration of manta rays in the world, and they are easily accessible to divers. But, there is more than mantas – lots of sharks, schools of bigeye jacks, schools of blackfin barracudas, extremely colorful tropical reef fish, two species of sea turtles, tons of anemones and clownfish plus a tremendous variety of hard corals. If you are interested in extreme close-up photography, Yap offers an opportunity to photograph rare species such as the fire goby, leaffish, ghost pipefish, longnose filefish, seahorses, mandarinfish, shrimpfish, dragon wrasse and dozens of nudibranches.

How many dive sites does Yap have?

There are over 50 named dive sites.

How does the diving compare with Palau?

The diving in Yap is different but equally as good. Yap offers the best opportunity to encounter, dive with and photograph manta rays. There is no better place in the world for this type of big animal diving. Yap also has a very wide selection of macro subjects not easily found in Palau. As a result of visits from most of the world’s top underwater photojournalists, Yap is now rated as a world-class diving destination.

Are there dive boat trips in the morning?

We depart every morning for a two-tank dive trip. The manta dive trips generally depart between 7 AM and 9 AM. Reef trips and wall dives depart between 8 AM and 10 AM. Third and fourth dives are available in the afternoon as well as a night dive.

How many tanks per trip?

2 tanks per trip are the norm but we certainly cater to our customers’ desires. We can schedule 3-tank or 4-tank dive trips upon request.

Are there afternoon dives?

es, a third and fourth dive is available. Our shark dives depart at 3 P.M. and are a one-tank dive. We have found an excellent macro dive site for those of you who wish to find and photograph nudibranchs.

Are there night dives?

Yes, night dives are conducted any night of the week upon request. Night dives are generally one-tank boat trips, no more than 5 to 15 minutes from the hotel. There are multiple sites for excellent night diving, including encounters with lionfish, octopus, Spanish dancers and other nocturnal creatures.

Are there shore dives?

Yap does not offer shore diving because the best channels, coral gardens and wall dives are more than a mile from shore. Yap’s shoreline is mostly mangrove formations which provide the nutrients and nesting places for juvenile fish.

Is rental dive gear available?

Yes, A full line of Mares rental gear. Wetsuits and computers are also available.

Is Nitrox available?

Yes, Yap Divers has a membrane system and NITROX is available for all dives.

How many dive boats are available?

Yap Divers owns and operates 7 custom-designed dive boats. These vessels have been designed and equipped specifically for diving and contain all of the equipment to make your trip comfortable and safe.

How many divers per boat?

A maximum of 8 divers per boat is our norm. We can accommodate larger numbers for groups and we have the finest dive boat in Micronesia – Popou capable of carrying up to 22 divers.

Can non-divers come on the boat?

They are more than welcome. Spouses and family members often accompany our diving guests, making the overall experience more enjoyable.

Can snorkelers come on the dive boats?

Snorkelers are more than welcome. Most dive sites offer the opportunity to snorkel and scuba at the same site. Our vertical walls and channels often rise to within a few feet of the surface.

Are there special snorkeling trips?

Yes, Yap Diver’s offers dedicated snorkeling trips to the best snorkeling areas. These trips depart both in the morning and the afternoon and include a personal guide.

What time do you get back from the morning dive?

Morning dive trips return between noon and 1 P.M.

Is lunch served on the boat or at the resort?

On the boat, you have a generous snack consisting of fresh baked pastries and fruit, as well as hot tea and ice water. Lunch is available at the resort.

What time does the afternoon trip depart?

The afternoon trips depart between 2:30 and 3:30 P.M.. All trips return in time for dinner or a night dive.

How close are the boats to the hotel?

The boats are at the hotel and it is as easy to get to the dive boats as it is to get to breakfast.

Is there shade on the boats?

Every one of our boats are completely shaded and have custom-built dive ladders for easy entry and exit.

What safety equipment is on the dive boats?

All boats have first aid kits, DAN O2 kits and VHF radios. The boats have twin engines with environmentally friendly 4-stroke engines. These new engines are fuel efficient, quiet and do not burn oil so there is none of the oily smell associated with most dive boats.

Are weight belts available?

Yes, weights and belts are provided by Yap Divers. We have belts in a wide range of sizes and weights in 2,3 and 4-pound (1 to 2 kilo) increments.

What size scuba tanks are used?

80 cubic foot aluminum tanks and 63 cubic foot tanks available for guests desiring lighter or shorter tanks. All of the tanks are regularly inspected and hydrostatically tested.

Where is the dive center located?

The dive center is on the hotel premises within a few steps of the lobby and guest rooms. For those not staying at Manta Ray Bay, we offer complimentary transportation in our air-conditioned vans.

What time does the dive center open in the morning?

Generally, 6 AM or one hour before the departure time of the first dive trip.

What time does the dive center close?

9:00PM is closing time but our front desk is open 24 hours/7 days a week and they can assist with any help needed.

Is there storage for my personal gear?

Yes, there is a private locker for every diver located within feet of the dive boats.

Does the staff speak English?

All our staff members are fluent in English (some crew members also speak German, Dutch and Japanese).

Does the dive center cater to photographers?

Yes, there are 6 custom built “camera hotels” with locked storage so that you don’t have to take your cameras to your room, lighted work areas, charging stations for strobes and batteries with both U.S. standard 110 volt/60 as well as European plugs with 220-volt power, padded work area so that gear doesn’t roll, clean air to dry cameras and strobes as well as magnifying glasses for close work.

Is there a place to wash my dive gear?

Extra deep tiled and lighted rinse tanks are adjacent to the dive dock and within feet of the gear storage area. The tanks are drained and refilled with fresh water several times daily. We have separate rinse tanks exclusive for photo gear.

Is dive instruction offered?

Yap Divers, as both a PADI 5-Star and SSI Platinum Dive Center offering a full range of dive courses, including a manta awareness course and NITROX specialties. We also offer Discover Scuba courses for non-divers who are interested in sampling this aquatic adventure.

Where is Yap?

Yap is located in the Southwestern corner of Micronesia. It lies between Palau (360 miles) and Guam (550 miles), approximately 600 miles East of the Philippines. One side of Yap is bordered by the Pacific Ocean while the other side borders the Philippine Sea.

How big is the island?

Yap actually consists of 4 major islands linked by road. The cluster is shaped like a kite and is 17 miles long by 6 miles wide, at the widest point. The land mass is 39 square miles, ringed by mangrove shoreline, protected lagoons, secluded beaches and a coral barrier reef.

How long does it take to get there?

From Guam, it is 1 hour and 15 minutes.

Do the islanders speak English?

Yes, everybody on Yap speaks English. Since the end of World War Two, Yap has been part of the U.S. Trust Territory (until gaining independence 20 years ago). English has been taught in the Yap school system and the islanders are at least bi-lingual.

What kind of money (currency) do I need?

The U.S. dollar is the official currency of Yap and there is NO CURRENCY EXCHANGE on the island. We recommend that international visitors buy U.S. dollars prior to entering Yap. The Bank of Guam and Bank of FSM have ATM’s available a short walk or taxi ride from the hotel. Some European debit cards and credit cards do not work at the ATMs on the island, it is advisable to bring cash in US dollars.

Are credit cards accepted in Yap?

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and JCB cards are accepted at the Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers for all purchases and services.

Should I rent a car?

Car rentals are available but not necessary. The resort is centrally located close to good shopping and the other amenities in town. If you would prefer a rental car, the Manta Ray staff will be happy to make the necessary arrangements for you.

Are taxis available?

Yes, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive.

How far is it from the hotel to town?

The hotel is located within easy walking distance of the town’s food stores, banks and gift shops.

Is there shopping?

A wide variety of shops can be found in town, offering all sorts of merchandise and souvenirs.

Are there island handicrafts?

Yes, Yap has several very gifted artists who specialize in wood and stone sculptures, island weaving, as well as original paintings. Much of their work is focused on ocean creatures such as manta rays, dolphins and sharks. They also produce pictures and carvings representative of the Yapese culture.

How safe is the island?

Yap is extremely safe. The island has practically no crime. By nature, the Yapese people are cordial, friendly and honest.

Can I plug in my electrical appliances?

es, Yap uses the same electrical standards as the USA (110 Volt, 60 cycles). All electric outlets are American style. International visitors should bring plug adapters to convert to their appliances. 220 and 240 voltage is available for international visitors using this power system.

Are there any cultural tours?

Cultural tours to island villages are considered one of the highlights of a Yap vacation. Tours must be requested a week in advance with a minimum of 10 people signed up for the tour, as this tour is upon request to the host village.

Is there a hyperbaric chamber in Yap?

Yes, there is a chamber at the Yap Hospital and our staff are, among others, trained in its use.

Mark H.S.

Great view from my balcony of the old ship which is permanently docked in front of the resort. It has been converted into a restaurant and bar where they serve their own brews of beer. The people were lovely and all knew my name within a day. Food was decent, but not great. The service was excellent. The diving operation is wonderful and the boat captains and the dive guides worked together around weather conditions (wind, rain and tides) to provide the best experience possible.

Mike

Manta Bay Resort was Outstanding! My room was Amazing! Deluxe ocean view room with stone shower is the best room on the resort. The staff was excellent, the dive operation first class. The diving was solid, had a great manta dive but not as many mantas as I was expecting.

Dave

Manta Ray Bay. The rooms are very nice, comfortable with good AC and have comfortable beds. The staff is friendly and efficient. The downside is their on site food, on a good day it's only fair and mostly not even that. We quickly learned to eat at other locations, along with many of the other guests. The dive operation was also friendly and the dive guides were competent and cooperative. We had some poor vis compared to prior trips, and heard that they'd had rough weather that had caused it, especially inside on the Manta Ray trips. We dove NITROX, and were surprised to find that their tanks were consistently testing for less 02 than rated. I think it was around 28% when they were rated at 32%. Interestingly the dive ops hadn't caught that their self mixing NITROX maker was malfunctioning and we were the first to catch it. When we showed the manager he was very appologetic and embarrassed and didn't charge us the mark up for the mixed gas for the week. They also couldn't change/fix the mixture because they had to contact the manufacturer in Germany for guidance and there was a slow turn around.

Dave

Mike

Curtis

Had a very good time. Could not ask for a better location to stay. All employee's where pleased to help. Dive masters were helpful and safety first. Asked what dive sites you wanted. Rooms were very clean and very clean. Saw Mantra Ray's. Food was Good and fair priced.

Liz

Manta Ray Bay and all its employees were above our expectations. We had a wonderful room overlooking the bay which was clean and comfortable. Contrary to some reports I had read before the trip we thought the food was outstanding, and the restaurant staff very accommodating to our group of 11. Our 2 dive guides, Mike and Nico, were with our group for almost all dives. They were good spotters and very helpful, pulling up my BC so I could climb the ladder "unencumbered." Backroll entry, 1 hour+ dives, nothing very deep (about 70 feet max). A great time while there, but very long plane ride.

Alfred

Manta Ray Bay Resort is one of the best dive resorts that I have ever experience the staff is super friendly, they go the extra mile to help you enjoy your vacation. It is the only dive shop I would stay with in Yap.

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Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers

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Mark H.S.

Mike

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Dave

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