Trip Highlights
Explore Vibrant Coral Reefs – Discover thriving coral gardens filled with colorful reef fish, reef sharks, and other marine life, showcasing some of the Pacific’s healthiest underwater ecosystems.
Swim with Giant Manta Rays – Experience the thrill of snorkeling alongside majestic manta rays at Yap’s famous cleaning stations, where these gentle giants glide gracefully in crystal-clear waters.
About This Trip
Extend your adventure to the stunning island of Yap, where rich cultural traditions meet some of the Pacific’s most vibrant marine ecosystems. Explore ancient villages, witness the iconic stone money, and experience centuries-old customs still alive today.
Beneath the surface, Yap’s crystal-clear waters offer unforgettable snorkeling encounters with graceful manta rays, reef sharks, and colorful coral gardens. With a perfect balance of cultural immersion and breathtaking underwater exploration, this Yap extension provides an intimate, off-the-beaten-path experience in one of Micronesia’s most captivating destinations.
What's Included
International flights from Palau to Yap, accommodations, activities described above, daily breakfast, and airport transfers.
What's Not Included
Return flights from Yap to Guam, airport departure taxes, meals not described, and gratuities. All Oceanic Society General Terms and Conditions apply.
Itinerary
Sample Itinerary
Take a morning flight to Yap from Koror. Upon arrival, you’ll be transported to the Manta Ray Bay Hotel.
The resort features unique accommodations adorned with local decor and offers sustainable practices that reflect its commitment to conservation.
We’ll meet in the morning, with exact departure times determined by local tides. Depending on conditions, we’ll snorkel in Gofnuw or Miil Channel—both top spots for encountering shallow-water reef manta rays (Manta alfredi).
In the afternoon, we’ll go back out for a second snorkel at one of the nearby reefs, and on one afternoon, weather permitting, we will snorkel in blue water with grey, blacktip, and whitetip reef sharks.
Enjoy a half-day cultural tour of a nearby Yapese village, known for its “rai” stone money—large limestone disks once used as currency. Because the stones were transported from Palau by canoe, their value was upheld through an honor-based system of ownership
Accommodations
Naturalist(s)
Your expedition will be led by one or more of the following expert naturalist guides:
