All dive operations accept divers from any resort, although buying a hotel/dive package with one place may be wise. Yap Divers at the Manta Ray Bay will take you to the mantas in the channels or the southern wall sites. They also invite exploration, offering trips to places even they haven't been to find new sites. Manta Visions, located in the hotel, is a full-service photo and video center. Pathways, Beyond the Reef Charters and Nature's Way dive all the sites, cater to small groups and offer environmentally sensitive dive tours.
Accommodations
Choice of accommodations reflect Yap's reluctance toward progress, as there are only a handful of hotels that cater to divers, all in Colonia. The Manta Ray Bay on the harborfront is the most westernized dive resort on Yap. While there's no beach here - or any nearby for that matter - convenience is key, as the dive boats leave from the dock out front. The Pathways Hotel is a little cheaper, but is landlocked. You can get a thatched hut room with or without air-conditioning. A new kitchen is in the works to provide lunch and dinner.
Diversions
It would take some major planning and logistics, but a voyage to the outer islands is possible on the field-trip ship which takes long excursions. Pacific Missionary Aviation also has prop flights to some of these islands, as often as once or twice weekly. Walk the stone paths, but be careful during and after rain as they are extremely slippery. Another good hike is to the hills outside Colonia, near an old Coast Guard lighthouse. You get a breathtaking view of Yap proper, from north to south. Ask a guide to take you to one of the many meetinghouses, which are scattered all across the island. Check out Bechiyal in the north, a cultural complex with meetinghouse, exhibits and handicrafts.
About the Author: Chris Schmit Wahl is a toy collector and expert who writes about toys such as Wooden Dolls Pram and Syma S107 Helicopter.
Accommodations
Choice of accommodations reflect Yap's reluctance toward progress, as there are only a handful of hotels that cater to divers, all in Colonia. The Manta Ray Bay on the harborfront is the most westernized dive resort on Yap. While there's no beach here - or any nearby for that matter - convenience is key, as the dive boats leave from the dock out front. The Pathways Hotel is a little cheaper, but is landlocked. You can get a thatched hut room with or without air-conditioning. A new kitchen is in the works to provide lunch and dinner.
Diversions
It would take some major planning and logistics, but a voyage to the outer islands is possible on the field-trip ship which takes long excursions. Pacific Missionary Aviation also has prop flights to some of these islands, as often as once or twice weekly. Walk the stone paths, but be careful during and after rain as they are extremely slippery. Another good hike is to the hills outside Colonia, near an old Coast Guard lighthouse. You get a breathtaking view of Yap proper, from north to south. Ask a guide to take you to one of the many meetinghouses, which are scattered all across the island. Check out Bechiyal in the north, a cultural complex with meetinghouse, exhibits and handicrafts.
About the Author: Chris Schmit Wahl is a toy collector and expert who writes about toys such as Wooden Dolls Pram and Syma S107 Helicopter.
