Yap has managed to let most of
the modern world pass by and practices Micronesia's most reserved and traditional
lifestyle. Yapese men wear the traditional bright loin cloths and women are
in grass skirts. They marry according to custom and still practice traditional
handicrafts.
Most intriguing to visitors is the famous stone money of Yap--massive wheels
of solid stone quarried in far off Palau and placed outside the thatched men's
houses and family huts to denote wealth and status.
Diving is excellent and unexplored in Yap's clear waters and virgin reefs. Manta
Ridge, in Milli Channel, offers divers a unique experience. a school of manta
rays--the graceful, gentle giants of the ocean--regularly feed here, unperturbed
by divers swimming among them.
Yap may not have the luxury and bright lights of a big island, but the friendly
faces, traditional lifestyle and unspoiled beauty make it an unforgettable part
of the charm and mystique that is the Micronesia experience.
Yap holds a special prize for divers -- it is the home of the Giant Manta Ray.
These marvelous, winged creatures appear daily and will spend hours hovering
in the warm currrents within feet of the diver.
Yap boasts over 30 different dive sites, including such popular sites as Manta
Ridge, Gilmaan Wall, Yap Caverns, Lion Fish Walls, Milli Channel and Valley
of the Rays.
The Manta Ray Bay Hotel is a dedicated dive resort, designed by divers, built
for divers. It's 23 rooms offer air conditioning, satellite TV, mini-bars, and
VCR's. The Manta Ray Bay Bar and Grill features a variety of cuisine prepared
by our Chef, Bill Munn. Manta Ray Bay has been called "The Best Little
Dive Hotel in the Pacific".
The Manta Ray Bay Hotel was built with divers in mind. All of the dive facilities
and equipment storage are conveniently located within steps of the Hotel. The
third floor houses the Manta Ray Bar and Grill, the Island's finest restaurant
with a great view of the lagoon. The Nautical Weaver Bar on the back deck is
a relaxing way to spend an evening after a day of exciting diving.
Traders
Ridge Resort
Yap Divers, located on the premises of the Manta Ray Bay Hotel, offers a full
service dive shop, all levels of instruction, Scubapro equipment rental, morning
and afternoon two tank dives to either the Manta sites or the reefs, and night
dives on request.
The Pathways Hotel combines modern tourism with preservation of the enviroment
and the local culture of Yap. Traditionally built thatched cottages provide
comfortable accomodation while featuring air-conditioning, ceiling fans, refrigerator,
24 hour water, private bath and balcony.
Dive packages are available and the hotel can arrange land tours, excursions
to local villages and colorful dance ceremonies. While the modern facilities
are designed to make you feel totally at home, the Yapese hospitality and service
make you never want to leave this charming destination.
Beyond the Reef offers daily two-tank diving and snorkling excursions to
thrilling dive sites of pristine coral reefs and spectacular marine life surrounding the
island of Yap aboard uncrowded dive boats.
The dedicated dive center meets the strict international standards of safety and quality
in offering complete rental equipment and providing PADI instruction from introductory
scuba lessons through to Divemaster certification.
For more information about Micronesia
tour packages call 888-889-8100.
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