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Dive centre · Yap · Micronesia

4.8134 Google reviews

Manta Ray Bay

Experience exclusive, uncrowded diving at this PADI 5 Star and SSI Platinum centre, where Manta rays are a year-round staple.

What sets this centre apart

  • PADI 5 Star and SSI Platinum affiliated dive centre
  • Year-round opportunities to dive with Manta rays
  • Limited to 1,000 divers per year to ensure uncrowded sites
  • Full rental kit available including regulators and exposure suits
  • On-site dedicated camera bays for underwater photographers
  • Dining available on the historic Mnuw Indonesian schooner
  • Established dive operation with experience since 1986
  • On-site spa and luxury themed accommodation

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Manta Ray Bay about the centre

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers is situated on the island of Yap, positioned at the tail of the Mariana Trench in the Western Pacific. Since its founding by Bill Acker in 1986, the resort has established itself as a premier destination for divers seeking both luxury and high-quality underwater encounters.

The centre holds both PADI 5 Star and SSI Platinum affiliations, ensuring a high standard of instruction and service. Because the resort limits its capacity to approximately 1,000 divers per year, you can expect a quiet, uncrowded atmosphere on the boats and at the dive sites.

The club and its team

The operation is a family-run business with nearly four decades of experience in the Micronesian waters. The team provides a personalised service designed to feel like a VIP experience, catering to both novice divers and those looking for more specialised underwater exploration.

Instruction and guiding are conducted in English. The centre is well-equipped to handle international visitors, offering a professional environment that has been recognised by major diving publications for its quality and value.

The centre at a glance

Affiliation
PADI · SSI
Certification level
5 Star|Platinum
Operating since
1986
Languages spoken
English
Website available in
English
Management
English
Equipment rental
complet
Nitrox
Yes
Night diving
Yes
Access and transfers
Access to Yap is via twice-weekly international flights from Guam (GUM) and twice-weekly regional flights from Palau (ROR), served by international hubs in the United States, Japan, Germany, Australia and many other countries. The resort's concierge service can help with flight planning.
Accommodation
Manta Ray Bay Resort is a small four-star resort located on the island of Yap in Micronesia. It offers luxurious, individually themed rooms, a floating restaurant (Mnuw Restaurant and Bar), a bay-side infinity pool and a spa (Taro Leaf Spa). The resort offers hotel and diving packages, as well as activities such as island tours and kayaking excursions.
Official website
mantaray.com

Courses on offer

The centre offers a comprehensive range of training through both PADI and SSI. You can begin your journey with initial certifications and progress through to more advanced levels.

Their curriculum covers everything from foundational courses to professional development, ensuring that whether you are a beginner or an experienced diver, there is a structured programme available to suit your goals.

Equipment and gases

The dive centre provides a complete range of rental kit for those not travelling with their own equipment. This includes regulators, BCDs, and exposure suits, allowing you to dive without the burden of heavy luggage.

On-site facilities are designed for convenience, featuring dedicated areas for rinsing and storing your gear. For those who enjoy underwater photography, there are specific bays available to accommodate camera setups.

Marine life around Yap

The waters around Yap are famous for their large pelagic fish and frequent encounters with Manta rays. During the Manta ray reproduction season, these magnificent creatures become a primary focus for divers.

You can also expect to see various shark species and a healthy variety of reef fish patrolling the corals. The area is a reliable location for spotting large pelagics that thrive in the deep waters near the island.

For those with an eye for detail, the reef offers smaller wonders such as Mandarinfish. The biodiversity of the reef ensures that every dive provides a different perspective on the local marine life.

Diving conditions

The summer months in Yap typically bring calmer seas, providing easier access to the various dive sites surrounding the island.

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