Yap is located in the Caroline Islands in the western Pacific Ocean. The capital of Yap is Colonia. In 1986, Yap, along with the islands of Truk, Kosrae, and Pohnpei, formed the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM).

Yap is famous for its stone money, known as Rai. They are large, doughnut-shaped, carved discs of (usually) calcite. They can be up to 4 meters in diameter (most are much smaller). The smallest is no more than 3,5 centimeters in diameter.

The value is based on the size and history of the stone. Historically, the Yapese valued the discs because the material looks like quartz. They were the shiniest objects available at the time. Later, the stones became legal tender and were even mandatory in some payments.

Since no more discs are produced, the money supply is now fixed. The islanders know exactly who owns which piece but do not necessarily move them when ownership changes. The largest ones require 20 adult men to carry and make them very difficult to move around. The USD is used today for everyday transactions in Yap, but the stone discs are still used for more traditional or ceremonial exchange.

How much does a diving trip to Yap cost?

A diving trip to Yap will probably cost from 45 – 50 000 SEK but it depends on a number of different factors. You You can read more about them here on our website.It is difficult to give a general answer about how much it costs for a package including flights, transfers, accommodation and diving.
For a more accurate price, the best thing you can do is contact us at Scuba Travel for a free proposal and you will receive more detailed info. 

When is the best time to go to Yap?

The best time to dive in Yap depends on your priorities. Traveling between December and April is the mating season for manta rays, which means lots of manta ray activity. Traveling from June to October is the best time to see more dolphins and pilot whales. You can dive in Yap all year round. The water is clear and there is a large resident population of manta rays. The manta rays are probably what made Yap famous.

o Dry season, December/January – June
o Rainy season, July – November/December

What can I see when diving in Yap?

What has made Yap famous and popular over the years is the manta rays that are found here all year round. It attracts many divers every year to experience the manta rays' dance over the reefs. But here you will also normally see grey reef, blacktip and whitetip sharks, dolphins, sea turtles. Lots of fish and especially mandaRhinoceros is a popular species to see. Otherwise, various species such as scorpionfish, dragonfish, butterflyfish, angelfish, clownfish, horsefish and much more. It is also common to see octopus and other invertebrates. Hard corals and sponges are found all over the reefs.

Animals and nature

Yap, part of the Federated States of Micronesia, offers a diverse natural landscape with hilly terrain, valleys, savannah-like plains and beaches lined with mangroves. The number of animal species has been greatly reduced due to introduced species such as cats and rats that have eliminated much of the natural wildlife. However, there are endemic species of birds and reptiles, lizards and turtles, as well as a few different species of bats. The big attraction in the sea is the island's manta rays, which have made the island famous.

Where is the best diving in Yap?

The best diving in Yap focuses entirely on encountering manta rays. There are sites with good visibility and dramatic drop offs where you will see them frequently. There are also many caves and tunnels or formations where you swim between rocks. A great spot that is a highlight for many is Yap Caverns.

Is there liveaboarding in Yap?

Generally No, there are no liveaboards in Yap. Sometimes it happens that only

ka liveaboarder from Palau makes a longer trip with a detour to Yap. It is a very long trip in that case and rare. For those of you who want to go on a liveaboard to another destination or are thinking about land-based diving in Yap, contact us with your wishes and thoughts on tel: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

Yap's typical marine life includes manta rays, various reef sharks, sea turtles and a wide variety of colorful fish. MandaRhinoceros are common and make twilight dives extra fun. You can also see various types of octopus, eagle rays and an abundance of corals, sponges and several species of nudibranchs and crustaceans.

For those of you who don't dive

If you don't want to dive in Yap, you can still experience the underwater world by snorkeling. There are areas that are known for manta rays even when snorkeling. On land, you can explore Yap's unique cultural sites, see the traditional stone money, or learn about the country's history and traditions. Visit cultural centers where you can learn about traditional canoe carving, sailing, dance performances, and more. You can also interact with the local community, experience and enjoy nature, hike or relax on the beaches, or just relax and enjoy the island's food culture.