Things to Do in Yap, Micronesia

Yap, one of the four states of the Federated States of Micronesia, is a remote Pacific island paradise that offers visitors an authentic glimpse into traditional Micronesian culture. Famous for its massive stone money discs called 'rai' and its pristine diving sites, Yap remains largely untouched by mass tourism, making it a perfect destination for travelers seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure. The island is renowned for having some of the world's best manta ray diving sites, where these gentle giants congregate year-round in cleaning stations and feeding areas. With a population of just over 11,000 people, Yap maintains strong cultural traditions including traditional navigation, weaving, and ceremonial practices. The island's landscape features lush tropical vegetation, mangrove channels, and crystal-clear lagoons surrounded by coral reefs. Visitors can experience authentic village life, witness traditional dances, and explore WWII historical sites while enjoying some of the most pristine diving and snorkeling in the Pacific.

Top Things to Do in Yap

Manta Ray Diving

Experience world-class diving with manta rays at Mill Channel and Goofnuw Channel, where these magnificent creatures gather year-round for cleaning and feeding. The sites offer guaranteed manta encounters with visibility often exceeding 100 feet, making it one of the world's premier manta ray destinations.

Booking Tip: Book with local dive operators like Beyond The Reef or Nature's Way for $80-120 per two-tank dive. Best visibility is during dry season (December-April), but mantas are present year-round. Advanced Open Water certification recommended.

Stone Money Cultural Tour

Visit the famous stone money banks where massive limestone discs called 'rai' are displayed along village pathways. Learn about this unique monetary system that's still used today for important transactions and discover how these stones were quarried in Palau and transported by outrigger canoe.

Booking Tip: Arrange through your hotel or local tour operators for $30-50 per person. Tours typically last 2-3 hours and include multiple stone money sites. Best combined with village cultural experiences.

Traditional Village Visits

Experience authentic Yapese culture by visiting traditional villages where locals demonstrate ancient crafts like weaving, wood carving, and traditional navigation techniques. Witness the famous Yapese stick dances and learn about the complex caste system and traditional way of life.

Booking Tip: Coordinate through the Yap Visitors Bureau or local guides for $25-40 per person. Bring small gifts like betel nut or tobacco as customary offerings. Respect photography restrictions and dress modestly.

Reef and Lagoon Snorkeling

Explore Yap's pristine coral reefs and shallow lagoons teeming with tropical fish, sea turtles, and occasionally reef sharks. The protected lagoons offer calm conditions perfect for beginners, while outer reef sites provide more adventurous snorkeling opportunities.

Booking Tip: Local operators charge $40-60 for half-day trips including equipment. Best conditions during calm weather periods. Some sites accessible by kayak or small boat from shore.

World War II Historical Sites

Discover well-preserved WWII relics including Japanese bunkers, anti-aircraft guns, and the remains of military installations scattered across the island. The sites offer insight into Yap's strategic importance during the Pacific War and its impact on local communities.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration is possible with rental car ($40-50/day) or join guided tours for $35-45 per person. Bring sturdy shoes for jungle trekking and respect historical artifacts by not removing anything.

Getting There

Yap International Airport (YAP) is served by United Airlines with connecting flights through Guam, typically requiring an overnight stay in Guam. Flights operate 2-3 times per week depending on the season, with the journey from major US cities taking 15-20 hours including connections. Caroline Islands Air also provides charter services and connections to other Micronesian islands. Due to limited flight schedules, it's essential to book well in advance and build flexibility into your travel plans.

Getting Around

Transportation on Yap is limited but manageable for visitors. Rental cars are available from a few local operators for around $40-50 per day, and driving is on the right side with roads being mostly paved but narrow. Taxis are scarce and expensive, so most visitors rely on hotel transfers, rental cars, or arranged tours. Many dive shops and hotels provide transportation to dive sites and major attractions. Walking is feasible in Colonia, the main town, but distances between villages and attractions require motorized transport.

Where to Stay

Colonia Town Center

Chamorro Bay Area

Maap Village

Rull Municipality

Gagil-Tamil Area

Fanif District

Food & Dining

Yap's dining scene is limited but offers a mix of local Micronesian cuisine, Asian dishes, and basic Western fare. Local specialties include fresh seafood, taro, breadfruit, and coconut-based dishes, often prepared in traditional earth ovens. The few restaurants are primarily located in Colonia and include the Manta Ray Bay Restaurant, ESA Hotel Restaurant, and small local eateries serving rice dishes and grilled fish. Many visitors dine at their hotels or guesthouses, which typically offer meal plans. Local markets sell fresh produce, and some accommodations provide kitchen facilities for self-catering.

When to Visit

The best time to visit Yap is during the dry season from December to April, when rainfall is lower and trade winds provide comfortable conditions. This period offers the best visibility for diving and snorkeling, with calmer seas and less chance of typhoons. However, manta rays are present year-round, making any time suitable for diving enthusiasts. The wet season (May-November) brings higher humidity, more frequent rain showers, and potential typhoon activity, but also fewer tourists and sometimes better deals on accommodations. Temperatures remain consistently warm (80-85°F) throughout the year.

Insider Tips

Bring cash (US dollars) as credit cards are rarely accepted and there are no ATMs; most transactions are cash-only

Pack reef-safe sunscreen and respect local customs by dressing modestly, especially when visiting villages or cultural sites

Book accommodations and activities well in advance due to limited options, and consider staying at least 5-7 days to make the long journey worthwhile

Things to Do in Yap