Yap is world famous for it's large population of
resident manta rays. On Yap a manta dive does not mean diving hoping for a manta
encounter, it means diving to see the mantas. There's much more to diving in Yap than just Manta Rays, however. Yap's outer reefs abound with species of tropical reef fishes, invertebrates and corals. When coupled with the abundance of larger species like mantas, sharks, and turtles, Yap is a paradise for the underwater photographer or videographer. More than 200 species of hard and soft corals form the reefs of Yap.
Yap Caverns, at the southern tip of the island offers
a truly spectacular dive with an array of caverns, swim throughs and pinnacles
populated by Lionfish and sleeping whitetip reef sharks. Large schools of Huge
Bumphead Parrotfish are often seen here. A unique feature of Yap Caverns is that
the dive not restricted to advanced divers, beginners have no trouble negotiating
the swim throughs, and are able to share an experience of magical beauty otherwise
reserved for more experienced divers. 
The reefs on the East side of the island (windward
side) feature gently sloping terraces with one of the most diverse selections
of hard corals in Micronesia. The west side of the island (lee side) is composed
of a series of vertical walls starting in 15 feet of water and plunging straight
down hundreds of feet. The visibility on the reefs usually exceeds 100 feet and
frequently is over 150 ft. 
Many species of marine creatures that are rare in
some parts of the world are plentiful in Yap. Dive sites such as Lionfish Wall
offer a chance to experience the beauty of a pristine coral reef. One perpetual
favorite of divers is the colorful clownfish. Five species can be seen in Yap.
Some of the anemones they live in are over four feet across and host dozens of
clowns.