15th Annual MantaFest Photography School & Contest Yap, Micronesia, October 2- 16 2021
Since 2006, our MantaFest program has brought underwater photographers, both amateur and professional, to this small island and its protected reef to compete for prizes, attend workshops, take tours of the island, and experience the unique culture of Yap, which is considered to be among the best preserved in the Pacific region.
Workshops are led by experts in the field providing their knowledge of all things related to taking better pictures including, but not limited to composition, lighting and photoshop. They also offer advice during sessions with local models in settings that include the island’s unique stone money banks and traditional dance performances. Daily dive trips provide opportunities to dive with and photograph the manta rays, sharks and the plethora of small, colorful tropicals such as the brightly colored mandarin fish and many more wonders of Yap’s underwater world.
Don’t have a U/W camera yet? No need to worry, our sponsors will have some for you to use, free-of-charge, during the event. Our photo pro’s will be happy to teach you the basics and then have you join them on the boat for personalized hands-on experience
During the 15th MantaFest event, we will be joined by top U/W photographers like Andy Schumacher, David Fleetham, Frank Schneider, Ray Bullion, Steve Miller and Tim Rock.
Unfortunately, we had to cancel the 2020 event due to the COVID-19 crisis, Bill Acker and his team are ready to take your booking for next year’s event and the Photo Pro’s will be there to get your photography skills to the next level
Our 2021 MantaFest Photo School & Contest packages include
• Hotel room w/late check-out
• 2-tank dive days
• Free NITROX
• Participation in photo contest
• Seminars and workshops
• Happy Hour one on one sessions with the photo pros
• Evening Media Presentations
• Shark split photo opportunity
• Land/culture photo opportunities
• Beach BBQ
• 1/2-day land/culture tour
• Local dinner
• Breakfast
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Free Wi-Fi
• Hotel Taxes
• Wake-up service with coffee or tea delivered to your room
MantaFest is much more than only diving and photography. There is a wide range of activities to join.
Package Prices
4 nights from $1,109
7 nights from $1,799
11 nights from $2,849
14 nights from $3,489
Photo Contest Categories
Digital SLR | Compact Camera | Video | Beginner |
Big Animals | Big Animals | Best Submission | Best Submission |
Behavior | Behavior | ||
Land/Culture | Land/Culture | ||
Fish/Creature Portrait | Fish/Creature Portrait | ||
Open/Creative | Open/Creative |
Best of Show Submission 2020 by Sheila Ott
Check out the 2019 winners by visiting this link
Although our annual MantaFest Photo School and Contest is all about learning, improving your U/W photography skills, fun, meeting new friends and discovering Yap’s underwater and topside beauty, you also have the chance to win some amazing prizes. From Live-Aboard Scuba Trips to gift vouchers to dive gear and many more. With prizes worth more than $20,000 our annual MantaFest program is one of world’s highest valued resort-based U/W photo contests you can participate in.
Can’t make in in 2021? Pencil in the following dates
2022 August 27-September 10
2023 August 26-September 9
2024 August 24-September 8
2025 August 23-September 7
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Guest Gallery
Check our our gallery of guest photos,share your pictures of Yap with others on our website and our social channel.