Family-friendly
At Manta Ray Bay Resort, we believe family travel should be more than just a vacation. It should be an opportunity to explore, learn, and experience Yap together. In addition to our established kids programs and family-friendly atmosphere, we offer a growing selection of guided family activities designed to introduce guests to Yap’s culture, nature, history, and traditions.
While parents are out diving with Yap Divers, we offer the option of tailor-made kids and child-care programs designed to keep younger travelers engaged, active, and comfortable throughout their stay. Families can also enjoy a variety of shared experiences together, from kayaking and hiking to village visits, weaving demonstrations, snorkeling, and cultural activities that create lasting memories both above and below the water.
Older children and teens can even begin their own diving journey in Yap, with SCUBA certification courses available for children ages 11 and up.
Family Activities Highlights
- Jungle Hiking Adventures
Gentle guided hikes through Yap’s forests with scenic overlooks, local wildlife, and panoramic island views. - Mangrove Kayaking
Explore Yap’s peaceful mangrove tunnels by kayak before enjoying a picnic on historic O’Keefe Island. - Village & Cultural Tours
Spend time with local guides and families while learning about traditional Yapese village life and customs. - Traditional Weaving Experiences
Experience traditional lavalava weaving and palm frond crafting while learning about Yapese culture and traditions. - History & WWII Exploration
Visit important World War II relic sites and learn about Yap’s remarkable wartime history. - Family Diving & SCUBA Certification
Kids and teens can snorkel, explore Yap’s reefs, and even earn SCUBA certification alongside their parents.
Kids Program
Give your kids the vacation they will never forget, even if they are not divers. For sure they will love it here. While you as parents are out diving we have a tailor-made kids/child-care program for your kids.
For each day we have a different theme/program. No need to sign up for the entire week as you and/or your kids can choose what theme and how many days of activities. Each day/program takes about 4-5 hours, enough time for the parents to do a 2-tank dive.
A few example kids activities:
Fun at the Beach
Beach day with packed sandwiches and cold salad
Find Bill’s Treasures
Treasure hunt around the resort with prizes being miniature keepsakes of Yap and pool activities such as finding certain items at the bottom of the pool.
Captain O’Keefe’s Secret Forbidden Island
Kayaking to O’Keefe Island and a history lesson about the island’s history and picnic lunch.
Palm Weaving
Kids participate in palm frond weaving sessions, creating woven decorations and traditional carry purses while spending time with local artisans.
Meet the Jungle Doctor & Bamboo Rafting
A day with a real traditional doctor learning how to make miniature bamboo rafts and a day at the beach with BBQ hotdog and chicken luncheon
Mangrove Kayaking & Fishing
Half-day kayak tour with bottom fishing using bamboo poles that kids make with their guide
Family Activities
Hiking Tours
If you’re looking for an intimate and detailed exploration of Yap’s plant and animal life, we recommend our Hiking Tours, which offer a gentle stroll through Yap’s jungles. Different trail walks may include a trek through the forests or climbs to scenic overlooks with panoramic views of the town center.
The hike lasts approximately 2.5 hours and includes bottled water and a light snack.
Kayak Tour with Picnic on O’Keefe Island
Experience Yap through kayaking and immerse yourself in the island’s diverse mangrove landscape by navigating peaceful mangrove tunnels. This distinctive paddling route offers a closer look at one of the rare ecosystems on Earth that remains largely unspoiled.
These guided excursions begin at the hotel via boat and are designed to be simple, leisurely, and enjoyable for families. Enjoy a picnic lunch on historic O’Keefe Island while learning about its history and significance.
Island Land Tours
Our knowledgeable local guides are eager to show you the breathtaking areas of Yap. Tours can be customized to match your interests, including flora and fauna, World War II history, traditional culture, and historical landmarks.
Half-day island tours include bottled water and cooling face towels and provide a wonderful introduction to the island and its people.
WWII Relics Tour
Explore Yap’s World War II history through guided visits to wreckage sites and memorials honoring the American soldiers who fought against Japanese occupation during the war.
This tour offers families an opportunity to better understand Yap’s unique place in Pacific history.
Danup Cultural Tour
Danup is a family estate in Yap that was last lived in during the 1940s and built on one of the island’s original foundations. Guests gain a deeper understanding of how traditional homes are crafted while learning about the local family clan that continues to care for the property today.
The experience also includes freshly husked coconuts and insight into traditional Yapese life.
Pasan Village Tour
Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring village life along Yap’s northern shores. Learn about local history, canoe construction techniques passed down through generations, and traditional navigation methods unique to Yap.
Guests also share a meal with village host Pasan while experiencing local culinary traditions and insights into Yapese culture.
Family Diving & SCUBA Certification
Yap is an excellent destination for families interested in diving together. Children ages 11 and up can participate in SCUBA certification courses through Yap Divers while parents enjoy diving, snorkeling, or island activities.
Families may also enjoy snorkeling activities coordinated around dive schedules, making it easy for everyone to experience Yap’s world-famous reefs together.
MICSEM History Tour
The Micronesian Seminar, commonly known as MICSEM, was founded in 1972 and became internationally recognized for preserving and documenting Micronesian history and culture.
Today, visitors can learn more about the region’s history and cultural heritage while supporting the preservation of one of Micronesia’s most important collections of historical materials and archives. Ninety percent of proceeds from this tour are donated to MICSEM.
Traditional Weaving Experiences
The traditional art of weaving holds deep cultural importance throughout Micronesia and remains an important part of Yapese life and identity.
Guests may experience traditional lavalava loom weaving demonstrations while learning about the cultural meaning and craftsmanship behind these practices.
Family Activity & Program Pricing
The following pricing is provided as a general planning reference for families interested in adding activities and programs during their stay. These activities and programs are separate from room, dive package, and resort stay pricing.
| Program | Price |
|---|---|
| Kid's Program | Starting at $49/child/day* |
| Hiking Tour | $49/person |
| WWII Relics Tour | $39/person |
| Kayak Tour with O’Keefe Island Picnic | $69/person |
| Danup Cultural Tour | $69/person |
| Pasan Village Tour | $69/person |
| Half-Day Island Tour | $79/person |
| MICSEM History Tour | $60/person |
| Traditional Lavalava Weaving | Contact for pricing |
| Palm Frond Weaving Session | Contact for pricing |
| SCUBA Certification (Ages 11+) | Contact for pricing |
*Kids programs, family activities, and certification courses are offered in addition to room, stay, and dive package pricing.
Plan Your Family Adventure in Yap
Whether your family is interested in cultural experiences, island exploration, snorkeling, or learning to dive together, Yap offers opportunities that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world.
Our team can help customize activities and experiences that fit your family’s interests, schedule, and comfort level, creating a vacation that combines relaxation, adventure, and meaningful cultural experiences.
Trip Advisor Review: Superlative experience for a SCUBA vacation
“… One of our dive couples had 4 children with them and the child care was absolutely superb! It made me happy to be able to see a dive couple enjoy daily diving and come back to their children who are getting a world-class education in geography and cultures! …”