Snorkeling
- From shallow Lagoons to outer reef dropoffs
- Crystal-clear waters teeming with life
- Healthy, Colorful Coral
The warm, crystal clear water and the incredible richness and variety of ocean life make Yap a great place for snorkeling.
Snorkelers are welcome right alongside the scuba divers on all boats departing to dive sites both on the reef and within the lagoon. On most of our sites, the reef starts very near the surface and can be appreciated by snorkelers and divers alike. However, we would like to caution all snorkelers that swimming from the ocean-side onto the reef is best left to good swimmers/experienced snorkelers even on the calmer days.
For those snorkelers preferring the calmest waters, we have many pristine sites wholly within the lagoon. These sites can place the reef and all its fish right next to the mask of the surface swimmer.
Snorkeling Highlights
Almost all of Yap’s shallow lagoon is a delight to swimmers and snorkelers. The following is a brief sampling of the snorkeling sites that we feel highlight the best of the tropical seas and yet are still within easy reach of the boats operating out of Colonia.
Manta Ridge and Mi’l Channel
See the Dive Site Directory for a detailed description of these sites from a scuba diver’s point of view. In addition, many snorkelers have been thrilled by the Manta experience simply by hanging onto a rope behind the boat at anchor over the ridge. If you want to venture away from the Manta area, the shallow lagoon floor just north and south of Mi’l is teeming with reef fish and brightly colored corals.
Gabach Garden Walls
Almost 10 miles of magnificent corals line the top of the walls along Gabach Channel. The variety of coral and reef fish seems almost endless. The corals start on the lagoon floor at about 3 ft. (1 M) and continue over the wall lining the channel down to about 15 ft. (4.5 M). After that, there is a sandy slope to the bottom of the channel. In addition to the hosts of reef fish, small white tip reef sharks and turtles have been sighted.
Main Channel
For snorkelers, the lagoon floor just North of the channel entrance offers an interesting contrast to the walls of Gabach. In only 3 to 10 feet of water (1 – 3 M), hard coral bommies sitting on a sandy bottom provide many small nooks and crannies to explore.
The Blue Holes of Tomil
Starting at about 40 ft. (12 M) near the reef and decreasing in-depth as you head towards the Tomil Men’s House, there are many sandy holes on the floor of the lagoon. These holes contain large hard coral bommies and are often surrounded by fields of staghorn. Many stingrays come in to rest in the shallower sandy holes (10 to 15′) near shore. Although very skittish around scuba divers, these graceful rays will usually only swim slowly away from the surface swimmers. Visibility in this area is best on an incoming tide.
Snorkeling Charters & Packages
Snorkeling charters are available daily and can be booked directly at the dive shop. To ensure the best experience, we recommend booking at least a day in advance so we can plan your trip around the ideal tide and conditions.
For those looking for a fully guided experience, we offer customizable snorkeling packages that cater to both solo snorkelers and those traveling with divers. Whether you prefer a dedicated snorkeling adventure or want to join a dive trip while staying at the surface, we’ll tailor the experience to fit your needs.
Stay + Snorkeling Packages
Explore Yap’s underwater beauty — no diving required! Immerse yourself in crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life.
Manta Ray Bay Resort is Yap’s premier destination for ocean adventures, offering exceptional snorkeling experiences alongside our world-class diving. Our team has worked closely with local communities to develop unique tours that highlight the island’s rich marine ecosystems and cultural treasures. Whether you’re gliding over coral gardens, encountering manta rays, or experiencing Yap’s stunning coastline, our snorkeling packages provide an unforgettable way to discover the wonders of our Pacific paradise.
All snorkeling packages include accommodations, transfers, taxes, free Wi-Fi, late checkout, and daily breakfast. Plus, each package is fully customizable to match your preferences and needs.
| Duration | Other Activities | Standard* | Ocean View* | Deluxe Ocean View* |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights / 2 days guided snorkeling |
|
$869 | $909 | $949 |
| 4 nights / 3 days guided snorkeling |
|
$999 | $1,039 | $1,079 |
| 7 nights / 5 days guided snorkeling |
|
$1,779 | $1,819 | $1,859 |
* All rates are per person, double occupancy.