MantaFest 2023: “Yeehaw!” It felt great to have our MantaFest family back together again!
“Yeehaaa!” The resounding call for MantaFest marked the commencement of our 16th annual event in the idyllic surroundings of Yap, Micronesia. The first week was a harmonious blend of excitement, nostalgia, and eager anticipation for the adventures that awaited.
Under the radiant sun and on tranquil waters, our first group of guests embarked on what promised to be an extraordinary Manta Fest 2023. They reveled in splendid weather, delightful cuisine, and the camaraderie that makes this event truly special.
Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the distinguished photographers David Fleetham, Tim Rock, Frank Schneider, and Marty Snyderman for their invaluable contributions. Their daily seminars and expert tips enriched the experience for all. Thank you, pros!
From Mantas to Sharks, Turtles to Bumpheads, Mandarinfish to Gobies, the marine life put on a spectacular show, providing ample subjects for our avid photographers. Special night dives and mandarinfish dives illuminated the wonders of Yap’s underwater world. Secluded beach barbecues and enlightening cultural tours further enriched the journey, creating moments that will be cherished for years to come.
The true magic, however, lay in reuniting with our cherished MantaFest family. Though we missed sharing the depths with our dear friends Ray and Diana Bullion, Judy Bennett, and Sheila Ott, just to name a few. Their enthusiasm for marine wonders echoed in every dive. We extend our heartfelt appreciation to our sponsors and travel partners whose unwavering support made this event possible. They not only elevated its value but also reaffirmed that setbacks are fleeting, and the only way forward is upward. To our MantaFest presenters and participants, you turned this belief into a living reality.
The Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers Family proudly congratulates all the winners of MantaFest 2023! Your talent and passion are an inspiration to us all. We eagerly look forward to welcoming you back for the 2024 MantaFest event, with hearts full of gratitude and spirits soaring high.
Manta Fest 2023 Winners
Best of MantaFest 2023
Best of MantaFest 2023
Ann Donahue
Manta Flyby
7-night, all-inclusive, live-aboard dive vacation on the Odyssey Truk Lagoon Liveaboard for one person
DSLR Categories
Big Animals
First
Bruce Shafer
Blacktip & Boat
Genius Computer
Second
Ken Sutherland
Blacktip Reflections
Mares Puck Pro Plus Dive Computer
Third
Robert Hawthorne
Twin Sharks
Ikelite Crocodile Counter Mat, Ikelite Velcro Mask Strap, Mares Ball Cap, Mares Mesh Bag
Behaviour
First
Ken Sutherland
Clownfish & Eggs
SSI Cruise Captain Luggage Combo
Second
Bruce Shafer
Parrotfish Building Mucus Cocoon
Mares Puck Pro Plus
Third
Bruce Shafer
Signal Goby Helping Shrimp
Head Mesh Bag and Mares Ball Cap
Macro/Close-up
First
Bruce Shafer
Clownfish Eggs
Mares Quad Air
Second
Teresa Wood
Wire Coral Goby
Ikelite Crocodile Counter Mat, Ikelite Velcro Mask Strap, Mares Ball Cap
Third
Ken Sutherland
Mandarinfish
Head Mesh Bag and Mares Ball Cap
Topside
First
Teresa Wood
Betel Nut Preparation
Mares Quad Air
Second
Robert Hawthorne
Beach Scenic
Ikelite Crocodile Counter Mat, Ikelite Velcro Mask Strap, Mares Ball Cap
Third
Ken Sutherland
Sunrise in Yap
GMI Wholesale Guam T-shirt L & HEAD Mesh Bag
Non-DSLR Categories
Big Animals
First
Catherine Griffiths
Pregnant Shark
Genius Computer
Second
Bonnie McKenna
Manta Silhouette
Mares Puck Pro Plus
Third
Rich McMichael
Gray Reef Shark and the reef
Ikelite Crocodile Counter Mat, Ikelite Velcro Mask Strap, Mares Ball Cap, Mesh Bag
Behaviour
First
Ann Donahue
Javanese Eel and Barbershop Shrimp
SSI Cruise Luggage
Second
Catherine Griffiths
Incoming Clownfish & Eggs
Mares Puck Pro Plus
Third
Kathleen Coyle
Cleaner and Anemonefish
Head Mesh Bag and Mares Ball Cap
Macro/Close-up
First
Ann Donahue
Colorful Juveniles
Mares Quad Air
Second
Jennifer Ross
Twinspot Lionfish
Ikelite Crocodile Counter Mat, Ikelite Velcro Mask Strap, Mares Ball Cap
Third
Bonnie McKenna
Hermit Crab on Star Coral
Head Mesh Bag and Mares Ball Cap
Topside
First
Jennifer Ross
River Flows to the Sea
Mares Quad Air
Second
Robert Hawthorne
Stone Money
Head Mesh Bag and Mares SSI Polo Shirt
Third
Bonnie McKenna
Fulaw and area
GMI Wholesale Guam T-shirt M & HEAD Mesh Bag
The Professional Photographers of MantaFest 2023
MantaFest 2023 Event Gallery
Brought to you by:
