I was very impressed how well Manta Ray Bay Resort and its Yap Divers affiliate weathered the Covid shutdown storm. Yap was basically closed off from the world for 2 1/2 years due to Covid travel restrictions before beginning to re-open in mid-late 2022. I had been to Yap more than 20 years ago, but never managed to make it back due to vacation limitations etc. I now have greater scheduling flexibility so chose January 2023 to return to Yap for a two-week stay. Given how long the island was closed due to Covid travel restrictions I was more than a little nervous about how things might have been maintained after such a long time with no tourists. I was actually THRILLED with every aspect of my vacation. The hotel and dive operation were in great shape. I am not sure how, but they managed to maintain everything in good condition despite a long period without tourists. It was pretty clear that this was a well-designed and well-run dive resort prior to Covid and they were able to use that mentality to carry them through. My room (think it was a deluxe waterfront category) was spacious, well-furnished and very clean. All the dive boats were well-designed and ran perfectly. The two divemasters I used (Nico and Ferr, apologies for spelling) were extremely experienced and helpful in achieving whatever my photographic goals were on each dive. I enjoyed the food on their floating restaurant/bar the Mnuw. United Airlines is only flying to Yap every other week at the moment (theoretically returning to more regular service in April 2023), but I did want to note that several guests used Pacific Mission Aviation (PMA) to get between Palau and Yap (making a week-long stay possible now ). Evidently, they don’t have a formal schedule but are making fairly frequent flights (you have to email them evidently ). They seem to be pretty well known in Micronesia. A non-diving guest that had worked in the islands for years swore by them. I look forward to returning to Yap and Manta Bay Ray/Yap Divers. Hopefully in only a matter of months if things go as planned.

— From TripAdvisor —