Yap 12-Day Trip Itinerary

Arrive at Yap International Airport

Upon arrival at Yap International Airport (YAP), you'll be met by your hotel transfer.

Enjoy the scenic drive to your accommodation in Colonia, the capital of Yap.

Hotel Check-in & Settle In

Check into your hotel and take some time to unpack and settle in.

Familiarize yourself with the surroundings and relax after your journey.

The hotel is ideally located by the waterfront, offering beautiful views and easy access to activities.

Welcome Dinner & Briefing

Enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel.

This is a good opportunity to discuss your diving preferences and plan the next few days with your dive operator.

Orientation & First Reef Dive

Start your diving adventure with an orientation dive at a local reef.

Get acquainted with Yap's underwater environment and enjoy the diverse marine life in calmer waters.

Ensure all your dive gear is properly fitted and working. Your dive master will provide a thorough briefing.

Lunch in Colonia

Enjoy lunch at a local eatery in Colonia, sampling local cuisine.

Stone Money Banks Tour

Explore the famous Stone Money banks, ancient sites where the massive limestone disks, unique to Yap, were once used as currency.

A local guide can explain their historical and cultural significance.

Wear comfortable shoes and be respectful of these cultural sites. Consider hiring a local guide for deeper insights.

Sunset Stroll Along the Waterfront

Enjoy a leisurely walk along the Colonia waterfront, taking in the peaceful atmosphere and beautiful sunset views over the bay.

Manta Ray Dive Experience

Embark on an unforgettable dive specifically dedicated to encountering Yap's famous manta rays.

Your dive master will take you to known manta cleaning stations.

These gentle giants are a highlight of diving in Yap. Listen carefully to your dive master's instructions to ensure a respectful and safe encounter.

Post-Dive Lunch

Enjoy a well-deserved lunch back in Colonia, perhaps at a different local spot.

Traditional Village Visit

Visit a traditional Yapese village to experience the island's unique culture firsthand.

Witness traditional dances, craftsmanship, and learn about local customs and practices.

Always ask for permission before taking photos of people. A small donation to the village is often appreciated.

Dinner and Relaxation

Enjoy dinner at your hotel or another local restaurant.

Spend a relaxed evening reflecting on your encounters with the mantas.

Mangrove Kayaking Tour

Paddle through Yap's serene mangrove channels, a vital ecosystem teeming with birdlife and juvenile marine species. It's a peaceful way to experience Yap's natural beauty from a different perspective.

Wear reef-safe sunscreen and a hat. Bring water. Tours usually provide all necessary equipment.

Casual Lunch

Enjoy a light and refreshing lunch after your morning activity.

Explore Local Craft Shops

Visit local shops and markets in Colonia to browse and purchase traditional Yapese handicrafts, such as woven goods, wood carvings, and shell jewelry.

These make unique souvenirs and support local artisans.

Relax at Hotel

Take some time to relax by the water at your hotel or enjoy a quiet moment before dinner.

Colorful Reef & Macro Dive

Enjoy another two-tank dive, focusing on the vibrant coral reefs and incredible macro life Yap has to offer.

Look for small critters, colorful nudibranchs, and diverse fish species.

Yap's reefs are remarkably healthy and biodiverse. Ask your dive master to point out unique macro subjects.

Lunch by the Bay

Have lunch at a restaurant with views of the bay, enjoying the serene atmosphere.

Afternoon at Leisure

Spend the afternoon at your leisure.

You might choose to relax by the water, read a book, or take a gentle stroll around Colonia.

Taste of Local Cuisine

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, perhaps trying a dish you haven't had yet, concluding your first five days in Yap.

Transfer to Ulithi Atoll

Board a local flight or pre-arranged boat transfer from Colonia to Falalop Island in Ulithi Atoll.

Enjoy scenic views of the vast Pacific Ocean and remote islands.

Inter-island transfers usually need to be booked well in advance through your lodge or a local agent. Baggage allowance may be restricted on smaller planes.

Check-in at Lodge

Arrive at Ulithi Adventure Lodge and settle into your traditional yet comfortable accommodation.

Take some time to relax and acclimate to your new surroundings.

Your luggage will be handled by the lodge staff. Attend a brief orientation about the lodge facilities and island etiquette.

Lodge Lunch

Enjoy a freshly prepared lunch at the lodge, often featuring local seafood and fresh produce.

Afternoon Orientation Dive

Join the dive masters for an introductory dive around Ulithi Atoll to get familiar with the local waters and marine life.

This helps you shake off any travel fatigue and tune up your gear.

Bring your dive certification card. The lodge will provide tanks and weights. Discuss your diving preferences and experience level with the dive team.

Sunset & Relaxation

Unwind and watch the stunning sunset over the Pacific, reflecting on the day's journey and anticipating the diving adventures ahead.

Enjoy the peaceful ambiance of the remote atoll.

Manta Ray Cleaning Station Dive

Embark on an exhilarating morning dive to a well-known manta ray cleaning station.

Witness these majestic creatures gracefully swimming overhead as smaller fish clean them.

Listen carefully to your dive guide's briefing on manta ray etiquette to ensure a respectful encounter. Visibility is usually excellent.

Return to Lodge for Lunch

Head back to the lodge for a well-deserved lunch and some rest after your incredible morning dive.

Afternoon Reef Exploration Dive

Explore another vibrant reef showcasing colorful corals, reef sharks, turtles, and diverse fish species.

Each dive offers a unique perspective of Yap's underwater world.

Keep an eye out for macro life as well as larger pelagics.

Dive Debrief & Logbook

Join the dive team for a debriefing, share observations, identify marine life, and log your dives.

Shark Ridge Dive

Experience an exhilarating dive at a site known for its resident shark population, including grey reef sharks and white-tip reef sharks.

Witness their natural behavior in the strong currents.

This dive site often has currents, so it's suited for experienced divers. Your guide will provide a detailed briefing on safety and marine life.

Lunch and Rest

Enjoy lunch at the lodge or a packed lunch on the boat, depending on the day's dive plan.

Take time to rehydrate and relax.

Afternoon Drift Dive

Enjoy a gentle drift dive along one of the atoll's outer reefs, letting the current carry you past stunning coral gardens and schools of fish.

This is a relaxing way to experience a large section of reef.

Ideal for observing larger pelagics moving through the channels. Ensure you have a reef hook if required by your dive guide.

Underwater Photo Review

If you or your fellow divers have captured photos, gather to review and share the day's underwater highlights.

Traditional Village Visit

Take a guided walk through a local village on Falalop or a nearby island.

Learn about traditional Yapese culture, see ancient stone money, and observe daily life in this remote community.

Dress respectfully. Your guide will facilitate interactions with local villagers. Bring a small gift or offer a donation if appropriate.

Local Style Lunch

Enjoy a traditional lunch, possibly prepared by local villagers, offering a taste of authentic Yapese cuisine.

This could be a picnic on a secluded beach or a meal in the village.

Expect fresh fish, taro, and other local produce.

Snorkeling & Kayaking

Spend the afternoon exploring the crystal-clear lagoons of Ulithi Atoll.

Snorkel vibrant shallow reefs or kayak around the calm waters, enjoying the tranquility and beauty of the outer islands.

Snorkel gear and kayaks are usually available at the lodge. Look for juvenile reef sharks, colorful fish, and intricate coral formations.

Night Sky Observation

With minimal light pollution, the outer islands offer an incredible opportunity for stargazing. Lay back and marvel at the brilliance of the Milky Way and constellations.

Consider downloading a stargazing app to identify constellations.

Advanced Wall Dive

Embark on a spectacular deep dive along one of the atoll's impressive walls.

Look for larger pelagic species, vibrant soft corals, and unique formations.

Ensure you are within your dive limits and comfortable with potential depths and currents. This is a great opportunity for advanced photographers.

Farewell Lunch

Enjoy your final lunch at Ulithi Adventure Lodge, savoring the flavors and reflecting on your unforgettable dives.

Dive Equipment Rinse & Pack

Spend the afternoon rinsing, drying, and packing your dive gear.

Ensure all sensitive equipment is stored safely for your journey back to Colonia.

Most dive centers have dedicated areas for gear cleaning. Ensure your camera gear is properly dried and charged for the next leg of the trip.

Leisure & Personal Time

Enjoy a relaxed afternoon with some leisure time.

Read a book, take a final stroll along the beach, or simply enjoy the peace before preparing for your return to Colonia.

Double-check your flight/boat transfer details for tomorrow's journey back to the main island of Yap.

Morning Dive Excursion

Enjoy your final diving experience in Yap's rich marine environment.

This dive will revisit a favorite spot or explore a new one known for its diverse coral and fish life, and potentially another chance to see manta rays.

Ensure all your gear is ready and you've logged your previous dives. Consult with your dive shop for the best final dive site based on conditions and recent sightings.

Lunch in Colonia

Savor a casual lunch at a local eatery in Colonia, perhaps enjoying fresh seafood or traditional Yapese dishes.

Ask your dive operator or hotel for recommendations for a good local spot.

Visit Stone Money Bank

Explore one of Yap's famous stone money banks, where you can see the massive, ancient Rai stones used as traditional currency.

Learn about their significance and the island's unique economic history.

This is a significant cultural site. Be respectful of local customs. Guided tours are often available through your hotel or local operators to provide deeper insights.

Souvenir Shopping & Relaxation

Spend some time browsing local handicrafts and souvenirs in Colonia.

Afterward, relax at your accommodation or enjoy a quiet moment reflecting on your trip.

Look for local wood carvings, woven items, and shell jewelry as unique mementos of your Yapese experience.

Farewell Dinner

Enjoy a special farewell dinner, perhaps at a restaurant with ocean views or one known for its excellent local and international cuisine.

Consider making a reservation, especially if dining at a popular spot.

Leisurely Breakfast & Packing

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel.

Take your time to pack and organize your belongings, ensuring all dive gear is dry and ready for travel.

Double-check flight times and luggage restrictions for your onward journey.

Hotel Check-out

Complete the check-out process from O'Keefe's Waterfront Inn.

If your flight is later in the day, you may be able to arrange for luggage storage.

Confirm late check-out options or luggage storage if needed.

Transfer to Yap Airport

Take a short transfer from Colonia to Yap International Airport (YAP) for your departure.

Departure from Yap

Complete airport formalities and board your flight, concluding your unforgettable 12-day adventure in Yap.

Arrive at the airport with ample time before your scheduled flight. Ensure you have all necessary travel documents.