These reef mantas, Manta alfredi, have been studied, photographed and identified in an ongoing project by Manta Ray Bay Resort in cooperation with Manta Trust, a Guam based entity that works on conservation through research, awareness and education. The island of Yap is Micronesia’s epicenter for manta ray diving. The native people of Yap are known for their oversized stone money, known as Rei, and beautiful traditional dances. Most itineraries include a stop in Guam and then a flight on United Airlines to Yap. There are limited flights into Yap and no mater where you are coming from your best bet is to have the Manta Ray Bay Resort suggest possible routes which they are happy to even book for you. The water temperature is a balmy 82-84✯ (27-28✬) with a 3mm wetsuit being more than enough to be comfortable on some of the longer dives. Temperatures range from 75-86✯ (23-30✬) through out the year with heavy rains possible at any time. Mantas can be identified by the unique markings on their undersides. They even work with the Manta Trust and Manta Conservation Coalition to maintain a Manta Ray ID Database. The dive staff at Manta Ray Bay Resort are experts at manta ray encounters. Colonia is the capital and the surrounding land is mostly made up of rolling hills that lead down to mangrove forests along the coast interspersed with narrow beaches. The entire state has come to be known as Yap in recent years. The main island of Yap is actually four islands of which three are connected and there are fourteen outer islands (mostly atolls) scattered to the east and south of the main islands, some nearly 500 miles away. Yap is part of the Federated States of Micronesia and the Yapese people's indigenous cultures and traditions are admirably resolute compared to other states in the FSM, which include, Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae.
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