Mi'l Channel (Manta Ridge)
Mi'l Channel
Yap's most famous dive site, where, at high tide, schools of manta rays enter the channel and circle a coral cleaning station. Sightings are almost year-round, making it one of the world's most reliable manta dive sites.
Mi'l Channel is a natural passage through the barrier reef on the north side of Yap. On the east side of the channel lies a coral ridge about 9 m deep, known as Manta Ridge or Tzimoulis Ridge. Divers wait behind the ridge while the manta rays hover above the cleaning station and let wrasses pick the parasites off their bodies. Sightings can reach dozens at once. The best season runs from December to April, which is the mating period. From May to November, the mantas tend to move to the Gofnuw Channel on the east side, known as Valley of the Rays. Dive boats leave from Colonia and the trip takes about 30–45 minutes. Most operators offer two-dive packages, and certification is required. Snorkeling trips are available from some dive shops for non-divers. Local conservation rules prohibit touching or chasing the mantas.
Opening hours
Depends on dive boat schedules (mostly during morning high tide)
Nearby sights
- Bechiyal Cultural Center
- Gachpar Stone Money Bank
- Goofnuw Channel (Valley of the Rays)
- Okau Stone Path
- Colonia
- Yap Living History Museum
- Yorlap Men's House, Gal Village
- WWII Japanese Aircraft Wrecks