Yap Outer Reef Dive Sites (Vertigo, Yap Caverns)
Yap Outer Reef
Cliff dive sites on the outer reef encircling the island. Vertigo is known for schools of gray reef sharks, and Yap Caverns has coral caves and tunnels, with visibility often over 30 m.
The main island of Yap is ringed by a barrier reef, and the steep coral wall on its outer side offers high visibility and is another major diving highlight apart from the manta rays. On the southwestern outer reef, Vertigo is famous for groups of gray reef sharks and whitetip sharks cruising. In the south, Yap Caverns has caves and arches running through the reef, where you often see sea turtles, barracuda and various soft corals. Most dive sites are within 30 minutes by boat from Colonia, and dive operators often combine outer reef dives and manta dives into one-day trips of two or three dives. Certification is required, along with some experience with currents and deep diving.
Opening hours
Depends on dive boat schedule
Nearby sights
- WWII Japanese Aircraft Wrecks
- Yorlap Men's House, Gal Village
- Yap Living History Museum
- Okau Stone Path
- Colonia
- Gachpar Stone Money Bank
- Mi'l Channel (Manta Ridge)
- Goofnuw Channel (Valley of the Rays)