Yap: stone money, manta rays and living tradition

Why go

Yap feels unlike anywhere else. You can walk ancient stone paths between thatched meeting houses, see stone money worth more than any car in local custom, dive with manta rays most of the year and spend the evening in a small town where everyone knows everyone. It is quiet, slow and deeply rewarding for travellers who come with respect.

Stone money and villages

The rai stones range from small rings to discs taller than a person. Their value depends on their history, especially the danger of the voyage that brought them, and ownership changes without moving the stone. **Mangyol** and **Okau** villages have well known stone money banks, and the **Bechiyal Cultural Center** in Maap shows a men's meeting house (faluw) by the sea. Every path, stone and tree in Yap belongs to someone, so never wander into a village on your own: go with a guide or ask permission, carry something in your hand such as a leaf as a sign of peaceful purpose, and pay any village fee.

Diving and snorkelling

Yap is famous for **manta rays**. Most of the year they gather at cleaning stations in **Mi'l Channel**, with a season in **Goofnuw Channel** at other times, so divers often see them up close on calm days. The outer reef offers walls, sharks and big fish, and the lagoons hold soft corals and macro life. Dive shops based at the main hotels in Colonia run daily boats; keep your distance from the mantas and never touch them.

Colonia

**Colonia** is the small capital, around Chamorro Bay. It has the state offices, a few stores, hotels and restaurants, and the **Yap Living History Museum**, where traditional houses and canoes are on display. It is safe and quiet; evenings are spent at hotel bars watching the sun go down over the bay.

Yap Day and culture

Held around **1 March**, **Yap Day** is the island's festival of traditional dance, with villages performing standing, sitting and bamboo dances in elaborate dress, plus food, crafts and games. It is the best time to see living culture, and rooms book out early. At any time of year, dress modestly, ask before photographing people and remember that betel nut chewing is a normal part of social life.

Ulithi and the outer islands

Beyond the main islands, Yap State stretches across many atolls. **Ulithi**, with an airstrip on Falalop, was a major American fleet anchorage in the war and has beautiful reefs and turtle nesting islands. Visits need permission from local leaders and patience with irregular flights and boats.

Getting there

Yap is not on the island hopper route between Chuuk, Pohnpei and Kosrae. Flights connect through Guam and sometimes Palau; check current schedules. See our places to visit for stays and restaurants.

Etiquette in brief

Yapese society has clear customs, and visitors who follow them are warmly received. Walk on paths rather than across land, greet people you pass, never touch or sit on stone money and ask before photographing anyone, especially people in traditional dress. Swimwear belongs at the resort or on the boat, not in villages or town. A good guide will explain more, and small courtesies are noticed and appreciated.