Yap

Tomil Harbor is located in Colonia, the state’s capital. The port can accommodate vessels up to 183 meters. The welcome center for cruise ship guests is located in the center of Colonia, at the Yap Living History Museum, only a short walk from the cruise dock.

Note: It is a challenging port, the gap in the reef is only 90 meters wide at the entrance. Many times this port will be cancelled.

Cruise schedule for Yap

Yap is the most intriguing island in Micronesia. It is a land steeped in ancient traditions, fascinating legends, and peopled by one of the most distinctive cultures in the Pacific. Attractions like a handmade seaside men's house, cultural village tours, huge, ancient stone money discs and stone money banks, dancing, handicraft making, marine life and mangrove forests highlight a visit to this unique outpost.

Yap is the world's foremost destination for seeing manta rays up close and personal. There is no other place on earth where they can be seen on such a consistent basis year round. This fact has catapulted Yap to the top on all lists of the finest diving attractions in the world. Passengers are welcome to hike on the “Tamilyog Trail”, an ancient stone path; go sailing on a traditional sailing canoe (offered by Yap Traditional Navigation Society); visit the Yap Living History Museum; and examine World War II wrecks.

There are several taxi companies. Typical fares are one dollar anywhere in Colonia and about twelve dollars to the furthest point of the island.

Village tours are available and can be arranged with a guide. Places of interest include: Kaday Cultural Tour, Wuluuq Cultural Tour and Yap Traditional Navigation Society.

The Manta Ray Bay Hotel organizes tours.

All land and beaches on Yap Proper and the outer islands are privately but a beach visit can be arranged by your tour guide. Women should cover their thighs when in public places. Long shorts (down to the knee) or sarongs are fine, as are jeans or slacks.

The Y.C.A, or Yap Cooperative Association and Blue Lagoon (EMI), both in Colonia are the largest grocery stores on island and sell a wide-range of beer and spirits. Small produce markets are available near Blue Lagoon and around Chamorro Bay.

The US dollar is the official currency in Yap, and Micronesia. There is only one ATM, bring cash. The stone money of Yap, though not legal tender in the international currency market, is still used as legal tender on the island. The value of these limestone, donut-shaped coins vary, though not according to size. Today the money is still owned but not moved, even though ownership may change.

English is widely spoken. Internet service can be found at FSM Telecommunications Corporation in Colonia as well as the Internet Café.

Yap Day - Observed in first week of March Annually Canoe Festival-Annual three-day event on the second weekend of November Homecoming Festival-Observed the third week of June Annually FSM Constitution Day – May 10 UN Day – October 24 FSM Independence Day – November 3 Yap State Constitution Day – December 24