Yap

In Colonia, the state’s capital, Tomil Harbor accommodates vessels up to 183 meters. Cruise ship guests are welcomed at the Yap Living History Museum in central Colonia, a short walk from the cruise dock.

Note: this is a challenging port, with a reef entrance gap only 90 meters wide. The port will be cancelled many times.

Yap cruise schedule

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

Yap is the world's foremost place to see manta rays up close and personal. Nowhere else on earth can they be seen this consistently year round. This has propelled Yap to the top of every list of the world’s finest diving attractions. Passengers can hike the ancient stone path of the “Tamilyog Trail”, sail on a traditional sailing canoe offered by Yap Traditional Navigation Society, visit the Yap Living History Museum, and examine World War II wrecks.

Several taxi companies operate. Typical fares cost one dollar anywhere in Colonia and about twelve dollars to the island’s furthest point.

A guide can arrange village tours. Places of interest include Yap Traditional Navigation Society, Kaday Cultural Tour and Wuluuq Cultural Tour.

Tours are organised by the Manta Ray Bay Hotel.

All land and beaches on Yap Proper and the outer islands are private, but a beach visit can be arranged by your tour guide. In public places, women should cover their thighs. Jeans, slacks, sarongs, or long shorts down to the knee are fine.

Colonia’s Y.C.A, the Yap Cooperative Association, and Blue Lagoon (EMI) are the island’s largest grocery stores, with a wide range of beer and spirits. Small produce markets can be found near Blue Lagoon and around Chamorro Bay.

The US dollar is Yap’s and Micronesia’s official currency. There is only one ATM, so bring cash. Although not legal tender in the international currency market, Yap’s stone money remains legal tender on the island. These limestone, donut-shaped coins vary in value, though not by size. The money is still owned today but not moved, even when ownership changes.

English is widely spoken. Internet service is available at the Internet Café and at FSM Telecommunications Corporation in Colonia.

Yap Day: observed annually in the first week of March. Canoe Festival: an annual three-day event on the second weekend of November. Homecoming Festival: observed annually in the third week of June. FSM Constitution Day: May 10. UN Day: October 24. FSM Independence Day: November 3. Yap State Constitution Day: December 24.