MantaFest - Manta Ray Bay Resort

August 22-September 6, 2026

One-week (August 22-30, 2026) and two week (August 22-Sept 6, 2026) options available.

If you are excited to double your dive experience (and more) and further improve your underwater photo/video skills, then the two week option is the choice for you. The two-week option will give you more time to absorb all that the people, culture, food and diving of Yap have to offer.

19th Annual MantaFest Photography School & Contest

Since 2006, our MantaFest program has brought underwater photographers, both amateur and professional, to this small island and its protected reef to compete for prizes, attend workshops, take tours of the island, and experience the unique culture of Yap, which is considered to be among the best preserved in the Pacific region.

Daily Dive Trips

Daily dive trips provide opportunities to dive with and photograph the manta rays, sharks, and the plethora of small, colorful tropicals such as the brightly colored mandarin fish and many more wonders of Yap’s underwater world.

Photography Workshops

At MantaFest, workshops are led by experts in the field providing their knowledge of all things related to taking better pictures including, but not limited to composition, lighting, and photoshop. They also offer advice during sessions with local models in settings that include the island’s unique stone money banks and traditional dance performances.

The experts will be happy to teach you the basics and then have you join them on the boat for personalized hands-on experience.

Blackwater Diving

We’re excited to introduce blackwater diving as a new addition to MantaFest. Dive into the mysterious depths at night and witness a whole new world of alien-like creatures and other fantastical marine life. This thrilling experience has become a favorite, and we’ll be incorporating it regularly throughout the event, especially during the non-tradewind season.

Package includes:

• Hotel room for 7 nights w/late check-out
• 2-tank dive days
• One (1) Mandarinfish Dive Included
• One (1) Night Dive Included
• One (1) Blackwater Dive Included
• Free NITROX
• Participation in photo contest
• Seminars and workshops
• Happy Hour one-on-one sessions with the photo pros
• Evening Media Presentations
• Shark split photo opportunity
• Land/culture photo opportunities
• Beach BBQ
• 1/2-day land/culture tour
• Local dinner
• Breakfast
• Roundtrip airport transfers
• Free Wi-Fi
• Hotel Taxes
• Wake-up service with coffee or tea delivered to your room

Not Included:

• International Airfare
• Lunches and Dinners except as specified
• Rental Equipment Except Tanks and Weights
• Specialty Certifications
• Crew/Staff Tips

To book your trip, Click Here to visit our travel partner, Water View Scuba.

Total cost for divers - 1 week:

• Double-occupancy:  $2,595
• Single-occupancy:  $3,495

Total cost for non-diver - 1 week:

• Double-occupancy:  $1,095

Total cost for divers - 2 weeks:

• Double-occupancy:  $4,495
• Single-occupancy:  $5,995

Total cost for non-diver - 2 weeks:

• Double-occupancy:  $1,895

Deposit of $400 per person per week is non-refundable.

Payment Schedule:

- 50% Due January 22, 2026

- Final Payment Due April 22, 2026

All deposits and final payment are non-refundable at payment due dates.

Travel insurance is highly encouraged. For a list of potential providers, please contact us.