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Diving Yap

Yap is famous for its clear waters where schools of tuna, dolphins, and reef fish are found in abundance. The greatly varied marine life on the reefs and in the channels makes this a favorite diving destination. The clear water and sheer dropoffs describe Yap’s diving. Yap is the world’s foremost destination for seeing manta rays up close. 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.

There’s much more to diving in Yap than just Manta Rays. Yap’s outer reefs abound with species of tropical reef fishes, invertebrates and corals. When coupled with the abundance of larger species like mantas, sharks, and turtles, Yap is a paradise for the underwater photographer or videographer. More than 200 species of hard and soft corals form the reefs of Yap.

Yap Caverns, at the southern tip of the island, offers a truly spectacular dive with an array of caverns, swim-throughs and pinnacles populated by Lionfish and sleeping whitetip reef sharks. Large schools of Huge Bumphead Parrotfish are also often seen. A unique feature of Yap Caverns is that the dive is not restricted to advanced divers, beginners have no trouble negotiating the swim-throughs.

Best time to dive

Year-round there is great diving but January to May and October to December are probably the best.

Visibility

Visibility averages 100 to 200+ feet.

Water temperatures

Water temperature averages 80 to 86 °F.

Weather and climate

Temperatures in Yap are moderate and fairly constant. Average temperature during the spring and summer months are 82 °F and 80 °F during the fall and winter. Relative humidity ranges from 65 to 100 percent, with an annual average of 83 percent. Rainfall averages 120 inches a year, but is seasonal. The heaviest rains tend to occur in the summer months while the winter and spring is trade wind season (marked by strong east to northeast winds) is relatively dry and often marked by drought. The transitional months of May, June, and November are considered peak typhoon season.

Language

English, Yapese, Ulithian, Woleian, and Satawalese

Passport/Visa requirements

Proof of citizenship (passport or birth certificate) by U.S. citizens is required. Visas are not required. Non-U.S. citizens must have a valid passport. All visitors must have return travel arrangements or approval by the Chief of Immigration for an extended stay.

Currency

U.S. Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Electrical current

Standard 110 volt and U.S. type outlets are used.

Capital

Colonia

General information

Yap is located in the Western Pacific in the Western Caroline Islands. Yap is one of the four States that make up the Federated States of Micronesia and is some 450 miles southwest of Guam and 360 miles northeast of Palau. Yap State consists of 134 islands and atolls of which 22 are populated stretching across more than 100,000 square miles of total area. The main island of Yap is made up of four high volcanic islands.

Map

Get a map of Yap from WorldAtlas.com.

Diving Vanuatu

There are reef and wreck dives for the novice and experienced divers as well as caves and swim-throughs. Vanuatu is home to one of the world’s most sought after dives, The President Coolidge. The ‘Coolidge’ is a wreck off the island of Espiritu Santo and is recommended only for experienced divers who have several days to explore and then wait a day before flying out. There are many dive sights within half an hour of Port Vila.

Best time to dive

Year-round diving is great in Vanuatu.

Visibility

Visibility averages 100 to 200+ feet.

Water temperatures

Water temperature averages 72 to 82 °F.

Weather and climate

Subtropical. Trade winds occur from May to October. Warm, humid and wet between November and April. Rain is moderate. Cyclones are possible between December and April. Summer is from November to March, the average temperature is 82 °F and it can be hot, wet and humid. Winter is from April to October with the temperature averaging 80 °F.

Language

English, French, and Bislama

Passport/Visa requirements

Nationals of Commonwealth countries, the EU, Fiji, Japan, Norway, the Philippines, South Korea, South Africa, Switzerland, the USA and some other countries do not require visas for stays of up to 30 days. A return/onward ticket and sufficient funds are required for entry.

Currency

Vatu – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Electrical current

220-230 volts AC, 50 Hz, mainly three-point plugs in hotels.

Capital

Port-Villa

General information

Vanuatu is a group of 83 islands in the South West Pacific, North East of New Caledonia and North West of Fiji. The habitable islands of Vanuatu straddle the Pacific Ring of Fire, giving residents a roller coaster ride of volcanic activity and tremors as well as occasional tsunamis. On some islands the land erupts out of the seabed to rise nearly 6,560 feet above sea level, on others, coral atolls and rocky islets lie only a few feet above it. Vanuatu has rich lush tropical rainforests, volcanoes, sparkling blue lagoons, cascading waterfalls and beaches that range from silky white to volcanic black.

Map

Get a map of Vanuatu from WorldAtlas.com.

Diving Tonga

Pristine and even undived reefs are not difficult to find in Tonga since 125 of its islands are uninhabited. The best diving is found in the central Ha’apai and northern Vava’u groups.

Port of Refuge in Vava’u is a deep sheltered harbor extending well into the inland, where shallow dives in the harbor are popular. There are also spectacular walls and reefs outside the entrance to the islands. The ‘Glen McWilliams’ lies at the bottom of the harbor not far from the main wharf. Intact, upright and covered in marine life it is a spectacular wreck dive.

Beds of yellow sea fans can be found at Tuangasika Island along with an extensive bommie coated with anemones and their associated clown fish. In places the reef wall is riddled with lobster filled caves, some containing air bubbles in the roof large enough to surface into, such as the one at Mariners Cave. During winter and spring divers can be assured to at least hear, if not see, humpback whales that make the clear waters their calving and mating grounds from July to October each year.

Best time to dive

For humpbacks, July to the end of October is the best time. Year-round diving on the reefs is excellent, but be careful around cyclone season, which is November to March.

Visibility

Visibility averages 100+ feet.

Water temperatures

Water temperature during winter is between 75 and 77 °F. During summer, the temperatures average in the mid 80s F.

Weather and climate

Tonga receives less rain than other tropical areas, and maximum temperatures average 80 °F with only moderate humidity. The rainy season lasts from December to April when temperatures and humidity are higher (most extreme from January to March). The greatest number of thunderstorms occur in December and February. During the Tongan winter (June to August), temperatures can occasionally be quite cool. The period from November to April brings on the cyclone season. May to November are characterized by southeast trade winds, while easterlies prevail the remainder of the year. During summer (especially from February to March), north winds bring heat waves and heavy rains.

Language

English and Tonga

Passport/Visa requirements

A passport and an onward/return ticket are required. Visas are not required for stays up to 30 days.

Currency

Pa’anga – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Electrical current

240 volts, 50 Hz

Capital

Nukualofa

General information

The 171 extraordinarily diverse islands of the Tongan archipelago are scattered over an area in the central Pacific Ocean nearly as big as Japan. Tonga’s nearest neighbors are Samoa to the north, Fiji to the northwest, and New Caledonia, more than 600 miles west. There are four main island groups – Tongatapu, He’apai, Vava’u and the Niuas. Tonga has seven officially protected areas, including five national marine parks and reserves, one national historic park, and the ‘Eua National Park.

Map

Get a map of Tonga from WorldAtlas.com.

Diving Tahiti

The lagoon and ocean waters surrounding the island of Tahiti offer spectacular underwater attractions as well as a variety of diving sites. There are sunken shipwrecks, steep drop-offs covered with colored coral fans, coral gardens, and much more. There is also a rich fauna. Divers at all levels will easily find plenty to satisfy their curiosity. French Polynesia will provide you with a wide variety of diving adventures. From the exploration of the Nordby shipwreck in Raiatea to the strong waves of Nuku Hiva, diving in Tahiti is never uninspiring. There are many tropical fish, moray eels, napoleon fish, five kinds of sharks (up to 10 feet long during feedings), three kinds of rays, sea turtles, and many other pelagic life.

Best time to dive

Year-round diving is great in Tahiti.

Visibility

Visibility averages 50 to 150+ feet.

Water temperatures

Water temperature averages 78 to 88 °F.

Weather and climate

The tropical climate has two distinct seasons. The wet season, between November and April, has average temperatures around 80 to 86 °F with high humidity, ample rain (75% of the annual rainfall) and brief, violent storms. The dry season, between May and October, has little rain, drier air and slightly cooler temperatures. There are prevailing winds that can blow with a force. The maraamu is a southeasterly that is common in the dry season, and the toerau is a north northeasterly that blows occasionally in the wet season.

Language

French and Tahitian are the official languages, though English is widely spoken.

Passport/Visa requirements

A passport valid for six months beyond duration of stay is required. Visas are not required for stays up to one month. Extensions for up to three months may be granted locally by applying to the Haut Commissionaire (The French High Commissioner).

Currency

Cour de Franc Pacifique – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Electrical current

110 volts, 60 Hz

Capital

Papeete

General information

The islands are a mixture of volcanic high islands and coral atolls. The 118 islands of French Polynesia are specks in the vast South Pacific Ocean. They are divided into five groups: the Society Islands (which include Tahiti), the Tuamotus, the Marquesas, the Australs, and the Gambiers. The largest and most populated island is Tahiti. Tahiti extends over such a large area that it took explorers several years to discover and chart all 118 islands. The total area covers more than 1.5 million square miles.

Map

Get a map of Tahiti from WorldAtlas.com.

Diving Solomon Islands

The Solomon Islands, in the South Pacific, only has a few small remote dive resorts but the islands of Uepi and Gizo are outstanding with lots of wrecks from WWII (especially around Guadalcanal), pristine reefs, and walls, and lots of different fish. The Russels stand out with dramatic underwater scenery of rocks, caves, and cracks. In the Florida Group Twin Shaft Pinnacles is an excellent dive. Reefs generally start close to the surface and drop off gradually. The waters of the Solomon Islands are nutrient-rich, hosting a diverse ecosystem, from macro life to pelagic predators.

Best time to dive

Diving is year-round, but April and May are the best months followed by October, November, and December.

Visibility

Visibility averages 50 to 100+ feet.

Water temperatures

Water temperature averages 80 to 84 °F.

Weather and climate

Temperatures on the tropical Solomon Islands are constant throughout the year at 86 °F. Rainfall varies enormously, peaking between January and April, the monsoon season. This is also cyclone season. Humidity during this season commonly hits a stifling 90%, but in the afternoons and for the bulk of the year, the islands are fanned by mild southeasterly trade winds.

Language

English and Solomons Pijin

Passport/Visa requirements

Passports are required for entry into the Solomon Islands. A visitor’s permit will be issued on arrival for citizens of the United States and most Commonwealth and European countries. A return or ongoing ticket must be presented as well

Currency

Solomon Islands Dollar – Get exchange rates at http://www.xe.com/ucc/

Electrical current

230/240 volts, 50 Hz

Capital

Honiara

General information

Just to the east of Papua New Guinea in the South Pacific are the 992 islands that make up the Solomons. The third-largest archipelago in the region, the Solomons are made up of mountainous islands covered in tropical rainforests, entirely clear-felled islands, and many low-lying coral atolls. The islands include Guadalcanal, Malaita, Santa Isabel, San Cristobal, Choiseul, New Georgia, and the Santa Cruz group.

Map

Get a map of the Solomons from WorldAtlas.com.