The annual two-week Manta Ray Dive Festival, held on Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia, has been attracting underwater photographers and sports divers from all over the world for the past 20 years. First launched in 2006 by Manta Ray Bay Resort and Yap Divers , who continue as the principal sponsor, it has grown into one of the most exciting events on the International Dive Calendar.
More than just a dive event, Yap’s MantaFest is a celebration of Yap’s unique Pacific Island culture and the unequalled diversity of its ecosystem and marine life.
Over the two weeks divers participate in Photography workshops above and below the water, including the MantaFest’s signature Blackwater Diving Program.
Workshops are led by experts in the field, who share their photographic knowledge and specialities, including, but not limited to, composition, lighting, and digital post-processing. These also conduct live photography sessions with local models in settings that include the island’s unique stone money banks and traditional dance performances.
Participants in the Blackwater Diving Program are introduced to the fantastic and exotic creatures that inhabit Yap’s underwater world at night and taught the specialized skills necessary to capture and share their discoveries through photographic and video recordings.
The event culminates in a comprehensive photographic competition and exhibition recognizing the best of work of the year’s event with valuable prizes and serious international acclaim for the awardees.
Mark the dates in your dive calendar – August 22 to September 06, 2026 – to participate and share in one of the world’s most celebrated diving experiences. For more information and registration:
MantaFest 2026 Information & Registration
or
https://visityap.com/dive_shopfest.php
