Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers Named #1 Value of Resort

Issue 79 - December 2021, Things we like, Travel Destination
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Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers
Manta Ray by Paul Tzimoulis – Yap is one of the only places in the world where divers have an excellent chance to dive with a manta ray any day of the year.
Manta Ray by Paul Tzimoulis – Yap is one of the only places in the world where divers have an excellent chance to dive with a manta ray any day of the year. Photo Credit: Paul Tzimoulis

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers has been voted the #1 resort in the Pacific/Indian Ocean region in the value-for-money category in Scuba Diving magazine’s annual readers’ poll of the best destinations, dive resorts, dive operators and liveaboard vessels. 

To give “a better idea of consistent winners regardless of recent travel restrictions,” the 29-year-old publication averaged the scores from 2020, 2021 and 2022 surveys to arrive at the current results to inspire divers “to get back in the water and visit someplace new.” 

sharks are swimming in the reef
Reef Sharks by David Fleetham – At Yap Divers’ signature dive site, Vertigo, scuba divers and snorkelers experience an abundance of reef sharks. Photo Credit: David Fleetham

Located on the island of Yap in the western Pacific Ocean, the small, family-owned luxury resort was also named among the top ten in eight additional categories including Best Overall Dive Operators, Quality of Dive Shop Facilities, Quality of Dive Staff, Attention to Safety within Dive Operations, Best Overall Resorts, Quality of the Resort, Quality of the Rooms and Quality of the Restaurant.

“Throughout our 35-year history we’ve been given multiple awards, but this year’s recognition is a welcome shot in the arm,” said the resort’s owner, Bill Acker. “This year’s results combining three consecutive years of surveying show that, together with our staff, my family and I manage to give our guests the experience, service and value they expect and are looking for,” Bill added.

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers by Tim Rock
Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers by Tim Rock – Yap and Micronesia’s only premier dive resort has offered unique scuba diving, snorkelling and cultural experiences to its guests for more than 35 years.

“We were one of the first islands to close the borders and maybe the last to reopen, but we’ll be back stronger and better than before,” said Patricia Acker, Bill’s wife and cofounder.

Operating since 1986 and serving only 1,000 divers a year, Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers is Micronesia’s only premier dive resort offering guests crowd-free dive sites, VIP service, spa treatments, award-winning micro-brewed beer, and a unique dining experience aboard their 120-year-old Schooner, The S/V Mnuw. 

Go to Scuba Diving Magazine or #scubadivingmagazine for details of this year’s Best of Readers Choice Awards.  For more information about Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers, visit www.mantaray.com or #mantaraybay. 

Three generations of the Acker family
Three generations of the Acker family – Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers is a family-owned and run the business on the pristine island of Yap.

This piece was prepared online by Panuruji Kenta, Publisher, SEVENSEAS Media