(October 10, 2023 – Yap Visitors Bureau, Yap, FSM): The recently held 16th annual MantaFest in Yap, Micronesia, the Pacific’s premier dive photography event, has been declared a resounding success. The two-week long event brought together underwater photography enthusiasts, divers, and marine life lovers from around the world for an unforgettable celebration of Yap’s underwater treasures. The event featured photography seminars, night dives, cultural tours, and the opportunity to capture the stunning marine life of Yap.
From manta rays to sharks, turtles to bumphead parrotfish, mandarinfish to gobies, Yap’s underwater world dazzled attendees. Special night dives provided further glimpses into Yap’s underwater hidden assets, and cultural tours and secluded beach barbecues added depth to the experience.
“Our heartfelt gratitude extends to the distinguished dive photographers David Fleetham, Tim Rock, Frank Schneider, and Marty Snyderman for their invaluable contributions. Their daily seminars and expert tips enriched the experience for all,” said Bill Acker, founder of the event and owner of the host property Manta Ray Bay Resort and Yap Divers. “We eagerly look forward to welcoming participants for next year’s event which will be held from August 24th to September 8th, 2024,” he continued.
The event also featured a dive photography competition with attractive prizes offered in various categories. The overall winner was Ann Donahue, whose “Manta Flyby” entry was declared Best of MantaFest 2023, gaining her a prize of a 7-night, all-inclusive dive vacation on the Odyssey’s Truk Lagoon Liveaboard. A full list of winners and their winning photos entries can be found in the blog section of the Manta Ray Bay Resort’s website.
ABOUT YAP: Yap is an island in the Federated States of Micronesia, in the Pacific Ocean that is ringed by spectacular coral reefs and famous for its scuba diving with giant manta rays, sharks and mandarinfish. Other key activities on the island include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, deep-sea fishing and exploring the many World War II historical sites. Yap is also uniquely famous for its stone money (huge disks of stone, which are still used today in major transactions), strong traditional culture and way of life, and welcoming residents. Just a short flight away from Guam or Palau, this Pacific gem is one of the tourism industry’s best kept secrets. For more information on visiting Yap go to www.visityap.com