Explore Southwest Outer Reef

Nestled in the southwest corner of Yap, the Southwest Outer Reef offers a diving experience like no other. This part of Yap is renowned for its unique aquatic terrain, boasting an underwater playground of caverns, tunnels, swim-throughs, and overhangs. Divers can explore stunning sites such as Cherry Blossom Wall, Magic Kingdom, and the famous Yap Caverns. The dramatic landscapes of these reefs provide endless opportunities for discovery and adventure. Marine life in this region is vibrant and diverse, with encounters ranging from colorful reef fish to majestic rays gliding gracefully through the water. The reefs are teeming with life, providing ample opportunities for underwater photography and observation. Whether you prefer shore dives or boat dives, the variety of dive environments here ensures there's something for everyone. Diving in the Southwest Outer Reef is not just about the underwater topography; it's about the thrill of discovering a hidden world beneath the waves. With seasonal variations bringing different marine visitors, every dive promises something new and exciting, making it a must-visit for any passionate diver.

Dive Sites Show on map

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers, 96943 Yap

Cabbage Patch - Micronesia (★4.5)

Cabbage Patch is named after a bank of brilliant yellow lettuce coral set in a sloping wall along the southern reef. divers can expect clear water, a variety of hard coral, schools of fish, sightings of eagle rays hanging in the current, reef sharks, anemones and macro life.

Manta Ray Bay Resort & Yap Divers, 96943 Yap

Yap Caverns (★4.7)

The southern most tip of the island offers divers the most diversity of life and interesting topography where divers swim through the reef with life big and small. Yap Caverns amphitheater is one of Yap’s best environments for macro subjects at every depth.

Mares

Magic Kingdom (★4.1)

Magic Kingdom is one of the richest environments along the southern walls. the topography is unique with a plateau of coral blommies to an infinite hard coral sloping wall. Rock overhangs and crevices harbor resting turtles, nice macro subjects and reef fish being cleaned.

Aqualung

Stop Sign (★5.0)

South side of the island where the currents bring in the pelagics. Sloping coral from about 20ft/7m to several hundred feet/m. Plate, table, boulder, and finger corals everywhere.

Diving in Southwest Outer Reef

Southwest Outer Reef offers a spectacular array of dive sites, renowned for its balance of shore and liveaboard diving options. Among the top sites is the enchanting "Coral Garden," known for its vibrant corals and welcoming night dives that reveal the nocturnal behaviors of the reef's marine life. Another must-see is the "Shipwreck Alley," where divers can explore historic wrecks teeming with colorful fish and intriguing underwater ecosystems.

For those interested in shore dives, the "Lagoon Edge" provides easy access and gentle conditions, perfect for beginners and seasoned divers alike. Here, you can encounter a diverse range of species, including curious sea turtles and playful dolphins. Whether you're diving from the shore or embarking on a liveaboard adventure, Southwest Outer Reef promises unforgettable underwater experiences for every level of diver.

The best Months to dive in Southwest Outer Reef

Southwest Outer Reef offers year-round diving opportunities with relatively stable conditions. Water temperatures range from 22°C–28°C/72°F–82°F throughout the year, providing comfortable diving experiences. Visibility is typically excellent, often exceeding 30 meters/98 feet, making it ideal for observing diverse marine life. The weather remains generally favorable, but divers should note that the region can experience stronger currents during the fall months, which may affect dive plans. While diving is possible all year, the late summer to early autumn period might pose challenges due to increased wind activity. Planning is essential to ensure safe and enjoyable dives, especially during these less favorable months.