Yap Caverns
Yap Caverns amphitheater is a standout site for macro photography enthusiasts. At every depth, you'll encounter an array of fascinating subjects such as porcelain crabs, moyers dragonettes, nudibranch, leaf fish, scorpion fish, antheas, flame angels, cleaner shrimp, ghost shrimp, and ghost pipe fish. Capture these mesmerizing creatures on camera, whether you prefer wide-angle shots or close-up macros.
When planning your dive, choose between a static or drift dive during slack tide, allowing for approximately 90 minutes of bottom time. Explore swim-through caverns and walls as you descend to depths ranging from 3m to 30m. Marvel at rock pinnacles set against a backdrop of white sand. Keep an eye out for incredible wildlife encounters including schools of fish, reef sharks, macro subjects, moray eels, reef fish, and large pelagic fish. Don't miss the chance to witness cleaning stations in action and observe the magnificent bump head parrot fish.
With visibility ranging from 12m to 30m, your underwater exploration will be crystal clear and breathtaking. Enjoy the tranquil currents that usually grace our dive sites, ensuring a smooth and undisturbed experience.
Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia is the perfect destination for divers of all skill levels. Whether you're a beginner or an advanced diver, the wonders of our underwater world are accessible to you. Our dive site is conveniently located near Garim and Gilmaan, offering convenient access for enthusiasts.
Experience the best that Yap has to offer and embark on an unforgettable diving adventure. Prepare to be amazed by the wonders that await beneath the surface.
Diving Conditions Score for Yap Caverns
Decent conditions, proceed with caution.
The score is based on a calculation of the current weather and sea conditions.
Dive Site Overview for Yap Caverns
Depth
22m
Visibility
27m
Experience Level
Weather Conditions for Yap Caverns
Wave Height
1.1m
Wind Speed
22.9 m/s
Water Temp
30.1°C
Visibility
3.14km
Cloud Cover
100%
Wave Period
6.15s
Air Temperature
26.8°C
Precipitation
4.1 mm
Dive Score Chart for Yap Caverns
Best time to dive: 8:00 with score 6.873333333333334/10. Water conditions: Waves 1.1m, Wind 20.3 m/s.Best night dive time: 3:00 with score 5.8933333333333335/10.
Chart showing hourly dive conditions including wave height, wind speed, water temperature, and visibility throughout the day.
Optimal diving conditions at Yap Caverns are affected by daylight hours. Sunrise occurs at 06:00 and sunset at 18:00, which impacts visibility and water temperature for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Score: 6.9/10
Waves: 1.1m (6.1s), Wind: 20.3 m/s
Score: 5.9/10
Waves: 1.04m, Wind: 18.3 m/s
Seasonal Analysis for Yap CavernsAlpha
Historical patterns and best seasons for diving at Yap Caverns
The dive score combines all factors to rate overall diving conditions throughout the year. Higher scores indicate better diving conditions.
Monthly Dive Score Analysis - Seasonal Diving Conditions
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Seasonal DiveScore Chart
This chart displays monthly diveScore data throughout the year, showing seasonal patterns. The data is presented as a bar chart with an overlaid line graph.Dive scores range from 1 to 10, with 10 being optimal conditions.
Higher values indicate better diving conditions
Best Season for Yap Caverns
Winter
Winter offers the best overall diving conditions with calmer seas and better visibility, despite cooler temperatures.
Best Months for Yap Caverns
Ideal Conditions for Yap Caverns
Water Temp
27.2°C / 81.0°F
July
Visibility
9.1m / 29.9ft
January
Wave Height
2.3m / 7.5ft
August
Wave Period
8.0s
January
Seasonal Insights for Yap Caverns
Yap Caverns shows typical northern hemisphere patterns with June being the warmest month (27.8°C) and December the coldest (23.8°C). The calmest conditions typically occur in August with average wave heights of 2.3m and wave periods of 8.0s. The most comfortable wave conditions are in August with a low wave steepness ratio, creating gentler swells. January offers the longest wave periods (8.0s), creating more comfortable and predictable conditions for boat entries and exits. Ocean currents are slowest in January (0.5m/s) and strongest in January (0.5m/s). January is usually the driest month with 1.5mm of precipitation. For beginners, the best time to visit would be during August to October, when ocean conditions are calmer with long-period waves and currents are typically weaker. Experienced divers might enjoy the challenges and potentially better visibility during the shoulder seasons, with moderate currents that can improve marine life encounters.
Last updated: 1 min. ago - Jun 20, 2026