18th Annual MantaFest Photography School & Contest

Yap, Micronesia, Aug 23 - Sep 7, 2025.

* Book before March 31, 2025 and receive a complementary room upgrade!

Since 2006, the MantaFest program has brought underwater photographers, both amateur and professional, to this small island and its protected reef to compete for prizes, attend workshops, take tours of the island, and experience the unique culture of Yap, which is considered to be among the best preserved in the Pacific region.

Daily Dive Trips

Daily dive trips provide opportunities to dive with and photograph the manta rays, sharks, and the plethora of small, colorful tropicals such as the brightly colored mandarin fish and many more wonders of Yap’s underwater world.

Photography Workshops

At MantaFest, workshops are led by experts in the field providing their knowledge of all things related to taking better pictures including, but not limited to composition, lighting, and photoshop. They also offer advice during sessions with local models in settings that include the island’s unique stone money banks and traditional dance performances.

The experts will be happy to teach you the basics and then have you join them on the boat for personalized hands-on experience.

New for 2025: Blackwater Diving

We’re excited to introduce blackwater diving as a new addition to MantaFest 2025. Dive into the mysterious depths at night and witness a whole new world of alien-like creatures and other fantastical marine life. This thrilling experience has become a favorite, and we’ll be incorporating it regularly throughout the event, especially during the non-tradewind season.

Join us for the 18th Annual MantaFest in 2025, and let’s make this year’s event an unforgettable journey of creativity and discovery.
* Contact us for availability and rates.