Gaferut Atoll, Yap State, Micronesia

Yap is an island in the Caroline Islands of the western Pacific Ocean and a state of the Federated States of Micronesia. The "island" of Yap actually consists of four continental islands; its capital is Colonia, which administers Yap proper and 14 atolls spreading to the east and south for approximately 800 km's. The land is mostly rolling hills densely covered with vegetation. Mangrove swamps line much of the shore. An outer barrier reef surrounds the islands, enclosing a lagoon between fringing reefs the barrier reef.

Amongst Yap's 14 atolls is Gaferut atoll, a tiny island which is an important and isolated site for bird and turtle nesting. There are a number of species of boobies, noddies and terns to be seen here. Spectacular snorkeling can also be had right from the shore of Gaferut atoll.

Things to See and Do

* Bird watching
* Snorkeling
* Stone Money
* Scuba diving

Cruise Season - Jan - Dec
Currency - United States dollar (USD)
Language -English, Ulithian, Woleaian, Satawalese, and Yapese
Land Area - 102 km²
Population - 7,000 approx
Electricity - 110 volts/60 cycles
Time - GMT plus ten hours
International Country Telephone Code - + 691

Port Location - The main port is located at Colonia.

Transport Links - Micronesia can be reached by air from Honolulu, Manila and Guam (flights arrive there from the USA, Australia and Asia). A Circle Micronesia air pass starting in Los Angeles or San Francisco, or a Visit Micronesia pass originating in Guam, will let you skip around the islands.

Yap International Airport receives service from Continental Micronesia, a subsidiary of Continental Airlines.