Dive Site: Cherry Blossom

About Cherry Blossom

Cherry Blossom Wall is a captivating dive site situated on the western side of Yap, distinguished by its impressive vertical wall. This site plunges dramatically from 3 meters down to 80 meters, revealing a diverse marine landscape that shifts with depth. The shallower sections, particularly around 18 meters, are adorned with an abundance of hard and soft corals, featuring vivid pink and purple soft corals that give the site its name, along with various crinoid species. As the wall descends into deeper waters, below 36 meters, it hosts unique deep-water inhabitants such as black corals and expansive sea fans, which are seldom found in other parts of Yap's reef system due to its profound extension. Typical of Yap's western walls, the upper reef is teeming with countless reef fish, creating a vibrant tapestry of marine life. Divers should also frequently scan the open water, as schooling game fish and larger pelagic species are often sighted, adding an element of excitement to the dive. The wall's distinct profile and the rich variety of corals and fish make it a highlight for divers seeking both macro and wide-angle photographic opportunities. The site's shallow entrance into Nimpal Inlet restricts boat access for surface intervals, preserving its pristine condition. The combination of varied depths, abundant coral formations, and potential pelagic encounters ensures a dynamic and rewarding dive experience.

Dive site facts: Cherry Blossom

Depth

3–80 m

Current

0–3 km/h (0–2 mph)

Visibility

18–30+ m

Entry

Liveaboard only

Level

Intermediate

Dive type

Wall dive, coral garden, pelagic encounters

Region / port

Yap, Micronesia

Coordinates

9.47, 138.085

Conditions & Currents

Currents at Cherry Blossom Wall are generally mild, ranging from 0 to 3 km/h (0 to 2 mph), which makes it a comfortable dive for most skill levels. However, divers should always be prepared for some water movement, especially when venturing towards the open blue where pelagic species are often encountered. Given the wall's direct exposure to oceanic conditions, occasional variations in current strength can occur, so careful planning with the dive guide is advisable. Visibility typically ranges between 18 to over 30 meters (60-100+ feet), providing clear views of the extensive coral structures and marine life.

Marine life & sighting chances

Hard corals

common

Soft corals

common

Pink and purple soft corals

common

Crinoids

common

Reef fish

common

Schooling gamefish

occasional

Pelagics

occasional

Black coral

occasional

Deep-water sea fans

occasional

Dive profile & how the dive runs

A typical dive at Cherry Blossom Wall begins near the shallow entrance of Nimpal Inlet, where the reef starts at approximately 3 meters. You descend along the vertical wall, observing the vibrant hard and soft corals around 18 meters, including the distinctive pink and purple varieties. The dive often progresses deeper, allowing glimpses of black corals and deep-water sea fans that thrive below 36 meters. Throughout the dive, maintain an awareness of the open blue for potential sightings of schooling pelagics. The turn point is determined by air consumption and no-decompression limits, after which you gradually ascend, tracing the wall back to the shallower reef for your safety stop among the dense populations of reef fish.

Underwater photography

Cherry Blossom Wall offers diverse photographic opportunities. For wide-angle shots, a fisheye or wide-angle lens is ideal to capture the expansive vertical wall and its colorful soft coral formations. These lenses are also excellent for documenting schooling fish and any pelagic encounters in the blue. For macro subjects, like the various crinoid species and the intricate details of hard corals, a macro lens will be beneficial. Given the depth and potential for darker areas on the wall, especially when looking for black corals and deep-water fans, external strobes or video lights are highly recommended to bring out true colors and add definition. Pay attention to your buoyancy to avoid damaging delicate coral structures.

Combine with nearby dive sites

• Gilman Wall

  Gilman Wall is one of Yap's premier dive sites, renowned for its spectacular vertical drop-offs and consistent pelagic action.

• Lionfish Wall

  Lionfish Wall presents a captivating dive along the extreme southern edge of Yap's fringing reef, where nutrient-rich currents foster an…

• Yap Caverns

  Yap Caverns, situated at the southernmost end of Yap Island, offers an unparalleled diving experience with its rich biodiversity and…

• Vertigo

  Vertigo is celebrated as one of Yap's finest dive sites, particularly for divers seeking exhilarating shark encounters.

• Manta Ridge

  Manta Ridge is a premier dive site in Yap, Micronesia, renowned globally for its consistent manta ray encounters.

Getting there & logistics

Access to Cherry Blossom Wall usually involves flying into Yap International Airport (YAP) on Yap Proper. International flights typically connect via Guam, Hawaii, or Manila, followed by island-hopping flights. Dive operators, such as Manta Ray Bay Resort, run daily boat trips to the various dive sites, including Cherry Blossom Wall, which is a short ride from the resort. Dive packages often combine several local sites. While no specific permits are mentioned for this site, a general Yap State diving permit might be required as part of a dive package. Planning trips during the dry season, from November to April, ensures optimal conditions, but diving is possible year-round.

Safety & environment

For diving at Cherry Blossom Wall, it is crucial to carry appropriate dive insurance that covers emergency medical evacuation and recompression chamber treatment. The nearest recompression chamber is located in Palau. Given Yap's remote location, emergency evacuation can be complex and costly. Always dive within your training limits and adhere to your dive guide's instructions. While currents are generally mild, stay aware of potential changes and maintain good buoyancy control to avoid contact with the wall's fragile coral ecosystem. Monitoring air supply and no-decompression limits is essential for safe deep-wall diving.

Who it suits — and who it doesn't

FAQ

Cherry Blossom FAQ

Liveaboards diving Cherry Blossom

These liveaboards may visit Cherry Blossom on selected itineraries — the exact dive sites depend on departure, weather and conditions.

Palau Siren

Micronesia

16 guests

$501/day

Solitude Gaia

Micronesia

18 guests40 m

$310/day

Palau Aggressor II

Micronesia

18 guests32 m

$292/day

Black Pearl

Micronesia

24 guests

$390/day

Ocean Hunter 3

Micronesia

16 guests29 m

$350/day

Pacific Master

Solomon Islands

20 guests30 m

$268/day