Aloha William,
Normally I would thank you for your feedback, but after confirming with my captain, guide, and check-in attendant, you did NOT even go out on our boat to participate in this tour...so I have been scratching my head about how to respond back to you.
I'm not sure what happened or what would have prompted you to right a negative review if you didn't actually experience this tour. I'm told that you left at check in to go "Cool Off" back at your car. We did take your wife and daughter out who were able to snorkel with Kona's mantas and seemed delighted with their experience.
As far as the lights being turned off early, the Outrigger Hotel has several spotlights mounted on their building that shine onto part of the manta site from shore. The Hotel controls how long these lights stay on for guests observing from their rooms or from the hotel's viewing platform, but eventually they do turn them off at a certain point each night. The lights on our boat are turned on when guests are boarding and then turned off when traveling back to the dock so the captain can better see his surroundings at night. These lights were on when your wife and daughter were reboarding the boat. Had you been on the boat you would of been able to witness this first hand.
We do not carry prescription snorkel masks (goggles are completely different and used by swimmers). When viewing our listing this information is stated under the "What to expect" description at the bottom. We are happy to refer guests to another outfit if they are looking to rent a prescription snorkel mask, but unfortunately we do not have them available on our tours.
Overall, I would of had a terrible experience too if I had chosen not to participate in this tour. I don't agree that a negative review justifies your actions but I would be willing to work with you or at least hear your side of the story to try and better understand the reasoning behind it all. If you are open and would like to discuss this further feel free to shoot me an email at
[email protected] or your welcome to call our reservation line and ask to speak with me.
I hope that you were able to enjoy the rest of your visit on the Big Island. If there is something that I could possibly help you with I am all ears.
Sincerely,
Ashlie