We went on the guaranteed Manta Ray Night Snorkel and it was not as described in the advertisement.
Here is what was in the description:
2.5-hour nighttime swim with manta rays
Learn about the biology and behavior of these gentle, graceful giants
Supervised by expert diving guides
Wet suite, snorkel gear, and flotation devices provided
Watch the Kona sunset from the deck of the boat
First you don't really swim with the Manta Rays (if you see one). You hold on to a large rectangular pvc pipe thing and look down.
Second the only thing we learned is that Manta Rays have a thin coating or film on their bodies and if you touch them it does damage.
Third wet suits is a loose term . Not wet suits but wet tops are provided.
Fourth is one of the most disappointing. You should be able to watch the sunset like it says but when the sun was getting ready for it's setting , they turn the boat so that you can't see it.
The crew is disappointing. Two young girls with very revealing swimsuits got on the boat and the crew immediately had a special spot for them to sit during the boat ride and spent a good portion of the time with them and then when the boat stopped at the manta spot, these two girls go ahead and jump in the water before anyone and go for a swim. Keep in mind we are all told we can't go out on our own according to coast guard rules. No life vest, no nothing and they aren't holding on the PVC pipe (the PVC pipe wasn't in the water yet) that we all were required to hold on to.
The crew does take time though to cast a line for fishing while on the tour.
We technically seen a manta even though it was very quick and you could only see a portion of the manta.
I would do another night snorkel but with another company if I go back to Hawaii.
They did sing happy birthday to one of the people in our party so that was nice.