What an amazing experience last night, 28.3.22! Excellent instructions led us to the meeting place where we met Charles, our captain and boarded the boat to the snorkelling spot. He was very clear about how to keep safe in the boat and also reinforced the need for towels and spare clothing for the journey back. We went to the south snorkelling spot up the coast and had snacks and drinks available on the way. The night stars were amazing, as its so dark, and though it was a bumpy ride we felt safe and didnāt get wet.
At the snorkel site Charles gave us a briefing and advised us on the way to get out of the boat. We could already see some shapes in the water, but nothing to prepare us for what was to come, it was amazing.
There was lots of swell and so donāt be afraid to ask for help getting off or on the boat if you are not strong swimmers. The support team are brilliant and looked after us both on the boat and in the water. If you struggle to float they will offer and place a noodle at your feet which really helps.
So to the show - stunning, amazing a once in a life time experience. There were at least 10 manta rays swimming right underneath us and coming up to circle so close to us that they brushed against us. They were between 3-10 feet in size, and with stunning markings. They were continuously there and even after 20 minutes in the water (we chose to get out early as it was quite bouncy) we had seen more than in our wildest dreams. My husband has been able to get excellent go pro footage. Taking pictures hand held is very difficult though as the platform and the sea and all of us are moving. Charles suggested taking video and then capturing shots from it which is a great idea.
When we wanted to depart early from viewing (it was a 45 minute session) the team were brilliant and as we are not the strongest swimmers we were towed back with a noodle! Once on board we were supported by Charles again and offered hot showers and snacks and drinks before heading back. The journey back was excellent with more stars and a gentler ride as the winds had subsided.
We changed on the boat and are glad we did as the rest rooms at the port were closed on our return, we also would have been pretty cold if we had stayed wet, as it does get chilly.
All in all a once in a lifetime experience - so glad we did it, and we really recommend Hang Loose and the team to do this trip.