I’d like to start that I am a certified diver and I have realistic expectations when doing this type of trip. My issue wasn’t the lack of Manta Rays we saw, one very deep underneath the board, it was how the staff handled our adventure.
Once at the site, we were asked to put on snorkels and wait to be told to enter the water. It was a cold evening and the weather was NOT perfect. There water was very choppy with intermittent rain.
Neither staff member asked anyone what their swimming skills were prior to entering the water. No flotation devices other than the “noodle” to put under your legs to keep you flat. The “noodle” was NOT mandatory.
Due to the current, the reason we went south of KONA, the board had drifted approximately 30-40 feet from the boat. Maybe an easy swim for some, but in choppy seas, not an easy swim for all onboard. Again, no discussion regarding swimming skills or flotation devices for personal buoyancy.
We were lucky enough to see one Manta Ray within a matter of minutes. We then, laying flat, held onto the board waiting patiently.
Approximately 15-20 minutes later were advised that we were moving to a new location and to return to the boat. Once in the boat, the captain, I believe Chris or Craig, told Buddha (I think that was his name) that he was “overriding his decision” and we would be returning to dock. He felt that the currents were too strong. Honestly, the whole in and out experience, had already made me to decide I was not reentering the water. Safety was a great concern for me.
We returned to the dock where we were told that we would be able to go out another evening if we so desired. We did NOT return, as my entire party, 4 people, were concerned for their safety.
We booked, based on reviews, so I’m not sure why this evening was any different. Maybe the trip should have been cancelled due to currents, which would have been understandable, but it wasn’t.