This was a very different kind of snorkel tour. In fact I'm not sure I'd really call it snorkeling at all.
We swam, with noodles, from the small boat to a floating raft. We then held onto the raft while using the noodles to keep our feet at the water's surface. We then used our snorkel masks and snorkels to keep our faces in the water as the manta rays swam within inches of us, feeding on the plankton that the bright lights on the raft were attracting.
We wound up seeing just two different manta rays: Amanda and Kensey. (The guides know the different rays that show up based on their markings, their size, and their behavior, and they are all named.) They consider Amanda a "star" and she did not disappoint. She kept making passes, often upside down, just under the raft, almost touching many of us who were simply holding onto the raft.
The guides were knowledgeable and very concerned with our safety. On the trip back packages of "Famous Amos" chocolate chip cookies and cups of hot chocolate were provided.
Another nice touch was that wet suits, in two different styles, were offered. I had never used a wet suit before, and I'm rarely cold while snorkeling, but I was glad to have the wet suit, as since we were not swimming I believe I would have been cold without it.
Overall we enjoyed ourselves, and I would recommend this experience to anyone interested in seeing manta rays up close.