What a unique and incredible experience! The mantas don't disappoint and you will definitely get up close and personal with them. They are harmless, beautiful creatures that Hawaii is lucky to have feed so close to shore.
We chose to go on a tour with a small number of guests over a big boat tour and are very glad we did. There were only six of us on our boat and when arrived at the feeding sight we all swam over and grabbed onto the modified board to view the mantas. They started feeding below us almost immediately and kept on coming. With the smaller board our guide could easily move us around the area, whereas the bigger boat tours seemed to use large, immobile platforms for viewing. Because we were on a small board, when the mantas fed below us, they came very close to us. Even gently rubbing up against us at times.
The guides are very knowledgeable and can identify individual rays by the spots on the ray's belly. The check-in crew were very friendly and helpful and provided hot chocolate and snacks after the snorkeling.