Booked our Manta Ray Snorkel before we left and found the communication to be excellent. As a novice snorkeler, I was apprehensive about snorkeling, and about the night time snorkel, but the team at Coral Reef talked through the process and I felt safe and in experienced hands.
I cannot speak highly enough of Justin's ability to manoeuvre the boat and of Emily's knowledge (she has a Masters degree in the field) and pure enthusiasm for the marine world. Both were very friendly, welcoming, and did all they could to make the experience enjoyable. On our way to the mantas we saw a pod of dolphins, so we slowed down and enjoyed them swimming right beside us - instead of going at break neck speed past them like other boats were doing.
Emily checked the operation of the equipment with each of us before we got into the water, and gave us tips on how to get the most from it. The special surfboard is a wonderful "security blanket" because you hold onto it and the light attracts the plankton which then attract the manta rays. And we were lucky... no sooner had we got into the water and a manta ray, (Emily knew his name) was doing barrel rolls cms from us. It was truly an exhilarating experience. We saw 3 manta rays that night ... they are wonderful creatures.
There were many other groups out that night, but they were large groups, and we heard other tour guides yelling through frustration at their groups - perhaps they had issues with being heard. By contrast, our boat only took 6 people and I felt that this was more personal, less stressful and truly enhanced the experience.