Since I had never been to Hawaii, I really had no idea what to expect. I traveled from Los Angeles to the Big Island with my partner and we had really planned just a week of relaxation and "doing nothing". While we were on a hike at Pololu Valley, we ran into a nice family from San Antonio who suggested we call Captain Ron at Coral Reef Adventures for the adventure of a lifetime. They had been snorkeling with manta rays the night before and suggested that it was the highlight of their trip. They were so passionate about this snorkeling adventure that we had to call and check it out. We scheduled a night snorkel with manta rays for the following night and were not disappointed. I had never been snorkeling before and the prospect of being in the water after dark made me a little uneasy. Cpt Andy and Natalie were perfect hosts and teachers. From the moment we arrived, they made us feel so welcome and put my mind at ease. This was a small charter that included the two of us and a nice family of four; much more intimate that several of the other tour groups. On the way to the dive site, our boat was escorted by a group of spinner dolphins. We watched from the bow of the ship as the dolphins swam next to us spinning and jumping, almost like our own private escorts. Cpt Andy sped up and made a huge circle to create a big wake, and we watched the dolphins jump and surf the wake of the boat. It was pretty amazing! Once we arrived at the site, Cpt Andy gave us a quick manta ray lesson, and Natalie gave us our instructions for the snorkel. Once we were in the water, we were joined by several other tour groups totaling approximately 150 people in the water. Quick description: you on the surface stretched out like Superman holding on to a raft with lights to attract plankton; about 20 divers at the bottom (100 ft) shining lights up to attract plankton; after a few minutes the manta rays swim into view underneath you; once the plankton have accumulated the manta rays come closer and closer; once they begin their feeding rolls. they are almost on top of you. These rays measure from 5 feet to 16 feet across. It was a little strange and scary...but magical. I felt the rays brush against my stomach several times while they were feeding. We were in the water for about 30 minutes and Natalie made sure that we had the best show. She kept us alert to the approach of the rays, and maneuvered us into the best position to see the manta rays. If you are in Hawaii, do not miss this adventure...and if you choose to participate, call Coral Reef Snorkel Adventures. Big thanks to Andy and Natalie for the adventure of a lifetime....and thanks for the "Humpy's" recommendation; great fish and chips!