We took a manta ray night watching tour with Hawaii Island and Ocean Tours. This tour completely exceeded our expectations. We saw more than 12 manta rays during this tour. They brushed against us several times, came very close to us again and again, sometimes in groups of 3 coming up straight towards us in tandem and then turning around at the last moment. These are huge, gentle and amazing creatures. Until we see them in real, it's difficult to imagine their size, span, agility and friendliness.
Our tour guides/swimmers Cameron and Jordan, and boat captain Eric were real pros. Initially, my wife was nervous because it's dark, open water and she's not a strong swimmer. Not only she was able to enjoy the complete experience, but she felt completely safe during the entire time, Cameron helped her get to the light board from the boat and back. Our daughter who was on the other side of the light board had even more manta rays brush against her. Even though it's dark, the light board had white light that attracted plankton that attracted manta rays, and allowed us to see them in their full glory, colors and markings, without blue washing it. We were never hurried, and were in water for more than 30 minutes with manta rays all around us. So far this has been the highlight of our Hawaii trip, and among the best experiences we have ever had.
Hawaii Island and Ocean Tours provided snorkel, life vests and wetsuits to people and floating noodles to keep our feet up without having to kick. Our boat and light board had a total of 13 people. So it wasn't too small or too big, and we felt it was just the right size group, for a great experience on boat and getting to and back from a stable light board. Cameron and Jordan took us to a perfect spot, and waves of manta rays kept coming again and again.