I would like to start (this somewhat disappointed) review by acknowledging 2 things. First, I have (twice) previously done a dolphin snorkel with this company and it was terrific both times. Second, the perceived success of the manta snorkel is going to be largely driven by factors beyond the company's control (how many mantas show up!). So, I am going to focus on the things that *were* in the company's control and were below par. 1) Despite having to fill out our sizes on the registration, they did not have a wetsuit top in my size. I was very cold in the water (shivering uncontrollably by the end) as a result and this definitely detracted from the experience. 2) Despite saying that hot drinks would be provided afterwards, there was not. It was just a brief goodbye as we all shuffled off the boat quietly (since the viewing was a bit disappointing and I think the crew knew it). 3) The guide was pretty disengaged - he didn't even ask us all our names, offered no information (beyond the standard few lines about the plankton being attracted to the hotel's lights) or show any interest in us as a group. 4) During the brief viewing opportunities the guide consistently put himself in a vertical position so that his body (and long fins) blocked most of the view for me. Added to the above is that there was only one manta and although she did several fly-bys, the viewing summed to probably no more than 2-3 minutes. Overall, this felt like poor value for money particularly in group of 3, it is a considerable sum, and the return on investment felt poor ($100 per adult to be shuttled 500 metres offshore and dropped in the water with not much "service" around it). I have done a manta snorkel in Kona (different company) once before and came away awe-struck - this time I was just cold and disappointed.
Відповідь від хоста
Dec 2019
Aloha Galaxygirl,
It's always our goal to provide exceptional customer service for a great value, so we are disappointed to hear that the service was lackluster. We apologize for contributing to your cold and disappointing experience, but are grateful for you taking the time to provide your feedback regarding our Manta Snorkel Adventure. The points that you have brought up are definitely in our control. Mahalo nui for bringing this to our attention.
Enjoy the rest of your time on Big Island,
Aloha