We went out with the crew of the Hang Loose vessel, the skipper was Jake and his mate was Adam Gundersen (who was an absolute legend).
Adam was knowledgeable and confident and that made us comfortable with the experience that was to come.
After a 30 min ride southward to the waters off from the Outrigger Kona Resort and Spa, we plunged into the darkness of the Pacific Ocean and swam to a floating illuminated frame which had been placed into the water by Adam moments before. The lights on the underside of the floating platform provided more than enough light to see deeply into the waters beneath us, drawing the manta rays up to our position to feed on the crypto-plankton.
We were fortunate to have had at least four different mantas visit us, gliding up to within inches of us, and turning upside down as they glided past us.
You are permitted to take gopros and other camera/phones, etc.
The trip back to the port saw us provided with soft drinks and snacks, and some chill music.
I can’t recommend this tour enough, it was a highlight of our trip to Hawaii, and Adam and Jake were brilliant - genuine guys who do their job exceptionally well, and who go out of their way to look after their guests.