Every day on our Manta Ray Moonlight Swim, we meet amazing guests with a true spirit of adventure and respect for the ocean. But sometimes, we get questions that make us pause – and not in a good way. Here’s a glimpse into some of the most irresponsible (and frankly baffling) questions we’ve been asked over the years, and why we can’t just laugh them off.
Can we just leave our kids on the beach while we snorkel?
Context: We don’t allow children under 12 to join our Manta Ray Moonlight Swim for good reason. The ocean is pitch dark at night, and even confident kids often get scared or have trouble following safety instructions. Plus, everyone in the water must be fully focused and able to respond quickly if needed.
Sometimes, parents ask if they can leave the kids on the beach and watch them from afar while they (the parents) are snorkeling with manta rays.
Our answer: No, absolutely not.
Why it’s a problem: Leaving children unattended on a dark, isolated beach is irresponsible. You won’t be able to see them from the water, and swimming back and forth to “check” on them isn’t realistic (or safe). Plus, it distracts our guides from keeping the group safe. If you can’t arrange childcare for the evening, it’s better to reschedule.
→ Read more about why we don’t allow children under 12 on our manta moonlight swim
What if I pay you extra to take us out, even if it’s dangerous?
Context: Sometimes we must cancel a swim because the surf is too high or conditions are otherwise unsafe. We know it’s disappointing, but our first priority is always your safety.
Sometimes, people offer our guides an extra commission if they take them out to snorkel despite the weather conditions.
Our answer: No amount of money changes the ocean.
Why it’s a problem: Offering to pay extra doesn’t calm the surf, weaken the currents, or make the risks less real. Ocean conditions need to meet strict safety standards, and ignoring those criteria puts everyone at serious risk.
→ Read more about ocean conditions that might make us cancel the moonlight swim
Someone in our group can’t swim. Why can’t they participate anyway?
Context: Before joining a manta ray swim, you must be able to swim confidently and comfortably using a snorkel and mask. It’s non-negotiable.
Sometimes, people seem to think it’s ok if they can’t swim when they join us on a snorkel tour – they’d even assume the swim guide could take their hand and pull them around.
Our answer: Sorry, but no.
Why it’s a problem: Our guides are responsible for the whole group, not just one person. They need to hold the light, monitor conditions, keep an eye on the mantas and other marine life we’re observing, and watch out for everyone. They can’t dedicate their attention to towing one guest. If someone can’t swim, they should take lessons and gain real water confidence first. A life jacket isn’t a substitute for swimming ability.
→ Read more about the prerequisites for joining our manta moonlight swim here
Can you guarantee that we’ll see manta rays?
Context: We swim in an area known for its manta ray activity, and while manta rays visit the site very frequently, they sometimes don’t show up. Some people seem to think mantas are remote-controlled or that we release them from captivity every night to show them to our guests, but the situation is more complex than that.
Our answer: We wish we could guarantee you’ll see mantas, but no.
Why it’s a problem: This isn’t the fantasy movie “Moana”; we swim in a real, natural ocean environment. Nature doesn’t operate on human schedules, and mantas are wild animals that make their own choices.
We monitor conditions closely and sometimes cancel tours if sightings are unlikely, but we can’t promise that manta rays will show up every time. What we can do instead is to offer a beautiful ocean experience, and if the mantas do come, it’s truly breathtaking.
→ Read more about the chance of seeing mantas on a moonlight swim here.
We share these “wild” questions not to shame anyone, but to help all future guests come prepared (mentally and physically) for a respectful, safe, and unforgettable experience. The ocean deserves our best. So do you.
You can find all our answers to Frequently Asked Questions here.
Mahalo for understanding and for swimming responsibly!
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