Manta Raya Divers
Manta Raya Divers
5
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Full view
About
Scuba and Snorkel Tours in Cozumel, PADI Training, Private Tours, Small Groups, Customer Care, Safety & Satisfaction is our Target. Beyond Industry Standards. Dive and Snorkel Accommodation Packages
Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
Features animals
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingSimilar Experiences
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
5.0
145 reviews
Excellent
130
Very good
7
Average
1
Poor
2
Terrible
5
careyunger
Durham1 contribution
Cozumel was a stop on our cruise itenerary and instead of paying the outrageous fees for the ship's snorkeling excusion, we booked with a local beforehand and had a BLAST. The group is called Manta Raya Divers and they lead both snorkeling and diving trips. Fernando, the head guy, spoke near perfect English and was easy to get in contact with before we ever arrived via email. He took the time to answer all of our questions and make sure we were set up before we arrived. The boat was located in a marina away from the hustle and bustle of the tourists, about a $10 cab ride from the cruise ship dock. The boat was absolutely spotless. Fernando and his assistant Sammy took us out to two different locations to snorkel- both were beautiful and we saw so many different types of fish, eels, baracudas and starfish! Fernando was funny and knowledgeable about the island, full of fun facts. Sammy actually dove with us, so it was like we had a full time guide in the water at all time. He explained all about the different types of fish, and even dove down to the bottom of the ocean floor to bring something back us for us to look at! They both went above and beyond to make sure we had everything we needed- we were able to pick the itenerary, and after that they spoiled us rotten- Even brought us Mexican beer to enjoy after the dive. We felt very safe with these guys, especially with someone in the water with us at all times. We could not have been more pleased with our experience, especially as we looked over at the cruise ship's excursion. They paid almost three times per person what we did and had to snorkel with 50 strangers. We highly recommend Fernando and Sammy at Manta Raya Divers in Cozumel for snorkeling and diving!
His email is: [--]
Carey
His email is: [--]
Carey
Written December 30, 2007
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
searobin
San Diego, CA72 contributions
I would like to give a glowing review to Fernando and his operation, Manta Raya divers! Six friends and I took a cruise to Cozumel, and made prior arrangments (via email) to take a snorkeling tour with Fernando. We couldn't have been happier with our choice of tours. He was readily available by email prior to the trip, and we had everything worked out before we even got aboard our cruise ship. The marina and boat was easy to find, and Fernando and his crew were incredibly friendly and polite. Fernando took us to three different reefs, and snorkeled with us the entire time. He was willing to show us things or leave us to explore, all the while keeping tabs on the seven of us. We were able to avoid all the giant groups of snorkelers booked through the ship, and felt like we had the water to ourselves most of the day (which can be difficult on these short trips). He also provided us with lunch and beer following the snorkeling, and was happy to drop us at the pier near our ship.
Bottom line: If you want to avoid crowds and actually see fish, rays, etc, go with Manta Raya.
Bottom line: If you want to avoid crowds and actually see fish, rays, etc, go with Manta Raya.
Written January 18, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ERNursesRmorefun
Cape Coral, Florida2 contributions
I found Manta Raya Divers through Trip Advisor as I was looking for an alternative for a cruise excursion for Cozumel instead of booking through the cruise line. After reading all the excellent reviews here, we booked easily with Fernando through email and my whole party of 7 thought I was a genius for finding such a stellar excursion.
Fernando gave explicit directions on how to find the Marina where he docks and after a 10 min taxi ride (thats another story.....26 us dollars and make sure you bring exact change as the taxi driver claim to not have exact change) we found his boat and Fernando easily.
Fernando took us to 3 excellent reefs for snorkeling and each time he was always in the water with us snorkeling and pointing out items of interes and making sure everyone was safe.
Fernando gave us an excellent lunch and even included Mexican beer and soadas for the kids. The water was crystal clear and the most beautiful color blue you could imagine.
Fernando got us back to our ship on time and we had no worries.
Overall, this was an excellent, authentic, snorkel trip with only our group of 7. We would glady book with Fernando and Manta Raya any time we are back in Cozumel and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to have a great snorkel trip you'll never forget.
Fernando gave explicit directions on how to find the Marina where he docks and after a 10 min taxi ride (thats another story.....26 us dollars and make sure you bring exact change as the taxi driver claim to not have exact change) we found his boat and Fernando easily.
Fernando took us to 3 excellent reefs for snorkeling and each time he was always in the water with us snorkeling and pointing out items of interes and making sure everyone was safe.
Fernando gave us an excellent lunch and even included Mexican beer and soadas for the kids. The water was crystal clear and the most beautiful color blue you could imagine.
Fernando got us back to our ship on time and we had no worries.
Overall, this was an excellent, authentic, snorkel trip with only our group of 7. We would glady book with Fernando and Manta Raya any time we are back in Cozumel and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to have a great snorkel trip you'll never forget.
Written September 7, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChuffersHB
Welwyn Garden City, UK12 contributions
Apr 2011
Having read the reviews on here, I decided it was worth booking a trip with Fernando before we travelled to Mexico, and like the others he made booking the trip easy via email. He replied to all my emails promptly and with lots of advice and guidance. We'd booked a 2pm two reef snorkelling tour, and to our delight found that we were the only people on the boat! A trip out with Fransisco (pilot) and Samuel (diver) was excellent. Samuel was very reassuring (we were both relative novices) and was great at showing us seahorses, flat fish, lobster etc which we might otherwise have missed, and telling us the names of the different types of fish. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip and would recommend Mantaraya to anyone.
Written April 29, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
atpanda
Gilbert, AZ431 contributions
We took the ferry from Playa del Carmen then a taxi to Manta Raya where we had made an appointment with Fernando for their Tour Dos (3 reefs). He had warned me ahead of time that he was going to have a SCUBA couple on board, but led me to believe the only ramification was that he wouldn't personally be snorkeling with us, that he'd have one of his guys do it.
What REALLY happened was that the trip was entirely catered to this SCUBA couple (who were obviously regulars) and that they were happy to tack us on to make a few extra bucks. Instead of three reefs, we went to one (San Fransisco). We snorkeled for about an hour but couldn't see much of anything because it was so deep. Definitely didn't see coral, we were too high up to see fish, and the only things we could see were a few big things swimming on the bottom. Then, because the SCUBA people had to be out for an hour between dives, the crew proceeded to fish for an hour. An hour I think might have been better spent getting us our money's worth of snorkeling. Then we went straight back to the very same area where we saw a whole lot more of nothing. Then the crew trolled for fish all the way back in really rolly water, VERY slowly, until someone complained of sea sickness. It was joked about many times that the SCUBA couple and the crew were having a BBQ later and needed to catch fish for it. I don't know why I had to spend a precious day of my vacation watching them do that.
I did pay the whole fee (plus a tip which I hope went to the two guys who stayed with us in the boat because they were very nice), but as a small business owner myself, I wouldn't have felt right taking the full amount of money from someone if I knew in my heart that they didn't get what other people usually do. My husband and I are not complainers, so we chalked it up as a loss and went to find a beer, but I thought it was only fair to give an honest accounting here in case someone else might be duped into the same situation.
What REALLY happened was that the trip was entirely catered to this SCUBA couple (who were obviously regulars) and that they were happy to tack us on to make a few extra bucks. Instead of three reefs, we went to one (San Fransisco). We snorkeled for about an hour but couldn't see much of anything because it was so deep. Definitely didn't see coral, we were too high up to see fish, and the only things we could see were a few big things swimming on the bottom. Then, because the SCUBA people had to be out for an hour between dives, the crew proceeded to fish for an hour. An hour I think might have been better spent getting us our money's worth of snorkeling. Then we went straight back to the very same area where we saw a whole lot more of nothing. Then the crew trolled for fish all the way back in really rolly water, VERY slowly, until someone complained of sea sickness. It was joked about many times that the SCUBA couple and the crew were having a BBQ later and needed to catch fish for it. I don't know why I had to spend a precious day of my vacation watching them do that.
I did pay the whole fee (plus a tip which I hope went to the two guys who stayed with us in the boat because they were very nice), but as a small business owner myself, I wouldn't have felt right taking the full amount of money from someone if I knew in my heart that they didn't get what other people usually do. My husband and I are not complainers, so we chalked it up as a loss and went to find a beer, but I thought it was only fair to give an honest accounting here in case someone else might be duped into the same situation.
Written April 30, 2009
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Adriana T
toronto5 contributions
My family spent a lovely morning snorkeling with them. Fernando was easy to reach via emails. We exchanged plenty of emails prior to the trip, and he was very clear about the directions to the marina and the details about the trip. I did not need to prepay or make a deposit either. We took a taxi to the marina, $14 for 5 people. Fernando and 2 other staffs were there already. It was a small group (7 people) and one staff was with us all time in the water. He was very responsible and took care of us very well. I am so glad that we didn't join the cruise tour, which was double the price. I highly recommended the manta raya divers, and would definitely go with them again!
Written August 31, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mayor_Juan_Carlos
San Antonio, Texas1 contribution
Diving and snorkeling with Manta Raya Divers is always an extraordinary experience. Through the years I have been aboard with divers, snorklers and free divers. Every trip is different depending on the weather and experience level of the passengers.
I have been on 200+ dives with Fernando and Sammy and even weathered a hurricane with their families. They are wonderful folks both under and above water, and they are experts in Cozumel drift diving and snorkeling. Manta Raya Divers is a small boat dive company (no more than 8 passengers) comparable to the best dive operators you will find any where in the world.
Set up your dive by contacting Fernando via email and he will get back to you promptly confirming your dates and prices. I am sure you will enjoy your days in Cozumel with Manta Raya Divers.
I have been on 200+ dives with Fernando and Sammy and even weathered a hurricane with their families. They are wonderful folks both under and above water, and they are experts in Cozumel drift diving and snorkeling. Manta Raya Divers is a small boat dive company (no more than 8 passengers) comparable to the best dive operators you will find any where in the world.
Set up your dive by contacting Fernando via email and he will get back to you promptly confirming your dates and prices. I am sure you will enjoy your days in Cozumel with Manta Raya Divers.
Written July 24, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jmk15001
Pittsburgh3 contributions
My husband and I booked a snorkeling excursion with Manta Raya Divers. What a wonderful experience! Fernando and Sammy are great! We have grown tired of the large cruise ship excursions and decided to book an independent tour. We are so glad we did! The personal attention and the length of the snorkeling experience were great! Fernando is an experienced diver, who showed us some of the most beautiful underwater life imagainable. We emailed prior to the cruise, sent a deposit, and the whole process was flawless! Half the price, double the fun of the cruise ship excursions!
Written April 26, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jeff Anderson
Alta, UT18 contributions
Aug 2018
I met Fernado of Manta Raya 20+ years ago at Le Ceiba Hotel. he started his own shop at about that time. he his a smooth expert Master who treats all his divers with aplomb while giving both beginners and experts with excellent training. He stays away from the crowded madness of the large shops. His knowledge of the area is unsurpassed. He has one very nice fast boat. he never follows the crowd,and usually has one or two very good divers,who keep coming back, you might run into if you book with him. He charges a bit more for his services that is well worth the money. If you want an authentic long time Master who provides and goes out of his way to give you the best he's your man
If you ask his driver Sammy he will bring the best fresh cerviche you have ever tasted the likes of. He never farms you out to other guides. It's a one man
shop. Underwater he helps all his guests in an almost Zen like manner that makes you better than you were while giving you confidence and a most enjoyable dive.
If you ask his driver Sammy he will bring the best fresh cerviche you have ever tasted the likes of. He never farms you out to other guides. It's a one man
shop. Underwater he helps all his guests in an almost Zen like manner that makes you better than you were while giving you confidence and a most enjoyable dive.
Written September 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
We have always enjoy diving with you and taking you to uncrowded reefs @Cozumel's shelf, as well as the well known places, we are happy to know you have enjoy your visits with us and we can make a difference in the way you see your diving. Thank you for such nice words and awesome text you sharing to the world.
Thank you so much and we are looking forward to have you with us very soon!
Written October 10, 2018
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Liz K
Olympia, WA6 contributions
Apr 2014 • Friends
Fernando and Samuel were the perfect guides for our group of 10..4 adults and 6 teens. They showed us a diverse sea life in two very different snorkeling locations. The ceviche and guacamole was an added bonus, I would highly recommend this company if you find yourself on Cozumel.
Written April 16, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you so much for your business! We have a nice time with your group and hope you all will come back soon! Do tell everyone hello for us please.
Written April 19, 2014
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beatriz B
3 contributions
I am almost certified had a injury just before the baptism , is it needed? The certification?
Fernando G
Cozumel, Mexico1 contribution
You can dive without been certified, but you are limited to 12m/40ft and will need to take a discover scuba class. If you ask for a referral letter at the place you took the classes, then you can finish the open water training dives with us and be certified in awesome Cozumel water with us!
hugor1v3r4
1 contribution
What are the prices fro their services?
Fernando G
Cozumel, Mexico1 contribution
Our prices are $92.00 for 2 tank dive adventure tour, $52 and $75 for snorkel adventure tours, includes tax and other gov fees. Hope to hear from you!