Swimming with the Mantas, Mantaray Is. Fiji

Hi, My partner and I are heading to Fiji for the first time this July :)
We are going to Mantaray Island in the Yasawas for three days ( as well as a few other islands, beachcomber, south sea, coral coast )
I am really looking forward to the oppitunity to swim with the Manta rays and am wondering what the chances of been able to do this or see one is mid July?
Would love to hear about anyones experiences or comments on this island.
We havent booked a boat trip yet and thought we will probably be able to do this when we get there, or maybe you can just swim off the beach with them???
We are staying at Manta Ray Resort in a double room - think it may be a bit of a backpackers , but we like that :)
Look forward to your comments!

You need to take a boat to get to where the manta rays tend to congregate, and you will be there during "manta ray season." You don't have to book the boat in advance. They just beat a drum when there's been a sighting and when they're going to take the boat out to see them, which costs something like $15.

There is very good snorkelling off the beach at Manta Ray, but it's not too likely you'll see the manta rays there.

Cool - thanks for that! Im really looking forward to it :)