An English backpacker turned Aussie travel agent, Claire McErlane hosted many tours to the Cook Islands, having fallen in love with the destination on her first visit. She eventually moved here with her husband, bringing their rescue ‘fur babies’ with them. A self-confessed ‘Cooks’ addict, Claire now runs a tourism marketing agency here in Rarotonga, and is passionate that visitors have the very best experience they can whilst visiting our island shores.
The magical Cook Islands is, without doubt, a spectacular destination, with breathtaking scenery, colourful culture and of course, the locals’ warm “Kia Orana” hospitality … and all that’s on offer before you even set foot on one of the numerous, pristine white sandy beaches that this magical destination is renowned for.
Exploring beyond the coconut tree fringed beaches brings you into a captivating dimension of this little paradise … for a true water wonderland is waiting! Whatever your choice, whether it be ‘on top’, ‘in’ or ‘under’ … the warm, crystal clear waters of the Cooks will surely enthral every visitor with many diverse eco-friendly experiences on offer.
Talking of crystal clear water, I remember a dear elderly lady who was on one of our escorted tours from Australia years ago … her dream had always been to swim in a South Pacific lagoon. She loved her experience so much, and upon arriving home, the local newspaper wrote an inspiring story about her. I laughed when I read the caption to the photo – “Fran wwimming in a pool” … the water in the photo did indeed look like a pristine swimming pool – so typical of the lagoons here in the Cook Islands, but unfortunately the ‘wow’ factor was lost on all readers!
The islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki have a myriad of water-based activities, tours and experiences suitable for every visitor – young and the not so young. Historically, the sea-faring Polynesians have always had a close relationship with the ocean (“moana”), so it’s not surprising there is a bounty of water-based experiences available to visitors today. In fact, practically every water orientated experience is available – relaxing lagoon cruises, deep sea fishing, adrenal-filled water sports such as kite boarding, wing foiling and surfing (though surfing here is definately not for the faint-hearted!), reef walking, sailing, snorkelling and stand-up paddle boarding (“SUPs”), kayaking, sea scootering, swimming with turtles, night paddles, whale watching, semi-submersible tours, diving, ocean drift snorkelling and SUPYoga (yoga on stand-up paddleboards) … every visitor is truly spoilt for choice!
The year round warm, pristine waters of our islands are home to over a hundred species of coral, hundreds of fish species and other colourful marine life. Coupled with excellent visibility and easily accessible sites, the lagoons’ shallow protected waters, and further out beyond the reef into the deep, clear moana, the islands offer superb experiences for ‘all things’ water. Plus not forgetting a few old ships who met their unfortunate demise in a bygone era, which now offer fascinating shipwreck diving and snorkelling experiences.
Our breathtaking water wonderland awaits you …
Swim, Snorkel, Kayak or SUP – on your own or explore with a small group tour
Our protected lagoons offer safe swimming, snorkelling and SUP’s year round, straight off the beach. Here you can safely explore our shallow waters and be mystified by the abundance of tropical fish which live in the coral. But please take heed of warning signs beachside and check local maps (available for free) to ensure you keep away from passages, which are breaks in the reef where the water can rush in and out on the tides. At times, also be aware of currents in the lagoon.
You can either bring your own snorkel gear or hire it, plus there are also options to hire kayaks and SUP’s at Muri in Rarotonga and also in Aitutaki. Be safe and enjoy our waters, and always be ‘reef smart’ – choose reef-safe sunscreen to do your bit to protect the fragile marine environment.
To get the most out of snorkelling, it’s highly recommended to join a guided small group tour and learn about the fascinating marine life at the same time. You will explore sites that you wouldn’t know exist if you didn’t go with a tour group. Group sizes are small, and if you’re not confident in deep water to snorkel with the turtles in the passage, a lagoon discovery sea scooter tour or an adventure snorkel tour in Rarotonga’s lagoon is a must.
A unique evening experience is also on offer in Rarotonga… a night paddle under moonlight and starry skies – on your own LED equipped kayak or SUP! During your small group tour, be treated to an interactional ‘fire spinning’ show on one of Muri’s motu’s (islet) – such a unique experience only found here in Raro!
Or how about an exhilarating ‘ocean drift’ … snorkelling in the deep blue outside the reef, where you’ll experience ocean snorkelling like never before. Meeting at Avarua Harbour (near the iconic ‘Trader Jacks’), you’ll depart the wharf on board a purpose-built dive boat, and be dropped off and drift along with the current to another spot. You will visit a few drift sites during the tour, and you’ll also learn about marine life and conservation. If you’re lucky, during July to October you may even encounter a whale! Don’t worry, your tour guides are in the water with you, and the boat is always close by! This unique experience is available with or without a trusty sea scooter, and offers incredible views looking back to the majestic mountainous peaks of the island.
Reef walk explorer tours – a great family activity
Discover the semi-submerged world of Rarotonga’s Avaavaroa reef at low tide, and encounter all the diverse sea creatures inhabiting the ‘akau’ (reef). Take the family and learn about the various creatures’ roles in maintaining the balance of the fragile ecosystem. Sea cucumbers, sea urchins, octopus, nudi branches, brittle stars, anemones, crabs, are just a few of the little critters you can spy during the walk! Tours will take you all the way to the edge of the reef, which provides a fantastic vantage point looking back to Rarotonga’s magnificent mountainous landscape.
Swim with Turtles – all year round
“Had a very memorable time snorkelling & ‘sea scootering’ with the turtles. The Ariki Adventure guys made sure everyone got individual attention, including great underwater photo shots. These guys know their stuff and even though operating in the coral channel, safety was of paramount importance, Thanks guys & gals for the lifetime memory!”
If you’ve always wanted to swim with turtles, then wait no longer! Pacific Green and Hawksbill turtles may be spotted all year round by a very eagle eye in the lagoons of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. However, if you want an experience like no other, join a guided tour in Rarotonga and snorkel with these adorable creatures in the safety of a tour group in the passage – the playground of the turtles. The passage can be extremely dangerous as this where the water rushes in and out on the tides, so please, do not venture out without a guide. The first company who explored the passage and found the turtles commenced guided tours back in 2017, though today there are many tour operators, each attesting to have their own ‘unique selling point’. Tours operate Monday to Friday, at low tide, or two hours either side. Responsible guides always ensure clients are aware of the ‘look don’t touch’ policy, and that all in their group are confident snorkellers, as parts of the passage drops off into deep water. Minimum age restrictions apply.
A great option which offers fun as well as being a unique safety device, is to do a turtle sea scooter safari. I felt like I was James Bond … shooting through the clear waters of Rarotonga as my turtle friends swam close by. Whatever you choose, whether it be straight snorkelling or snorkelling with an exhilarating eco-friendly sea scooter, it will be a magical, ‘once in a life-time’ experience like no other.
Note: Whilst sea scooters offer lots of fun and will have you feeling like an intrepid 007 agent flying effortlessly through the water, the scooter is also a unique safety device, as it is self-buoyant and will also get you out of trouble, should you feel you’re getting too close to coral, or not heading in the desired direction. It is also important to note that it is eco-friendly, as is battery operated (no fuel). Equally important is that the device is not invasive to turtles, as the slight battery ‘hum’ is not heard by turtles, who only have an inner ear, not an outer ear. So scooter away to your heart’s content, and enjoy the freedom and safety of a sea scooter in our water wonderland paradise!
Lagoon Cruises
A fave to do and great for all ages, there are a number of cruise companies offering diverse cruises in both Rarotonga and Aitutaki. No matter which you choose, you’re in for a wonderful time! Glass bottomed boat lagoon cruises in Rarotonga offer a fun-filled four hour experience, including great snorkelling spots with colourful tropical fish and bountiful coral, and don’t forget to look out for the friendly moray eel in the coral bed! Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch, and true Cook Islands’ fun and hospitality provided by your fun crew along the way.
In Aitutaki, there are a myriad of lagoon cruises on offer … from a replicated 21m Polynesian twin hull ‘vaka’ (canoe) offering the Cook Islands’ famous exuberant fun and entertainment vibes on a six hour cruise (including snorkelling at three spots), to a private charter on a small motor boat, and everything in between! With lots of cruises to choose from, there is an option to suit every budget, every age and mobility. Whatever experience you’re seeking … from adrenalin-charged to relaxation, from a full day to a ‘short-burst’ cruise, our islands have it! Friendly local guides willingly share with their guests their local knowledge of the islands, history and colourful culture. Truly – that age-old quote ‘Arrive as strangers, leave as friends’ is taken one notch higher in the Cooks … far more appropriate is the quote ‘Arrive as strangers, leave as family.’
If you’re looking for something that little bit different in amazing Aitutaki – how about a sunrise lagoon cruise with breakfast on a private beach, after watching the start of a brand new day in paradise? Or a sunset lagoon cruise with your own gourmet picnic dinner prepared on the beach while you watch nature’s beautiful show … next to a bonfire, on a private island? Or a ‘flow experience’ lagoon cruise … floating down a magical channel of water, at sunset, with nothing but the stars above, as you watch the end of another perfect, tropical day in paradise.
Whichever cruise you choose, you will be mesmerised by the pristine beauty of your surroundings both on top and under the water in our aquatic wonderland … tropical fish, coral, turtles, eagle rays and GT’s (Giant Trevally) are all in abundance in our waters.
Semi-submersible cruise – perfect for 1 to 100 year olds!
Not to be confused with a glass-bottom boat lagoon cruise, Rarotonga’s ‘semi-sub’ cruises out beyond Rarotonga’s lagoon, exploring the marine life and hidden treasures found only in the island’s deep, clear waters of the outer reef. Perfect for all the family, and offers spectacular views looking back to Rarotonga.
Kite boarding and Wing foiling – beginners and experienced welcome
“I would highly recommend the team at Raro’s KiteSUP. I really enjoyed my kite surfing lessons, and felt that my instructor Troy really listened to my previous kite experience, and that helped me overcome some fears to enjoy the kite! Now I just want to go more as my confidence has grown!”
Learning to kite board or wing foil in Rarotonga and Aitutaki is ideal due to the shallow, warm and uncrowded waters. Complete beginners can expect to learn how to get up onto a board after just 3 lessons, under the watchful eye of qualified instructors. Lessons are 2 hours in length, so there’s plenty of time to fit in other activities.
In Rarotonga, beautiful Muri beach offers the perfect location for kiting or foiling, with its easy beach access, plenty of space for new and experienced kiters, plus it catches the predominant south easterly wind, providing a good cross-on shore direction.
Kite and foil lessons (plus hiring of equipment) are also available in Aitutaki, with lessons conducted on magical Honeymoon Island, an idyllic white sand spit with coconut trees for shade, just a 20 minute boat ride away from Aitutaki.
SUPYoga – looking for something different?
Stand-up paddle board yoga (“SUPYoga”) is a great way to incorporate flexibility, mobility, balance and relaxation. Grab a friend or partner for a great way to share some quality time and good laughs. Classes in Rarotonga are offered weekly.
Scuba Diving – explore a magical water wonderland outside the reef
Our year round warm waters, excellent visibility up to approximately 60 metres, breathtaking drop-offs, canyons and coral gardens, not to mention the teeming tropical fish, eagle rays, reef sharks and shipwrecks … you’re in for some exceptional dives, most within a short 10 minute boat ride.
Fully accredited dive operators in both Rarotonga and Aitutaki offer half and full day dive charters for beginners through to the experienced. Intro dives through to cave diving (in Aitutaki) are all on offer.
Whilst you’re visiting our islands, why not take a diving course and get PADI open water certified in paradise!
With over 30 diverse dive spots, you can visit our islands and do a dive or, if you’re a keen diver, why not indulge in a dedicated diving holiday? Just a word of caution – always remember the general ‘dive/fly’ guidelines of pre-flight surface intervals (check with your dive operator for details and recommendations).
Fishing – catch the big one in paradise!
“First trip to Rarotonga and it was an extremely enjoyable experience. Hard to pick a highlight but looking back it was probably a day out with Akura Fishing Charters. Tina does a great job of organising the operation so a big thanks to her. Once on the boat (“Akura”- the biggest in their fleet) it soon became obvious that Boof and the crew knew their stuff. The fishing tackle is top class and the boat well appointed. The fishing commenced almost before we cleared the harbour but became almost a secondary consideration because a whale surfaced so close to the boat that you could see the barnacles on its back! This was the first of several whale sightings. The sea was like glass and we had a fabulous view of the “Rock” (as the locals call Rarotonga) as we cruised by. Catching a large tuna and a huge wahoo was “the icing on the cake.” The crew filleted the fish and distributed it to all the customers. Tina instructed them to give us “enough for four people” (knowing we had partners back on shore). Typical of Rarotongan generosity it was sufficient to feed four – for TWO nights!!!
It was a day I shall remember forever. Thank you so much Akura Charters.”
Venture into the deep blue outside the protected reefs of Rarotonga and Aitutaki to try your hand at big game fishing of marlin, sail fish, wahoo, mahi mahi and yellow fin tuna.
With various sized vessels available on both islands, you will find a fishing charter perfect for all types of fishing trips, whether it be big game fishing, bottom and reef fishing, or spearfishing, with half and full day charters available. Don’t forget to ask if you can take your catch home, so you can enjoy the spoils of your day for dinner! Good luck!
Sail, sail, sail away in Aitutaki
There’s no feeling like sailing on a pristine lagoon, a gentle breeze caressing your face (or an exhilarating warm wind depending on conditions!), completely at one with nature… this dream can become reality on one of Aitutaki’s new 17 foot eco-friendly polyethylene-hulled Hobie catamarans. Explore the island’s little ‘motu’s’ (islets), feed the array of tropical fish and, if you’re lucky, spot a turtle or two.
A day out on the water is like therapy, “That’s really been my passion, seeing the big smiles, especially the ones who have never sailed before,” sailing operator Ted says. “Their whole face, their whole manner changes.” These ‘cats’ are the latest and greatest on the water, ducking and diving and sprinting and sloping across the blue lagoon, weaving in among the coral heads on waters which Captain Ted knows so well.
Sailing charters head out from the quaint Aitutaki Sailing Club. But don’t conjure up a fanciful sailing club building – like you’ll find in New Zealand, Australia or anywhere else. To be clear, the club is three rusty, padlocked containers sitting on O’otu sandspit, with coconut palms and ironwood trees overhead … and is simply perfect!
Surfing in Rarotonga – for confident shallow water surfers only
Hard-hitting reef-pass waves, with fast and short breaks over very shallow coral reef make for extremely challenging conditions … so surfing and bodyboarding is recommended only for the confident surfer with experience in such waters. It’s strongly recommended to go out with a surfing guide who has expert local knowledge… or team up with an experienced local, as they know the best spots and what to be aware of.
Best surf is during November to March, however May to September is generally more consistent, but can be spoiled by the trades.
Safety hint – reef shoes are essential for protection from coral and sea urchins when accessing the best spots. Those who dare, love the high wave count of thrilling rides on powerful waves all to themselves. It’s similar to Tahiti, but far less crowded! Best surf spots are Nikao Social Centre (‘Socials’), SS Maitai (aka “The Boiler”), Club Raro, Matavera Point and the Avana Passage. Please take heed of local surfing experts if venturing out
Watch the Whales – July to October
If you’re planning your trip to the Cook Islands, you may wish to consider that whale season is July to October, when our waters are blessed to be part of the annual migration journey of these majestic mammals. Responsible whale watch tours are available in Rarotonga and Aitutaki, and whilst on tour you will learn all about these huge beauties. When I was fortunate to go on a tour, I had the distinct feeling of ‘who’s watching who’ … as this beautiful, silent, majestic creature actually came up to our boat and rolled to her side, examining this strange human species. If you don’t have time to go out on tour, it’s not uncommon for whales to be spotted as you’re sipping a refreshing coldie at one of the numerous beachside bars. Plus there are some great renowned vantage spots around Rarotonga, so simply ask a local where these spots are.
With such a myriad of water-based activities on offer, your biggest problem on your next Cook Islands holiday is which amazing aquatic adventure ‘not’ to do! Come explore our unique water wonderland … I can assure you that many special memories are waiting to be made here in paradise.
Water Safety Tips (supplied by Cook Islands Tourism Inc)
Before you explore our underwater playground, it is important to be are aware of the following water safety tips:
- Stay away from the passages
If in doubt, wear a life jacket
Do not explore alone
