Cook Islands

The Cook Islands are situated in the middle of the South Pacific ocean, about half way between New Zealand and Tahiti. The country consist of 15 islands, spread out over a vast area. The tropical islands are what most people would call island paradise: beautiful white beaches with clear lagoons. The Cook Islands are not a world renowned diving destination like French Polynesia, however you can have fantastic dives here.

Most islands are not developed for tourism though and the only two island with dive operators are Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Rarotonga

Rarotonga is the main island of the Cook Islands and it's circumference is only 32 km. The majority of people live close to the sea as the islands interior is very mountainous with dense bush.

Diving in Rarotonga

Rarotonga is not a big fish destination like French Polynesia, however sharks, eagle rays and turtles all call Rarotonga their home. The coral reefs are healthy and usually visibility is excellent. About 30 different dive sites around the island offer a good variety and interesting terrain for certified divers planning on diving in Rarotonga.

If you are interested in recreational scuba or technical dive training, Rarotonga is also the right place for you.

Diver training

Rarotonga offers recreational dive courses through the major dive training agencies such as PADI, SSI and SDI. Dive courses in Rarotonga range from learn to dive courses and try dives to more advanced courses and specialty courses. Of course, you can also become a Divemaster and Go Pro.

Tec diving

Apart for recreational diver training, you can also get into technical diving in Rarotonga. Both open circuit scuba and closed circuit rebreather courses are being offered through Technical Diving International.

Snorkeling in Rarotonga

If you do not dive, why not explore Rarotonga's underwater world on a guided outer reef snorkel trip off the boat. If you are interested in snorkeling inside the lagoon, the Aroa marine reserve on the south-west corner of Rarotonga is one of the best places on the island for lagoon snorkelling.

Aitutaki atoll

Aitutaki is only a short flight away from Rarotonga and has a beautiful turquoise coloured lagoon.

Diving in Aitutaki

When you scuba dive in Aitutaki you will pretty much always encounter turtles. Massive, friendly green turtles have made their home on these dive sites and you are basically guaranteed to see them when you dive here.

When you dive in Aitutaki, you will also be followed by friendly surgeonfish, trigger fish and angelfish, as well as by massive humphead wrasse.

Swimming with whales

During winter time is humpback whale season in the Southern Cooks, with most of the whales usually arriving between August and September. During this time you can often spot migrating humpback whales from the beach or the boat.

In Aitutaki, you can also go whale watching and you can even swim with humpback whales here. This is a dream come true for many people, divers or non divers.