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Cook Islands scuba diving is available on the main island of Rarotonga and to a lesser extent on Aitutaki. However, scuba diving on both islands is limited to the surrounding reefs beyond which the sea drops off dramatically. There are no specialist scuba diving resorts or live aboard diving charters as with some of its south pacific neighbours. That's not to say the scuba diving is not good - there is excellent marine life on Rarotonga, from colourful tropical fish to sharks, manta rays and baracudas and some inspiring 40 feet drop off's around both Rarotonga and Aitutaki. There are a few wrecks around Rarotonga dating from the 1950's to explore but these have been badly damaged by recent cyclones. The best drop-off's on Rarotonga are on the south coast whilst the north coast has a more gentle descent and therefore better corals. A Crown of Thorn invasion has unfortunately destroyed some of these corals but the government has begun a culling project, though too late in the eyes of local dive operators.

Visibility is usually 30-40 metres, most dive sites are within 25 metres and the water is always warm -25C in July to 30C in December. Experienced divers will not find any challenging dive sights in the Cook Islands but will never-the-less find enjoyable all weather diving conditions. For casual scuba diving, the Cook Islands is great due to the close proximity of dive sites. The small circumference of Rarotonga also means that whichever way the wind blows, assess to the protected side of the island is quick and easy.

PADI scuba diving courses are available on both islands. On Rarotonga, Cook Island Divers has a large swimming pool for instruction and Rarotongan Dive Centre has a handy small but deep pool to help beginners get acquainted with equipment and basic techniques before exploring the shallow waters within the reef. Scuba diving in the Cook Islands is considered very good for both beginners and casual divers as all sights are close together and there is always good diving conditions whichever way the wind blows. Proof of certification is required for the use of equipment. The four independent dive operators on Rarotonga pick up from all hotels around the island as does the one operator on Aitutaki.

There is no decompression centre in the Cook Islands - emergencies are flown to New Zealand by special low-flying planes so travel insurance covering travellers for scuba diving is essential - otherwise you will be faced with a bill of around NZ$20,000!




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Last Updated
18 November 2008

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