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Cook Islands beach locations live up to the reputation of the South Seas. Rarotonga, the main island, has beaches around most of its shoreline with the nicest stretches being along the west coast (shallow non-swimming lagoon), the south coast (most secluded stretch with great snorkelling) and at Muri Beach on the east coast (the most popular swimming beach). However, the most picturesque beaches are on the tiny offshore islands of Aitutaki Lagoon with shimmering waters, pure white sand and swaying palms. Atiu Island has some beautiful rugged and wild cove beaches although swimming and snorkelling is not great.

Rarotonga Beach Guide
Rarotonga's busiest and most picturesque beach location is Muri Beach on the south-eastern coast of the island. The beach sweeps in a small arch for about one kilometre and is backed by palm and ironwood trees. The main attraction of Muri Beach is that it faces four uninhabited islands within the reef and has a lovely shallow lagoon for swimming (it's possible to wade across to two of these islands). Muri Lagoon is the centre of water activities on the island and is the best spot for swimming. You can rent paddle boats and catamarans or take wind-surfing lessons or even go para-surfing. The Sailing Club has a bar overlooking the beach and serves meals and the Pacific Resort welcomes non-guests at its bar, restaurant and activities centre. The only drawback of Muri Beach is that it is now quite developed with small beach bungalows sitting side by side and it can be crowded (for the Cook Islands) on weekends. If you're looking for privacy, try other beach locations.

north coast

east coast

muri beach

north muri

There are other lovely beaches along the western and southern coasts of Rarotonga. The west coast is more sheltered being leeward side of the island and one of its attractions are the tropical sunsets. The fringing coral reef on the west coast is quite close to shore and very shallow so swimming and snorkelling is only good in certain spots. Aroa Beach on the south west coast is another favourite (location of The Rarotongan Beach Resort) and enjoys all day sun. The best spot for swimming and snorkelling on Rarotonga is on the South Coast around takitumu. Here the beaches are also good. The beaches along the north and north east coast of Rarotonga are quite rugged and wild - it's good for beachcombing but there is no lagoon for swimming.

little poly

palm grove

arorangi beach

manuia beach

Rarotonga Accommodation


Aitutaki Beach Guide
Aitutaki Lagoon is an excellent South Pacific beach destination. The main island of Aitutaki is small enough to explore by bike or moped and there are a number of good spots for beachcombing and swimming. The beaches along the north-west coast of the island are the most picturesque and swimming and reef exploring is also good. The south side of Aitutaki's hook (south of the airport), also has a lovely stretch of white sandy beach with palm trees although here sand flies and mosquitoes can be irritating. The east coast of Aitutaki has a more rugged coastline and is mostly tidal but it does have great views across the lagoon towards the motu (small atolls on the edge of the reef). It is on these motu islands where you'll find the finest palm fringed white sandy beaches in the Cook Islands. It's possible in places to walk from island to island across sand banks at low tide. These motu beaches all have fantastic lagoons for swimming and snorkelling. The only place to stay is at the luxury Akaiami Lodge on Akaiami Island. Boats are available for hire to explore the islands at will and there are several day cruises which include island hopping, snorkelling and barbecues on the most picturesque of the islands - One Foot Island in the extreme south of the lagoon.

north west coast

south point

one foot island

sand spit

Aitiutaki Accommodation


Atiu Beaches
There are a lots of lovely isolated cove beaches on Atiu, many with impressive sea-cliffs. However, swimming and snorkelling is not recommended as there are no lagoons and the reef is too close to shore. If you want to explore the islands, guesthouse accommodation is available.

matai coast

matai beach

cooks landing

oneroa beach

Atiu Accommodation

Cook Islands Beach Resort Listings Cook Islands Tour Companies

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