Undoubtedly the best place in the Cook Islands for day cruising is around the fantastic Aitutaki lagoon which is a major attraction of any Cook Islands visit. Highlights include visiting the tiny island motus and their idyllic beaches, walking along sand bars and snorkelling in the turquoise lagoon. There are a handful of cruise operators offering day trips and charter services from small motorised outboards to the largest vessel, a glamourous wooden carved catamaran, the Titi-ai-Tonga, seating about 40 people. It is possible to take a sailing tour around the lagoon to Maina Motu with Mattias at Matriki Beach Huts on the north-west coast next door to Are Tamanu Hotel.

It is possible to visit Aitutaki Lagoon on a day trip from Rarotonga. The 45-minute flight leaves Rarotonga at 8am and connects with the day-cruises, returning to Rarotonga at 4.30pm. It is quite an exhausting day, but for those not staying on Aitutaki it is a opportunity not to be missed. Cruising around these islands is really spectacular and far more enjoyable than Bora Bora in Tahiti.

Aitutaki Tour Companies Cook Island Resort Listings

Our top 10 things to do in the Cook Islands:

1) Aitutaki Lagoon Cruise - island hopping, beaches and snorkelling

2) Traditional Dance Shows - best dancers in the South Pacific

3) Overnight trip to Atiu Island - caves and traditional life

4) Explore Rarotonga by Moped - buzz around Rarotonga

5) Aerial Sightseeing around Rarotonga - take to the air

6) Night on the Town - fine dining and great nightlife

7) Cook Islands Cultural Centre, Rarotonga - handicrafts and stories

8) Muri Beach, Rarotonga - activity beach centre on Rarotonga

9) Cross Island Hike - Rarotonga - rainforest and waterfall

10) Learn to Scuba Dive - relaxed scuba diving courses for beginners


Readers may also be interested in the following destinations:

Fiji Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Samoa Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tonga Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Tahiti Tours - Top 10 Attractions
Hawaii Tours - Top 10 Attractions

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Other Recommended Websites: South Pacific Pictures fiji pictures ; cook islands pictures ; samoa pictures ; tonga pictures ; tahiti pictures ; hawaii pictures