Aitutaki Lagoon
Aitutaki
A huge turquoise lagoon enclosed by a triangular reef and dotted with more than 20 uninhabited islets. Lagoon cruises, snorkelling and walking on sandbars are the signature experiences of the Cook Islands.
Aitutaki Lagoon covers about 50 square km and is enclosed by an outer reef and several islets (motu). Its water is mostly only a few metres deep and shades from pale white and Tiffany blue to deep blue. The standard outing is a one-day lagoon cruise. The boat stops at snorkelling spots to see giant clams, tropical fish and sea turtles, serves lunch on an uninhabited islet, and visits the sandbars near One Foot Island and Honeymoon Island. The cruise takes 5–6 hours and costs about NZ$100–150 per person (check with operators). Day trips from Rarotonga that include return flights are available, but staying two nights on Aitutaki is recommended. You can then ride an e-bike around the island and climb Maungapu (about 124 metres), the island's highest point, for panoramic views over the lagoon. Note: the sun over the lagoon is extremely strong, so use reef-safe sunscreen. ATMs and shops on the island are limited, so bring cash.
Opening hours
Open all day (parades approx. 09:00–16:00)
Nearby sights
- Punarei Cultural Village
- Akaiami
- Moturakau
- O'otu Beach
- Arutanga & CICC Church
- One Foot Island (Tapuaetai)
- Maungapu Lookout
- Black Rock