Giant Clam Conservation (Aitutaki Marine Research Centre)
Araura Marine Research Station
A research station run by the Cook Islands Ministry of Marine Resources breeds giant clams and releases them into the lagoon. Lagoon cruises stop at the Clam Garden for snorkeling.
Giant clams in Aitutaki's lagoon were heavily overharvested in the last century. The Ministry of Marine Resources set up a research station at Araura in the north, where clams are raised in captivity and released into the lagoon, creating several protected giant clam areas. Lagoon cruises usually stop at these protected sites for snorkeling, where you can see clams nearly one meter long, with mantles in shades of blue, green and purple. The station's tanks can be visited during working hours, for a small fee that varies, so check on the day. Touching, stepping on or taking giant clams is strictly prohibited.
Opening hours
Research station open weekday daytime; reserve visits by cruise
Nearby sights
- Maungapu Lookout
- O'otu Beach
- Punarei Cultural Village
- Arutanga & CICC Church
- Aitutaki Lagoon
- Akaiami
- Black Rock
- Moturakau