Cook Islands Things to Do Tips by worldkiwi

When in Aitutaki, you must spend as much time as possible on or in the lagoon. The waters there are stunning. The sparkling clear waters dazzle and the picturesque palm fringed islands offer peeks of gleaming white coral sand beaches.
Bishop's Cruises is one of several companies offering lagoon cruises. All the companies I rang charged $65 for a day on the lagoon. This included pick-up from your accommodation, a boat trip to a snorkelling spot near Maina Island, lunch on One Foot Island, transfers back to your accommodation. One company did this in reverse, with lunch on a little island near Maina, called Honeymoon Island.
We wanted to spend as much time on One Foot as possible, while still seeing as much as the lagoon as possible and snorkelling. We chose Bishop's because they met our needs the best and because they had an option where we could go on a small boat that only took 8 people. This way we got a more intimate trip. We were not disappointed in the slightest (apart from having to go home at the end of the day).
Bishop's Cruises provided us with an unforgettable day! We were taken to a beautiful snorkelling spot near Honeymoon Island for about an hour and a half of snorkelling. Then we got to walk across Honeymoon Island. Next it was on to One Foot Island where we had a beautiful lunch (more delicious fish steaks) and had the whole afternoon to swim in the lagoon. We were transferred to a big boat for the homeward journey.
You must make reservations for any cruise you do.

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Phone: (on Aitutaki) 31009
Other Contact: bishopcruz@aitutaki.net.ck

If you can't fit in a trip to Aitutaki, you can experience the next best thing (and in my opinion, it's still a long way off), by spending a day, or staying in accommodation at, Muri Beach on Rarotonga.
Muri is a lagoon with four islands. The lagoon is situated on the eastern side of the island. There is a lot of backpacker accommodation here, as well as at least one very expensive hotel. The beach is long and there's plenty of space to set yourself up on for the day. You can hire kayaks, take a reef trip, or snorkel.
While I was there one day I swam over to Koromiri Island and then to Oneroa Island.
Because of it's location, Muri Beach and lagoon tend to cop the trade winds and that can make the place a bit blustery sometimes.

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Directions: Muri Beach is on the eastern side of Rarotonga, the main island in the Cooks.

If you take one of the Aitutaki Lagoon cruises, you will get a chance to go snorkelling in some amazingly clear waters. All the cruise companies provide snorkelling gear and towels. If you are staying on Rarotonga, the south coast and areas along the west coast are reputed to have fine sites for snorkelling around coral. Muri lagoon, on the east coast of Rarotonga, didn't appear to have much coral.
A lot of the coral in the Aitutaki lagoon has died as a result of the huge impact five huricanes had earlier in 2005. Sand build up in the lagoon has smothered some coral. I went snorkelling in the Aitutaki lagoon on a boat trip, near Honeymoon Island. The water was as clear as glass and there were lots of small fish, though the coral wasn't that spectacular.

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A great way to spend the day (and get some exercise) when you're on Aitutaki, is to hire a kayak and paddle around the lagoon. Three of us hired kayaks from Ranginui's Retreat on O'otu Beach for $15 for as long as we wanted them. Samade also hire kayaks, but they said we couldn't have any as their accommodation was full and they gave their guests first priority.
I had intended to paddle all the way to One Foot Island, but that was ambitious. Instead, we made it as far as Papau Island, stopping on Ee Island on the way. I have photos of these islands in the General Tips section of this Cook Islands page.
Take some food with you and plenty of water. There is nothing available on the islands. A good hat and sunblock is a must. Just before Papau Island there is a swift east flowing current. Try to avoid that as it leads straight to a reef break!

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Directions: Ranginui's Retreat is on the point of O'otu Beach, opposite the Pearl Resort.

Punanga Nui Market in Avarua, Rarotonga, is a great place to go early on a Saturday morning. This is the day when there is a fruit and vegetable market out on the roadside and all the craft stalls are open in the inner part of the market. As well, there are freshly baked, delicious looking cakes, BBQs, and herb stalls. The fresh produce on sale at the market is about the same price as what you'll find in the supermarkets in Avarua, but much better quality. Even if you're not there to shop for provisions, just go and have a look.

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Directions: Punanga Nui Market is at the western end of the dual carriage way part of Ara Tapu, in Avarua, Rarotonga. It is just past the harbour, if you're coming from the west.