The 15 Best Rarotonga Tours in the Cook Islands

1.Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,518 reviews · from $71Our pick

Start at Muri Beach with Cook Islands drumming, then cruise by glass-bottom boat to a marine reserve for guided snorkeling among fish, giant clams, and possibly turtles. On Motu Koromiri, enjoy a fresh fish BBQ, pareu tying, coconut demonstrations, and live island entertainment with Captain Tama’s crew.

“From the moment you arrive to the moment you board elegance divinity and superior relaxation hits you and waves on you like the rolling water that is so beautiful. The experience itself is breathtaking. Absolutely fantastic and so personaliseRead more”

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2.Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 455 reviews · from $112

At Ariki Adventures, you’ll learn to use an eco-friendly sea scooter before heading into Rarotonga’s marine environment with masks, snorkels, and fins. Look for two native turtle species, eagle rays, moray eels, trevally, and tropical fish. The two-hour tour includes safety support, reef information, and a chance to download photos afterward.

“Was the best experience, we all enjoyed it. Felt safe with our guides. I would recommend this tour to anyone who is keen.”

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3.Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 345 reviews · from $111

Meet Moana Sea Scooters at YWAM Cook Islands for a 90-minute guided swim through Rarotonga’s Avaavaroa passage. You’ll learn to use an eco-friendly sea scooter, look for turtles, eagle rays, and fish, then receive high-resolution photos. Groups stay small at four to six people, with Dan and the local team providing support.

“What an amazing tour. This is so well organised! You go out in groups of 4-6, the guides are really good at spotting and finding turtles and even better photos and videos after. The entire thing is great value for money and excellent service. Thank you so much for such a wonderful experience!”

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4.4-Hour Rarotonga Going Troppo Nightlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 140 reviews · from $57

Spend four to six hours touring Rarotonga’s nightlife by party bus, with pickup and return transport, entry charges, a welcome beer or cocktail, snacks, and stops at three or four bars. Hosts such as Chocolate, Chip, Dominic, and Ice are praised for keeping the group together and getting everyone home safely. The tour runs Wednesday and Friday nights for ages 18 and up.

“Great way to met new people. See places especially i didn't know existed. Spend a fun evening making new friendship”

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5.‘Discover’ Rarotonga Cycling Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · from $76

Explore Rarotonga by bicycle with guides such as Corrina, Karina, Kathrin, Dave, or Uncle Jimmy. Ride quiet backroads through Arorangi, stop for local fruit and island stories, then enjoy lunch and a swim at Rutaki Beach. Bikes, helmets, hotel transfers, and lunch are included.

“Fabulous tour with Corrina. Nice to see some of the backroads and learn about the plants, culture and history of Rarotonga Lunch was delicious. Thank you so much for a lovely day.”

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6.Cook Islands Turtle and Ray Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 105 reviews · from $91

Meet the Cook Islands Turtle Tours team at Tarani Beach Bungalows for a 90-minute snorkel in Rarotonga’s clear coastal water. You are guaranteed turtle sightings, with eagle rays possible when conditions cooperate. Equipment and professional photos are included, and guides such as Charlotte, Papa Turtle, Tex, and Visha help keep the outing safe and personal.

“What an amazing tour and not to be missed on your next trip to Rarotonga. From the moment you meet Charlotte, Charlottes Dad and turtle boy you are made part of the family. It was such a magical time and something to certainly tick of the bucket list. Thank you all for making it so special.”

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7.3-Hour Rarotonga Island Discovery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $62

Spend about three and a half hours touring Rarotonga in an air-conditioned vehicle with a local guide. Visit Black Rock, Avana Point, the Garden of Seven Canoes, limestone churches, back roads, food gardens, and cultural sites. Hotel transfers, commentary, and local refreshments are included.

“It was interesting taking in the sights and learning about the island and its culture The tour guide was great”

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8.‘Explore’ Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · from $93

Join Storytellers Eco Cycle and Walking Tours for a relaxed half-day ride around Rarotonga. With guides such as Dr. Corrina, you cycle quiet roads, visit Arorangi and Titikaveka, sample local fruit, stop for a swim, and finish with lunch beside the sea. Bikes, helmets, pickup, and drop-off are included.

“Dr. Corrina is so knowledgeable. We had an amazing day exploring raro scenery, away from the main road, and learn about its history, food, culture and everyday life like a local. Enjoying fresh fruits on our way and ending the tour with a delicious beach lunch!”

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9.Seat in Coach Transfer from Rarotonga Airport to Hotel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · from $22Best value

Meet Cook Islands Tours after customs at Rarotonga Airport. Staff in orange shirts provide a flower ei, cold water, and an air-conditioned shared ride to your hotel. Drivers such as Mai and Bates offer useful island tips. The transfer takes about 5 to 55 minutes, depending on your accommodation and other drop-offs.

“We walked out of the terminal and Bates our driver was waiting right there. He was very friendly, told us of some great things to do while here. Couldn't of been happier.”

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10.Premium Sea Scooter Lagoon Discovery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $85

Meet Ariki Adventures at the Flying Turtle Cafe in Arorangi for a two-hour lagoon outing with a sea scooter, mask, snorkel, fins, and professional guides. After a short lesson, you’ll visit coral canyons, feed tropical fish, and spend time exploring on your own. Basic swimming skills are required, and the minimum age is 9.

“The sea scooters are sooo fun! This is a definite must for your trip. I loved that part where the tropical fish are fed and you get to drive the scooter through the group of fish. Just so amazing. Thank you for this great experience. I just wish that i had an under water camera to have captured the experience.”

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11.Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Shipwreck Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $96

Join Ariki Adventures from Avarua for a two-hour open-ocean safari by electric sea scooter. You’ll visit a shipwreck resting 5 meters below the surface, then explore coral gardens where turtles, puffer fish, reef sharks, and other marine life may appear. Guides provide equipment, safety support, and reef-conservation insight.

“The excursion was a wonderful experience. The crew were caring and friendly, and made sure that you were okay for the whole trip. The scooters were magical. The coral reefs were actually full of fish, and the wreck was magical to see especially after 100 years. Thank you.”

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12.Ei Making Classes in Rarotonga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $68

Meet Juanita and Tim at Tiare’s Cafe in Muri for a two-hour ei katu weaving class in the garden. You’ll enjoy a glass of bubbly or a nonalcoholic drink while learning the traditional art of making a Cook Islands flower crown. This private class is limited to your group.

“Loved this class! The tour company offers several other experiences including sip and paint. Highly recommend Juanita and her husband Tim who led the tour and wish you guys success as you grow your business!”

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13.A Cook Islands Turtle Tour – small groups, premium experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $119

Join Papa Turtle in a group of up to eight for a 90-minute guided snorkel at one of Rarotonga’s healthiest marine sites. Swim among turtles, coral canyons, and reef life with lifeguard support, quality equipment, beach portraits, and underwater photos. Your digital gallery arrives by email within four days.

“Do not book with Papa Turtle - Hopess & unreliable. Many other great little companies. They also have a poor reputation in Raro”

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14.A Turtle Tour on Rarotonga – small groups, premium experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $119

Join a 90-minute guided snorkel at Rarotonga’s Passage, a natural channel known for clear water, coral gardens, turtles, eagle rays, and reef fish. Your guide supplies premium equipment, offers in-water help, and keeps the group to no more than 10 people. The tour is suitable for snorkellers and confident free divers.

“All turtle expeditions on the island are in the same area. This group limits the group to 10 people and is the best. The current is very strong and with a larger group I don't see how they ensure everyone sees the turtles and other sea life or how the get everyone back to shore,”

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15.Cook Islands Family or Couple Photo Session

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Meet at 6:00 am in Rarotonga for a private one-hour family or couple photo session. Charlotte organizes the shoot, while photographers such as Miri help you relax in front of the camera. You receive at least 50 edited photographs in a downloadable album, making this a practical choice for honeymoons, families, and special island trips.

“We booked a photoshoot to have for our honeymoon memories! Charlotte and Miri were both exceptional, both with communication and with the final product. It was so lovely to spend time with the locals and just as lovely to see the final products. Absolutely must do for memories of the most special island!”

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