The 9 Turtle Tours in Polynesia That Earn Their Price

1.Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

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

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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2.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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3.Cook Islands Turtle and Ray Tour

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

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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4.Small group snorkeling (5 people max): Turtles at 7:30am

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 40 reviews · from $104

Meet Captain Benoit at Taina Marina at 7:30am for a small-group boat ride to The Source, Tahiti’s well-known turtle snorkeling spot. After a 15 to 20 minute cruise, you’ll spend about 50 minutes with turtles, reef fish, and coral. Gear and trip photos are included, and the tour returns to the marina.

“Captain Benoit is extremely affable, making the trip very pleasant. We saw several turtles and enjoyed the trip very much. 0730 sounds like an early start, but got us there 30-45 minutes before lots of other boats arrived, so get up early and take a nap later!”

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5.Namua Turtle Island and Eastern Upolu Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 28 reviews · from $175

Spend 6 to 7 hours exploring eastern Upolu with a Samoan high chief guide such as Tai, Chris, Sam, or George. Swim near turtles at Namua Island, visit Piula Cave Pool and To Sua Ocean Trench, see Sopoaga Falls, and hear about Samoan customs in an air-conditioned vehicle. Apia-area pickup is included.

“This was a great day - the drive to the cave pools was very cool and the water was clear and beautiful. The waterfall was gorgeous and we were treated to a coconut cream making demonstration. Samoan men work hard and it was awesome Read more”

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6.Private lagoon tour (rays, sharks, turtles) by boat in Moorea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 16 reviews

Spend four private hours on Moorea’s lagoon with Nicky, Fabien, or Emil, looking for turtles, rays, blacktip sharks, dolphins, and seasonal humpback whales. You’ll visit Cook’s Bay, Opunohu Bay, the submerged tikis, and a ray-shark sandbank. Snorkeling gear, fruit, and refreshments are included.

“Nicky was the best guide - extremely knowledgeable (she has a Uni degree and teaches at the university). We had a fab time - we did a private four hour snorkeling tour. We went to three places - swam with black tip sharks, sea turtles”

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7.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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8.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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9.An Eagle Ray and Turtle Tour-Small Groups & Photography Included

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 3 reviews · from $143

Spend about 90 minutes at one of Rarotonga’s healthiest snorkelling sites, reached with a local guide. Your private group gets masks, fins, reef shoes, safety support, and an online gallery of premium underwater photos. Turtles are guaranteed, while eagle rays depend on weather.

“Amazing company and tour. We booked it because it was a smaller more personal tour. They were amazing working with us because we were on a ship and had time restrictions. The water was rough, it was a full moon but our guides maRead more”

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