Rarotonga is a beautiful island with some of the most idyllic and pristine waters in the world. Whilst there’s a plethora of things to do in Rarotonga on land, some of the best activities involve the water. Because of this, we’ve put together a list of 5 of the best activities you can enjoy in the wonderful refreshing waters of Rarotonga.
Activities In Rarotonga -Five Ways To Enjoy The Water
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KAYAKING AND STAND UP PADDLEBOARDING
The calm waters that surround Rarotonga, especially in Muri Lagoon, are the perfect place to enjoy some gentle kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding. You can choose to do this yourself by hiring kayaks or paddleboards from a rental specialist, or by booking a guided tour which will take you to some of the island’s secret spots. There are even twilight and evening tours to experience the nightlife of the seas. Alternatively your resort may offer use of this equipment.
If you want to try something a little more traditional, then Oe Vaka (a Polynesian Outrigger Canoe), is a fun experience and is a competitive sport with a huge following in the region. There are a number of clubs from the wharf at Avarua Harbour which you can visit to give it a go.
SWIMMING, SNORKELLING AND SCUBA DIVING
The fact that swimming features is no surprise, but it doesn’t hurt to remind everyone just why it features and that is because of the beautiful beaches that exist on the island. Aroa Beach which lies to the southwest of Rarotonga is one fine example of a great stretch of sand and sea where visitors take leisurely swims in the warm waters before retreating to the white sandy beaches to bask in the sun.
Aroa Beach is a great spot for snorkelling as well with an abundance of brightly coloured marine life and coral reef to see and swim amongst. Manta rays, octopus, sea turtles, shellfish, reef sharks and tuna are just some of the inhabitants you can expect to encounter. Tikioki Beach to the southeast is also a great spot for this that never lets keen snorkellers down.
Beyond the reef, Rarotonga’s crystal clear waters, often with 30 metres of visibility, are also a perfect place to do some scuba diving. There are a number of operators that visit dive sites all around the island depending on conditions and what you want to experience. Whether its caves, coral gardens, drop-offs, wrecks etc, there’s something to suit all scuba interests. There are also operators that take beginners as well as experienced divers, giving you the opportunity to try something new if you haven’t yet had the pleasure.
SURFING, WINDSURFING AND KITESURFING
Holidaymakers partake in the various forms of surfing including traditional, wind and kite. Wind and Kitesurfing have become especially popular in recent times and Muri Beach, with its easterly trade winds of 15 – 30 knots, is the focal point for this. Here you’ll be able to hire equipment and book lessons if you’re of lesser experience.
With space around the lagoons and beautiful surroundings, there’s no better place to ride the waters with the wind on your back. The reef is also a favourite for the experienced surfers out there who love to make the most of the natural breaks and conditions.
BOAT LAGOON TOURS
With such vast and beautiful waters on offer, it makes perfect sense to experience a boat tour during a holiday to Rarotonga. Again, there are a variety of operators to choose from including those with boats fitted with glass bottoms that provide the perfect viewing perspective of the inner reefs and marine life below.
On many of these, you’ll also enjoy lunch and get the chance to leap into the waters whilst exploring nearby islands, only a short distance from Rarotonga itself.
The tours range from an hour in length to full day tours to suit all schedules and interests.
FISHING CHARTERS
A hugely popular activity when visiting Rarotonga is fishing with many keen fishermen and women with a passion for game fishing making the trip specifically for it.
Deep sea fishing charters offer the perfect chance to get the rods out with an ocean of great fishing spots there for the taking. Giant trevally, yellowfin tuna, bonefish, wahoo, billfish, marlin and more call these waters home making it a fisherman’s paradise.
Fishing is generally good all year round (with some species doing better in particular months) so you can expect a good catch no matter when you go. Fisherman will tell you there’s nothing more satisfying than cooking up and enjoying your catch at the end of a long day out and it’s hard to disagree.
CONCLUSION
There you have it! Five great activities to enjoy in the beautiful Pacific waters of Rarotonga that’ll suit the interests of all who are keen on the ultimate island holiday.
