Away To Rarotonga

10 Best Rarotonga Beaches: Swimming, Snorkeling Or Whale Watching. 

Sarah Steiner

If you’re planning a visit to Rarotonga, there’s a good chance you are coming from somewhere less tropical. Which means you’re likely already wondering about which beautiful Rarotonga beaches you need to visit… 

The Rarotonga beaches are some of the most iconic in the South Pacific – and some of the most beautiful in the world!

But understanding how to find them and which Rarotonga beaches to visit can be cause for concern for many visitors.  There are some private beaches, some beaches reserved for tourists/adults only and some beaches where the water is only 20cm deep! 

So welcome, friends. Pack your togs and snorkel because you’re in the right place as we list the best beaches for swimming, snorkelling, sunsets, sunrises and whale watching.

Aro’a Beach – Best Rarotonga Beaches

Aroa Beach is our favourite beach in Rarotonga!  The snorkelling here at Aro’a showcases some amazing tropical marine life and it is one of the best spots on the island for snorkelling.  

The main Aroa Beach is located directly in front of The Rarotongan Beach Resort. But it stretches in a north direction with public access next to the resort as well.  

Note, there is also a green, fenced-in grass space right in front of the lagoon but do not park here – this is private property.  

Swimming in the lagoon at Aroa Beach.

Arorangi Beach 

Arorangi Beach is on the west side of the island and is hands down the most famous side of Rarotonga beaches to watch the sunset from.  

The west side of the island is the stretch of Rarotonga where a lot of the resorts are based on the shoreline.  Though there aren’t too many places for snorkeling on this coast except at the marine reserve in front of the Edgewater Resort and The Rarotongan.  

Vaimaanga Beach – Best Rarotonga Beaches

Vaimaanga is a beautifully iconic looking white sand beach on the southern coast of Rarotonga.

Be aware of the Avavaaroa Passage which leads out to the ocean from Vaimaanga beach.  

More about the passages below, but this is literally a gap leading from the lagoon out through the reef to the ocean. It can have very strong tidal currents that are not safe for swimming. Stick to the lagoon end of the beach and take note of the passage signs.  

Do also take regard of signs for private property. Families own the land leading right up to the beach and use these areas for living space.

There is some parking available outside the YWAM building. Just check on the day to make sure they are not in use. Or if you have booked a tour to swim with the turtles, the differing companies have allocated parking. 

There is some roadside parking along the shoreline of Vaimaanga beach.

Vaimaanga Beach.

Titikaveka Beach 

Titikaveka is located just south of Muri.

This beach is one of the best Rarotonga beaches for swimming and snorkelling.  In fact, it has been voted as one of the top 25 beaches in the South Pacific by TripAdvisor!

It is known for its turquoise blue water and white sandy beaches shaded by palm trees. Plus Titikaveka Beach really is a great place to spot a whole array of brightly coloured tropical fish – so don’t forget to pack your snorkel! 

There is a signposted parking area just above the shoreline at Titikaveka. 

A glimpse of the Koka Lagoon and Captain Tama’s boat tours from Titikaveka beach. 
Parking at Titikaveka beach.

Tikioki Beach – Best Rarotonga Beaches

The Tikioki Beach is further along Titikaveka on the southeastern part of Rarotonga at the eastern end of Titikaveka.  

To find the Tikioki Beach and best snorkelling spot here look for the Fruits of Rarotonga shop along the Main Road – Ara Tapu – and you will see plenty of parking on the beachfront here in Tikioki. 

Which is the best Rarotonga beaches?
Enjoying the sand and sunshine at Tikioki Beach.

Papaaroa Beach 

Papaaroa Beach is just along the road from Titikaveka beach. It is a shallow, sandy beach opposite the large Papaaroa Seventh Day Adventist School.  

On this southern side of the island the lagoon is particularly shallow, so this is an ideal beach for young kids to have a splash around safely. There is plenty of shade and a few picnic tables spread around under the trees.  

Plus, here is lots of parking in among the coconut trees that line to social area at Papaaroa Beach. But take care not to park directly under a coconut tree!

Looking inland towards Papaaroa.

Black Rock Beach 

Black Rock Beach is located on the northwest side of Rarotonga.  

In the late afternoon it is a popular place for catching the golden sunset over the Pacific Ocean. But during the daytime it’s a great one of Rarotonga’s smaller beaches for swimming. 

Blackrock also has a special spiritual meaning to the people of the Cook Islands. Known as Tuoro in Maori; Blackrock is believed to be the place where spirits of the dead leave Rarotonga. From Blackrock, they ascend to a Pua tree and leap from it to begin the journey back to their ancient homeland Avaiki.

There is a large gravel parking space above the beach and some permanent information signs with the story of Blackrock. 

Black Rock, Rarotonga.
Information boards at Black Rock Beach.

Nikao Beach – Best Rarotonga Beaches

The Nikao Beach is a bit of a local secret. (Well, apart from the large road sign that indicates ‘Nikao Social Centre!’). But this social little spot near the end of the runway is a great place for families and for the new Sunday market to grab a treat at the beach after church.  

The reef here on the north-western tip is quite far out from the shoreline. Which means it has a shallow and protected lagoon.  

It’s not particularly great snorkelling (simply as its often too shallow). But it is a beautiful sunset spot and a safe beach for kids to play.  

The Nikao Social Centre has plenty of parking. Though make sure again not to park directly under a coconut tree!

Nikao Beach looking down towards Blackrock. 
Public toilets and bus stop outside Nikao Social Centre.

Muri Beach – Best Rarotonga Beaches

The lagoon at Muri is one of the best Rarotonga beaches for families and adventure seekers alike. The beach is beautiful with pristine white sands and is located in the sheltered lagoon on the eastern side of Rarotonga.

It’s a great beach for swimming with many options for hiring a stand-up paddle board or kayak to explore one of the Motu (islands) within the lagoon.

The main Muri Beach is also close to many of the popular resorts on the island and in walking distance to the Muri Night Markets.

There is a public parking area alongside the Ngatangiia Sports Field just at the entrance to Muri Beach.  From the main road, turn off down the gravel driveway towards Muri Beach Club Hotel. 

Swimming inside the beautiful Muri Lagoon.

Motu Koromiri Beach 

The Motu or island just off Muri Beach is a beautiful one of Rarotonga beaches to escape the crowds.  The islet of Koromiri is reachable by kayak or stand-up-paddleboard, or you can take a day trip on the Captain Tama’s or Koka Lagoon cruise out to the island. 

Koromiri Beach on the island has its own stretch of beautiful sand and views of Muri across the lagoon. 

Looking back towards Muri from the Koromiri islet beach.
Koka Lagoon crew playing some lunchtime music on the Motu Koromiri Beach.

Where NOT to Swim in Rarotonga

While there are many Rarotonga beaches that are ideal for swimming and enjoying, there are also spots on the island that are not safe. 

The island of Rarotonga is surrounded by a large reef which circles the entire island and creates the beautiful lagoons and calm waters inside. However, there are multiple passages in the surrounding reef. These are gaps in the reef where the water flows out into the ocean and back in again with the tides and waves.

The passages in the reef need to be regarded with respect as the waters in these areas can be unpredictable and at times have strong currents.

Exercise caution and keep away from these areas (some are signposted) while swimming at Rarotonga beaches. 

Tips for Swimming at the Best Beaches in Rarotonga

Now that you can narrow down and choose the best beaches in Rarotonga for swimming, snorkelling and exploring. Here are a few tips to keep safe while swimming and enjoying the lagoon. 

Reef Shoes or Flippers? 

In the shallow sandy parts of the beach it isn’t necessary to swim with footwear. But heading any further out into the lagoon it is a good idea to wear reef shoes.

Flippers are not necessary inside the lagoon and can be damaging to the live corals. Plus, the motion of flippers will scare the fish away!

Stonefish

These are one of the most dangerous marine creatures and there are stonefish in the waters in Rarotonga. However they are essentially stationary and not swimming around – just be careful where you put your feet down if you need to rest while snorkelling.

Sunscreen

Make sure to be sun-smart on your holiday but also take care to consider the environment with a reef friendly sunscreen.

Best Beaches in Rarotonga

So there you have it! A list of beautiful Rarotonga beaches including some of our favourites that we have truly come to love since living here. 

The lagoons are ideal for swimming with children and otherwise the quiet lagoon edge beaches offer a relaxing paradise to lounge in and enjoy. Plus the water temperature ranges from 23°C to 28°C making all of the beaches inviting all year round!

Read More About Travel to Rarotonga

Accommodation Options in Rarotonga

There is a great range of accommodation options in Rarotonga, with resorts, hotels and motels, holiday homes and self-catering AirBnB’s:

Resorts in Rarotonga

Hotels & Motels in Rarotonga

Holiday Homes & AirBnB

There are loads of amazing options when choosing accommodation in Rarotonga. There is a fantastic range available and each option has different qualities that will make your trip suited just to you. 

Travel Planning for Cook Islands & Beyond

These are the companies we use while traveling as a family and that we would recommend to anyone planning and booking travel. 

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