Away To Rarotonga

Swimming with Turtles: Choosing the Best Turtle Tour in Rarotonga.

Sarah Steiner

Wondering how to choose the best turtle tour in Rarotonga? We’ve got you covered! This guide will help you navigate the options and find the best turtle tour Rarotonga for a responsible and unforgettable experience.

Because, hey! We live in Rarotonga. So in case you are trying to figure out where to start with turtle tours on your holiday. Here is our unbiased and honest review of the best, registered and ethical operators to go swimming with turtles in Rarotonga. 

Hey! We are Away With The Steiners. Wondering about living in Rarotonga, Cook Islands?

Swimming With Turtles in Rarotonga 

Rarotonga, with its pristine lagoons and vibrant coral reefs, offers an incredible opportunity to encounter one of the ocean’s most beloved creatures: the sea turtle. 

Up close and in real life, these gentle giants are a true spectacle to behold. For many visitors, a turtle tour Rarotonga becomes a highlight of their Cook Islands adventure!

However, as tourism grows, it’s crucial to choose a turtle tour operator that prioritizes the well-being of these magnificent animals and their fragile ecosystem. Ethical tourism ensures that future generations can also witness the magic of these encounters. 

Turtle tours in Rarotonga.
Choosing a Turtle Tour in Rarotonga is an important part of the turtle experience.

Our Responsibility as Tourists

Before diving into the tour operators, it’s vital to acknowledge our responsibility as visitors. The presence of humans can stress marine life. 

We must choose operators who adhere to strict guidelines: maintaining a respectful distance, never touching or feeding the turtles, and educating guests on their behaviour and conservation. 

By selecting a sustainable turtle tour Rarotonga, we actively contribute to the protection of Rarotonga’s precious marine environment.

Choosing the Right Turtle Tour, Rarotonga: Key Considerations

When selecting your turtle tour in Rarotonga, consider the following:

Rarotonga’s Reputable Turtle Tour Operators

Here’s a closer look at some of the established and well-regarded turtle tour operators in Rarotonga:

1. Ocean Toa Cook Islands

Ocean Toa is a proudly well-known family-owned and operated Turtle Tour business in Rarotonga. 

Owners Mark and Louisa have dedicated Ocean Toa to supporting marine life and education about protecting and treasuring the ocean that surrounds the Cook Islands. Their turtle tours focus on responsible interaction, ensuring guests can observe these creatures in their natural habitat without causing stress. 

From each Turtle Tour booked, Ocean Toa donates $10 towards ‘Ocean Tamariki’ – an education programme for children in the Cook Islands. They are a passionate family and knowledgeable guides who prioritise marine conservation. 

Ocean Toa emphasises safety in the water and works hard to provide a memorable and ethical experience.

Choosing Ocean Toa Turtle Tour, Rarotonga.

2. Ariimoana Walkabouts

Ariimoana Walkabouts offers guided snorkelling tours that frequently include encounters with turtles. But Ariimoana does it differently! 

This is an eco-tour company in Rarotonga that is cut differently. Owned and operated by Kura and Jacopo, Ariimoana doesn’t operate the same turtle tours as the mainstream masses. Instead, Kura and Jacopo offer private snorkelling tours.

Ariimoana emphasizes the cultural significance of marine life in the Cook Islands and often weaves in local knowledge and stories into their tours. They are committed to sustainable practices and ensuring their tours have a minimal environmental impact. Not to mention, they also do our favourite Rarotonga Reef Tour and Inland Walking Tour! 

I know we said this wouldn’t be a bias blog. But Ariimoana are a cut above the rest. The experience of a tour with Kura and Jack is guaranteed to be a highlight of your Rarotonga holiday.

3. Rarotonga Turtle Tours

As their name suggests, Rarotonga Turtle Tours specializes in providing opportunities to swim with turtles. 

They are often praised for their experienced guides who know the lagoon well and can locate turtles while prioritizing guest safety. They typically provide snorkelling gear and guidance on how to interact responsibly with marine life, emphasizing the importance of observing without interference.

4. Ariki Adventures

Ariki Adventures offers a range of water-based activities, including snorkelling tours that often lead to turtle encounters. Known for their adventurous spirit and experienced guides, they provide a comprehensive lagoon experience and turtle tours in the Avaavaroa Passage. 

The Ariki Adventure tours typically last around 1.5 to 2 hours, including a safety briefing, gear fitting, and time in the water with the turtles. 

Their guides are knowledgeable about marine life and promote respectful interaction during snorkelling excursions. They also prioritize safety in the water, especially when navigating currents in the lagoon passages. 

Ariki has proudly signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) and is committed to protecting and maintaining the environment and health of Rarotonga’s turtles. 

Ariki Adventures Turtle Tours & Sea Scooters.

5. Go Local Cook Islands

Go Local Cook Islands provides personalized and small-group tours, offering a more intimate experience. Their snorkelling excursions often include opportunities to spot turtles, and their guides are passionate about sharing their knowledge of the local marine environment. 

By focusing on smaller groups, they aim to minimise disturbance to wildlife and provide a more tailored and responsible tour.

6. kiteSUP Watersports

While primarily known for kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding, kiteSUP Watersports also offers guided snorkelling tours that can include turtle sightings. They are another of the turtle tours Rarotonga that are registered with the MOU.

Their experienced water sports enthusiasts often know the best spots in the lagoon and provide a fun and active way to explore the underwater world. They encourage respectful interaction with marine life as part of their overall commitment to enjoying and preserving the natural beauty of Rarotonga.

7. Sea Pace Rarotonga

Sea Pace Rarotonga offers various lagoon cruises and snorkelling trips, with opportunities to encounter turtles in their natural habitat. Their experienced crew are knowledgeable about the lagoon’s ecosystem and guide guests on how to observe marine life responsibly. 

They often provide snorkelling gear and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all participants, with a focus on appreciating the underwater wonders of Rarotonga.

8. Moana Sea Scooters

Moana Sea Scooters offers a unique way to explore the lagoon, allowing you to glide effortlessly through the water. Their guided tours often visit areas where turtles are known to frequent. 

By using sea scooters, they can cover more ground while still emphasizing responsible observation of marine life. Their guides provide safety instructions and ensure guests maintain a respectful distance from the turtles.

Making Your Choice: Best Turtle Tour Rarotonga 

When deciding on the best turtle tour for you, consider your priorities. If your main goal is specifically to see turtles and learn about them, operators like Ocean Toa Cook Islands and Rarotonga Turtle Tours might be ideal. 

If you’re looking for a broader snorkelling experience with a chance of turtle encounters, Ariimoana Walkabouts is a unique and smaller, more personalized experience. 

No matter which operator you choose, remember that responsible tourism is paramount. By selecting a tour that prioritizes the well-being of the turtles and their environment, you’ll not only have an incredible experience but also contribute to the long-term conservation of these magnificent creatures in the beautiful waters of Rarotonga. 

Enjoy swimming with the gentle giants, knowing you’ve made a great choice!

The Ariki Adventures Cafe across the road from Avaavaroa Passage to finish up after your turtle tour!

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 and Motels in Rarotonga

Holiday Homes and 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. 

More about Travel Planning for Cook Islands and 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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