6 Best Snorkelling Tours in Rarotonga

Ariki Adventures offers thrilling snorkelling experiences using their signature "Le Feet" lightweight sea scooters. Their two-hour Premium Sea Scooter Lagoon Discovery Tour is perfect for families, exploring coral canyons and tropical fish in the safe, reef-protected lagoon.

For the more adventurous, the Premium Sea Scooter Ocean Adventure ventures beyond the surf to the RMS Maitai shipwreck. Both tours include all gear, safety support, experienced guides, and a full photography package.

You'll love the effortless gliding through Rarotonga's stunning underwater world, courtesy of these nifty sea scooters. Don't miss the chance to feed bluefin trevally or spot a moray eel in the coral canyons!

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avaavaroa on the south coast of Rarotonga.

Join the cheeky crew from Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes for a fun day out on the Muri Lagoon and Motu Koromiri. The half-day cruise includes around 45 minutes of snorkelling at the "Fruits of Rarotonga" snorkelling site a.k.a. the Tikioki Marine Reserve where you'll be free to swim among the giant clams, angelfish, butterflyfish, surgeonfish and much more.

After snorkelling, the cruise on the glass-bottom boat crosses the Muri Lagoon to the uninhabited Motu Koromiri for a barbecue lunch combined with a hilarious coconut and sarong-tying show. Learn more from the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Tours depart daily from Muri Beach, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri. Just look for the yellow boats!

Almost identical to Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes, Koka Lagoon Cruises also offers a good portion of snorkelling at a marine reserve just outside of the Muri Lagoon. The main differences are that the cruise departs a little earlier (10 am instead of 11 am for Captain Tama's) and the ukulele band playing on the boat throughout the cruise means there's never a dull moment.

Plus, the crew is a little less "cheeky" but just as friendly. You still have an awesome time snorkelling, indulging in an island barbecue on Motu Koromiri and watching a fun coconut and sarong demonstration.

Location: Tours depart from Muri Beach, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri. Just look for the green and white boats!

KiteSUP offers spectacular snorkelling adventures for all abilities, Sunday through Friday. You'll love their introductory snorkel sessions, perfect for gaining confidence in the shallow lagoon waters. For more experienced swimmers, don't miss the "Shipwreck Snorkel Tour", where you can explore the SS Maitai, a 100+-year-old wreck that's now a vibrant ecosystem.

Keep an eye out for giant trevally, moray eels, and giant clams! Tours typically last 1 hr 30 mins to 2 hrs, giving you plenty of time to immerse yourself in the underwater wonders of the Cook Islands.

Location: KiteSUP watersport centre on Muri Beach in Ngatangiia (southeast coast of Rarotonga)

Adventure Cook Islands offers an exhilarating "Reef to See Snorkel Tour" that takes you beyond Rarotonga's fringing reef. This 2 hrs 30 mins adventure allows six to seven snorkellers to explore two sites on the outer reef, where you'll encounter larger marine life like eagle rays, turtles, and friendly reef sharks. With minimal boat time, you'll have plenty of opportunity to explore underwater.

But that's not all! Adventure Cook Islands also provides a full range of rental gear. From snorkel sets and wetsuits to weights, kayaks, and bodyboards, they've got you covered.

Rental prices vary based on duration, with discounts for longer hires. If you're staying a while, multi-day hires often include free delivery to your accommodation (subject to a pricing threshold).

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Aroa Beach, Arorangi.