Where to Find the Beaches on Mitiaro
Everywhere! Mitiaro is an uplifted coral atoll that might not be famous for its beaches like Rarotonga or Aitutaki but, boy, the beaches here are still too darn beautiful! Nestled between “makatea” (jagged limestone) cliffs, Mitiaro’s beaches are scenic and secluded – you’ll almost always have any one of its beaches to yourself. Although they might not the great for swimming, reef walking is a fun sport on some of the island’s beaches or you could always watch the sunrise or sunset.
Once you’re done discovering the best beaches on Mitiaro, plan more of your trip using The Complete Travel Guide to Mitiaro and the 15 Best Things to Do on Mitiaro.
1. Akapa Beach
This long white-sand beach just south of Mangarei village is a great place to stretch your legs, take a picnic and explore the reef at low tide. There is a coral cove just in front of the track that brings you onto Akapa Beach, if you want to try your chances at snorkelling – or simply admire the view of the fish through the crystal-clear water.
Location: West coast of Mitiaro, approximately 1km (0.6 miles) south of Mangarei village centre. The track down to the beach is wide and easy to spot.
© Cook Islands Tourism2. Te Ara (Tia’ara) Beach
Just south of Akapa Beach, Te Ara or “Tia’ara” is a tiny sandy cove and the perfect picture opportunity!
Location: West coast of Mitiaro, just south of the cemetery, a few hundred metres south of Akapa Beach.
© Alisha Street - Cook Islands Tourism3. Omutu Landing
While not strictly a beach, sandy shores can be found on either side of the concrete walls of Mitiaro’s harbour at low tide. Heading north from Omutu Landing, this is a spectacular place to enjoy a reef walk. Alternatively, meet the local fishermen on the wharf and/or watch the sunset.
Location: West coast of Mitiaro, behind the Administration Centre in Mangarei village.
© Cook Islands Tourism4. Kovea Beach
Practically, Mangarei‘s beachfront, Kovea is a long stretch of white sand north of Omutu Landing. Again, the reef walking here is spectacular, as is the sunset! Check out more places to watch the sunset in the 10 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in the Cook Islands.
Location: West coast of Mitiaro, stretching north on the coast of Mangarei village.
© Cook Islands Tourism5. Okarava and Okore Beaches
We couple these two northern beaches together because they’re so close you might as well visit them both (you accidentally might, anyway). Located just behind the coral runway, Okarava Beach has trail access toward the eastern end of the runway, while you can access Okore Beach on a trail just a few metres past the eastern end of the runway.
Location: North coast of Mitiaro at the eastern end of the airstrip.
© Cook Islands Tourism6. Te Unu Beach
The first of many idyllic tiny beaches on the east coast starts (or ends) in the south at Te Unu Beach.
Location: East coast of Mitiaro, near the turnoff for the cross-island road.
© Cook Islands Tourism7. Nanamaru Beach
At high tide, Nanamaru Beach offers one of the best swimming beaches on Mitiaro.
Location: East coast of Mitiaro, just south of the southernmost dirt road turnoff to Rotonui lake.
© Claire Wilson - Cook Islands Tourism8. Parava and Omapere Beaches
Although these beaches are about 1.5km (0.9 miles) apart, we couple them together here because the reef walk between the two reveals many more stunning beaches and coves. To the south is the tiny Parava Beach and to the north is larger Omapere Beach. Either reef walk between the two at low tide or drive on the coast road!
Location: East coast of Mitiaro. Parava Beach is opposite the main turnoff toward Rotonui. Omapere is approximately 1.5km (0.9 miles) further north, identified as one of the larger beaches of the area.
© Cook Islands TourismMore About Beaches in Mitiaro and the Cook Islands
That’s it for the best beaches on Mitiaro! If you need more beaches in your life, check these out:
- 7 Best Beaches on Mauke
- 7 Best Beaches on Atiu
- 10 Best Beaches on Aitutaki
- 10 Best Beaches on Rarotonga
- 10 Best Beaches in the Cook Islands
Finally, plan more of your Cook Islands bucket list using the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.
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