![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](https://cdn-fojcd.nitrocdn.com/AUevZCvvpNLjUhQllworIyFwxgzvbEXo/assets/images/optimized/rev-bd83f8f/cookislandspocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Sailing-Aitutaki-KiaOrana-Values-Aitutaki-Sequence-001_TuramaPhotography-11-Credit-CIT-975x650.jpg)
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](https://cdn-fojcd.nitrocdn.com/AUevZCvvpNLjUhQllworIyFwxgzvbEXo/assets/images/optimized/rev-bd83f8f/cookislandspocketguide.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Sailing-Aitutaki-KiaOrana-Values-Aitutaki-Sequence-001_TuramaPhotography-11-Credit-CIT.jpg "10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2024]")
The Guide to Cruising and Boating in the Cook Islands
Between the tranquil lagoons with crystal clear water and the open water beyond that attracts whales and fishing fanatics, there are plenty of reasons to get out on the water in the Cook Islands. Both the atolls of Rarotonga and Aitutaki have their fair share of boat trips. Discover some of our top picks in this list of the best boat and sailing tours in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands!
1. Sailing Aitutaki
Let’s get into the sailing portion of the best sailing tours quickly, as, admittedly, there is only one sailing tour in the Cook Islands! That’s right, Sailing Aitutaki offers tours of the Aitutaki Lagoon on a Hobie sailing catamaran. This low impact way of cruising the famous lagoon provides one of your best chances for spotting turtles thanks to the unintrusive boat, while those keen to try sailing for themselves can get tuition from your guide, Captain Ted. The three-hour trip includes visiting some motu (islets), planting a baby coconut tree on a sandbank and relaxing with some lunch. Of course, this activity is dependent on safe weather conditions on the lagoon. The private guided experience is suitable for up to four people, including children. See more eco-friendly tour options in the 10 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzQ3OjM3NA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgNjgzIDEwMjQiIHdpZHRoPSI2ODMiIGhlaWdodD0iMTAyNCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Turama Photography - Cook Islands Tourism2. Raro Reef Sub
One of the most unique boat tours in Rarotonga, Raro Reef Sub takes you to the deep outer reef to see all sorts of wonderful marine life through the boat’s underwater observatory. Look out for large pelagic fish, turtles, sharks and even whales from the semi-submersible vessel on a 1h25mins-1h30mins tour that takes you around the RMS Maitai shipwreck and to places that are otherwise a challenge to get to. If that wasn’t enough, a percentage of the trip goes toward local conservation! Tours take place from Sunday to Friday, three to four times a day if the weather allows. This is also a spectacular option with kids, as listed in the 40 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands with Kids.
Location: Avatiu Harbour, Avarua, northern side of Rarotonga.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzUyOjMxOA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MyIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Reef Sub3. Koka Lagoon Cruises
For some fun on the Muri Lagoon of Rarotonga, take a tour with Koka Lagoon Cruises. The half-day cruise from Muri Beach includes snorkelling at 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 island of Koromiri for a barbecue lunch combined with a fun yet informative coconut and sarong-tying show. What’s more, the ukulele band entertains throughout the experience! Check out reviews and book your tour with Koka Lagoon Cruises on Viator or Tripadvisor. Plus, see how the cruise compares to the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Location: Muri Beach, Muri, east coast of Rarotonga. Just look for the green and white boats!
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzU3OjM2NA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com4. Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes
Almost identical to Koka Lagoon Cruises, Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes also offers a fun-filled half-day on the waters of the Muri Lagoon. The main differences are that the cruise departs a little later (11am instead of 10am for Koka) and the crew are a little more “cheeky” which might not click with everyone’s humour. Nevertheless (or more, depending on how you look at it), the tour still includes an awesome time snorkelling, indulging in an island barbecue on the island of Koromiri, and watching a fun coconut and sarong demonstration. Learn more about the cruise and check out reviews on Viator and Tripadvisor.
Location: Muri Beach, Muri, east coast of Rarotonga. Just look for the yellow boats!
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzYyOjM3OQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com5. Teking Lagoon Cruises
If you were looking for a lagoon cruise in Aitutaki, Teking Lagoon Cruises is a popular option for their small-group tours. Their “Snorkelling Safari Tour” is the most popular tour they offer, visiting four of the lagoon’s motu and three vibrant snorkelling spots where the focus on ecology and conservation allows you to get more out of the experience. Private charters and two-hour sunset tours with Champagne are also available. Learn more about the latter in The Best Sunset Cruises in the Cook Islands.
Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzY3OjM3NA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com6. Wet & Wild
Wet & Wild are the kings of watersports on the Aitutaki Lagoon, and even outside of the lagoon with whale watching/swimming tours and deep sea fishing tours available. Choose your flavour: deep sea fishing, casting, jigging, spearfishing, kitesurfing or exploring the lagoon. All lagoon tours are private, with your choice of sightseeing, snorkelling, island-hopping and the unique options to try wakeboarding or inflatable tube rides off the back of the boat. Let the team know what you want to do and they’ll likely have the gear to give you an awesome experience on the water.
Location: Aitutaki. Most tours include transfers. Tour departures vary depending on the activity.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzcyOjM0Mg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MyIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Cook Islands Tourism7. Rongohiva
For some high-speed thrills that are suitable for adrenaline junkies of all ages, Rongohiva Watersports offers an exciting speed boat and banana boat tour in Rarotonga. The experience has you blasting across the waters outside of the lagoon for one hour and 30 minutes of pure adrenaline fun! They also offer whale watching boat tours in the season, which you can learn more about in the 7 Best Whale Watching (& Swimming) Tours in the Cook Islands.
Location: Avatiu Harbour, Avarua, northern side of Rarotonga.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzc3OjMyMg==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA3NjgiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9Ijc2OCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Pixabay8. Kutekute Tours & Transfers
One of the best private boat tours in Aitutaki, Kutekute Tours & Transfers specialises in sunset lagoon tours. Be transported to a mix of exciting snorkelling spots with the optional extras of twilight snorkelling and a unique water hammock float. You’ll then enjoy a stunningly presented beach picnic platter on the uninhabited Moturakau as you watch the sunset. The tour is the only tour to return to the mainland after dark, allowing you a stargaze on the journey back to Ootu Beach. See more experiences like this in the 20 Most Romantic Things to Do in the Cook Islands for Couples.
Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzgyOjM4NQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODQiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4NCIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com9. The Vaka Cruise
Cruise the Aitutaki Lagoon on a Polynesian-inspired double-hulled vessel as part of The Vaka Cruise. The six-hour cruise offers plenty of snorkelling time with giant trevally, giant clams and all sorts of tropical fish. You’ll also set foot on One Foot Island and enjoy an island-style lunch on the boat. A ukulele band keep you entertained throughout the whole trip! Compare the cruise with others on the lagoon in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.
Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=Nzg3OjM3MA==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA1NzUiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjU3NSIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© Alisha Street - Cook Islands Tourism10. Bishop’s Cruises
The largest boat tour in Aitutaki and the Cook Islands, Bishop’s Cruises either has you on their 16 pax boat with a minibar or their 45 pax catamaran with a minibar, changing area and toilets. Enjoy six hours on the lagoon including stops for snorkelling, standing on a heavenly sandbank, and making an obligatory stop at One Foot Island. Indulge in a barbecue lunch under the shade of the company’s hut on the island and spend the rest of the afternoon exploring One Foot Island at your own leisure.
Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.
![10 Best Boat & Sailing Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands ⛵ [2023]](data:image/svg+xml;nitro-empty-id=NzkyOjM2NQ==-1;base64,PHN2ZyB2aWV3Qm94PSIwIDAgMTAyNCA2ODMiIHdpZHRoPSIxMDI0IiBoZWlnaHQ9IjY4MyIgeG1sbnM9Imh0dHA6Ly93d3cudzMub3JnLzIwMDAvc3ZnIj48L3N2Zz4=)
© CookIslandsPocketGuide.comMore About Boat and Sailing Tours in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Now that you know some of the best boat tours in Rarotonga, as well as the top sailing tours across the Cook Islands, check out these alternative ways to get out on the water:
- 10 Best Water Activities in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- 10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- The Best Sunset Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
Finally, complete your bucket list with the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List and plan the rest of your holiday logistics using The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.
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