5 Best Dive Shops & Operators in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Dive Rarotonga is, in our honest opinion, one of the safest and most well-organised dive operations in the South Pacific, and we're happy to put our name to that.

As a PADI Eco Centre, they offer affordable two-tank dive trips and a full range of PADI courses from Introductory to Instructor level, catering to everyone from first-time bubblemakers to seasoned underwater explorers.

Their custom-built dive boat is equipped with life jackets, oxygen, first aid equipment and an EPIRB, and a fully qualified skipper always remains on board during dives. Groups are kept to a maximum of six certified divers per trip, so the experience never feels crowded.

With moorings at several sites around the outer perimeter of the lagoon, you'll encounter coral, anemones, turtles, eagle rays and reef sharks. Night dives are also on offer for those keen to see Rarotonga's reef after dark.

Adventure Cook Islands, located at the prime position of Aroa Beach, Rarotonga, is a premier dive centre and watersports hub catering to all levels of aquatic enthusiasts. They offer a diverse array of experiences, from scuba trips and refresher dives to introductory lagoon and boat dives.

What sets them apart? Their small group policy (maximum four to five divers) ensures personalised attention. Moreover, they keep their custom-built dive boat on a trailer, providing access to all dive sites around the island.

For the tech-savvy divers, they're the only dive shop in the country offering technical diving, rebreather training, and a Nitrox membrane system offering Nitrox fills at a low cost. Fancy a snorkel instead? Their outer reef trips run for 2 to 2 hrs 30 mins, perfect for non-divers wanting to explore the underwater world.

With PADI, SSI, SDI, and TDI courses available, you'll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dive training options.

Location: Main Road, Aroa, southwestern Rarotonga. Near The Rarotongan Beach Resort.

The longest-running dive operation on Rarotonga, Pacific Divers is led by a qualified marine scientist, offering fun and educational tours, as well as an eco-friendly dive experience. The PADI 5* dive shop offers all the usual open water courses, ongoing training, and, of course, a variety of dives for qualified divers.

There are excellent dives to be had both within and outside the lagoon, taking you out on a comfortable, purpose-built dive boat that is fully shaded and manned, even when divers are in the water. They also offer exciting night dives, which are highly recommended.

Learn more about getting your dive qualification with Pacific Divers in Learn to Dive in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Where to Get Your Scuba Diving Certification.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Muri on the east side of Rarotonga.

Bubbles Below, also known as Dive Aitutaki, offers year-round diving experiences in the stunning waters of Aitutaki. This boutique dive operation specialises in small-group and personalised adventures, with peak activity from April to November.

Dive with graceful turtles and majestic eagle rays (best seen in June and July), or opt for their popular Discover Scuba Diving sessions if you're new to the underwater world. Affiliated with SSI, Bubbles Below provides a range of options from recreational dives to whale swimming during the seasonal window.

Their two-tank dives include full equipment, making it hassle-free for experienced divers. Whether you prefer a private or shared tour, all experiences come with refreshments and the opportunity to explore Aitutaki's vibrant marine life.

Check out some of the awesome dive sites they visit in The Best Scuba Diving in Aitutaki: Top Places to Scuba Dive.

Location: Arutanga Harbour, Arutanga, Aitutaki.

Finally, while not a scuba diving operation, Go Local Cook Islands offers awesome freediving tours.

Forget the clunky scuba gear. Their three-hour "Over the Reef Freediving Tour" takes you out by boat, over the reef and into the open ocean with just a snorkel, mask and fins, plus experienced guides and paddleboards on hand for extra safety.

All freediving gear is included, along with raw and edited underwater photography so you won't miss a moment, and local refreshments to round things out nicely.

Go Local also runs a "Night Snorkelling" tour, where everyone is equipped with a torch and given a safety brief before heading out. Common spots include the A and local passages, with ability and confidence assessed beforehand. They also offer turtle tours and whale swimming experiences.