5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]© Craig Owen - Cook Islands Tourism
5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2024]

© Craig Owen – Cook Islands Tourism

Where to Hire Kayaks in the Cook Islands

The placid crystal-clear lagoon waters are oh-so enticing for paddling, but where can you hire kayaks in the Cook Islands? Luckily, the island of Rarotonga is well-equipped with not only kayak rentals but accommodations offering kayak hire free for guests. Alternatively, many of Aitutaki‘s accommodations also offer kayaks for guest use. Kayaking is not available on the other outer islands of the Cook Islands due to the lack of tourism infrastructure.

So, find out where you can rent a kayak from in Rarotonga and Aitutaki with this list of the best kayak hires in the Cook Islands!

How Much is Kayak Hire in Rarotonga?

The kayak rental companies all charge around the same price for kayak rentals in Rarotonga. Expect to pay around NZ$15 for one hour in a single kayak or NZ$25 for two hours. Double kayaks are approximately NZ$20 for one hour or NZ$30 for two/three hours.

Where to Kayak?

Just check out our guide, Kayaking in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Top 5 Places to Kayak for inspiration. 

1. KiteSUP

One of your kayak hires on the Muri Lagoon, KiteSUP offers kayaks that are comfortable for all ages. They offer one-hour and two-hour rentals with both single and double kayaks available. Other hire options include paddleboard (complete with a free paddleboarding lesson), snorkelling gear and wetsuits. Learn more about paddleboarding in the 5 Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding.

Location: Find their shop on Main Road (Ara Tapu) opposite the LBV Cafe, Muri, Rarotonga. Otherwise, they are on the beach next to Koka Lagoon Cruises.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

2. Captain Tama’s Water Sports Hire

Captain Tama’s not only offer lagoon cruises but water sports hire, including kayaks. There are single and double kayaks available to hire with lifejackets available. You can also get prepared for snorkelling with masks, snorkels, fins and reef shoes also available to hire. Alternatively, paddleboards are available. Check out their lagoon cruises on Viator, Tripadvisor and the 10 Best Day Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Muri Beach by the yellow boats, Rarotonga.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]© Cook Islands Tourism

3. Adventure Cook Islands

Offering kayak hire from one hour up to two weeks, Adventure Cook Islands will sort you out for your kayaking holiday. They have both single and double kayaks, including “Frenzy Ocean Kayaks”, “Pacer Viking Kayaks” and “Malibu Two Ocean Kayaks”, all fitted with backrests. Life jackets are also available to hire. There’s also the opportunity to hire snorkelling gear, bodyboards, surfboards, scuba diving gear and more.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Aroa Beach, nearby The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Lagoonarium, Rarotonga.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]© Craig Owen - Cook Islands Tourism

4. Charlie’s Cafe & Beach Hire

On the shores of Titikaveka, Charlie’s Cafe might be more famous for its oversized sandwiches than its kayaks, but there are, indeed, kayak rentals available. Hire single or double kayaks along with snorkelling gear, if needed, for a paddle on the lagoon just down from a marine reserve. There are also life jackets available. The hourly kayak rental means that you have time for a quick paddle and then return for lunch! Learn more about the cafe in the 10 Best Cafes on Rarotonga.

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Titikaveka, Rarotonga.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. Rarotonga and Aitutaki Resort Kayaks

Before you go hiring a kayak, make sure that your chosen accommodation doesn’t provide kayaks for guests for free! It’s almost always the case for beachfront accommodations on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Just to name a few on Rarotonga, you have The Rarotongan and Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach, Sea Change Villas, Muri Beachcomber, Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape, Lagoon Breeze Villas, Motu Beachfront Art Villas, Muri Beach Hideaway, Crown Beach Resort & Spa, Muri Beach Club Hotel and much much more!

On Aitutaki, a few accommodations with kayaks include Tamanu Beach Resort, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Aitutaki Escape, Ranginui’s Retreat, Aitutaki Village and more!

Check out more stays in The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.

5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands 🛶 [2023]© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

More About Kayaking in the Cook Islands

That’s it for the best kayak hires in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. For more about watersports, check out the following articles:

Finally, add much more to your bucket list by using the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List.

Author

Robin C.

This article was reviewed and published by Robin, the co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before settling in the South Pacific, so he knows a thing or two about planning the perfect trip in this corner of the world. Robin works and consults regularly with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation, a local government body representing the tourism industry. Robin is also the co-founder of several other South Pacific travel guides and is a regular host of webinars with the South Pacific Tourism Organisation.

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