11 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

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 (4-hour) lagoon cruise includes around 45 minutes of 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 while you listen to the relaxing tunes of the ukuleles and drums played by your talented guides. Once you're well and truly stuffed, kick back with a hilarious coconut and sarong-tying show with audience participation included (sit at the back if you're shy).

Location: Tours depart daily from Muri Beach, Muri, east side of Rarotonga. Just look for the yellow boats!

Koka Lagoon Cruises offers one of the most well-rounded half-day experiences on Rarotonga, combining glass-bottom boat views, guided snorkelling and a barbecue lunch on a private island, all with a live ukulele band setting the mood from the moment you step aboard.

Departing at 10 am from Muri Beach, the four-hour "Rarotonga Glass Bottom Lagoon Cruise" takes you to the Tikioki Marine Reserve, where you'll snorkel among colourful fish and giant clams (gear provided) before heading ashore on Motu Koromiri for a barbecue feast prepared by on-site chefs.

Back on the water, the fun continues with a coconut demonstration and pareu tying, with the crew keeping the energy high throughout. Resort transfers are included, with pick-up and drop-off from all resorts island-wide via Cook Island Transport. Cruises run Sunday through Friday, and children five and under go free.

Now that we've exhausted the lagoon cruises in Rarotonga, the rest of the Cook Islands' lagoon cruises are on the Aitutaki Lagoon! One of the top contenders is the boutique "Small Group Snorkelling Tour" from Teking Lagoon Cruises, a small-group premium experience that's intentionally different from the larger cruise-style tours on the lagoon.

Their boats are smaller by design, carrying a maximum of 24 guests, which means they can reach parts of the lagoon that bigger boats simply can't get into.

The snorkelling spots are unique to Teking, and the day is built around exploring the lagoon, its marine life, history and conservation; including the famous fish feeding spot.

Visit four of the lagoon's motu (islands) and three vibrant snorkelling spots, with a fresh island barbecue lunch included along the way, plus stops at Maina Island, Honeymoon Island and the infamous One Foot Island and its sandbank.

Child and infant rates are available, and private charters are also on offer. Tours are approximately five hours, departing at 9 am.

Check out who we recommend this cruise for and see how it compares to all of Aitutaki's other lagoon cruises in the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki.

Location: Aitutaki, transfers are included.

Experience the magic of Aitutaki's lagoon with Kia Orana Cruise, a small-group adventure that's been delighting visitors since 2004. Join "Captain Fantastic" Andrew or his son "Captain Useless" on their spacious boat for an intimate tour with just four to ten guests.

You'll explore snorkel spots that larger boats can't reach, and if anyone's uncomfortable in deeper waters, they'll happily adjust to shallower areas.

This tour also includes planting coconuts on Maina sandbank - a unique touch to your lagoon experience.

While tours may be cancelled if winds exceed 40 knots, the small group size allows for a more personalised adventure through Aitutaki's stunning waters. This tour also operates on Sundays.

Location: Arutanga, Aitutaki, transfers are included.

Silent One Lagoon Charters is a family-run operation offering private snorkelling charters, whale watching, lagoon fishing and water taxi runs across the stunning waters of Aitutaki's lagoon, seven days a week.

Run by husband-and-wife team Ki and Lovey, every charter is kept strictly private, so you'll never be grouped with strangers. Your guide always enters the water first to assess conditions before signalling guests in, which says a lot about how seriously they take safety and comfort.

The full-day snorkelling charter covers the entire lagoon and includes a freshly caught barbecue lunch prepared on the day, right in front of you. Whale watching (with an impressive 80% success rate) lets you swim alongside humpback whales with your guide. Tours are fully customisable, and the team can even accommodate guests with limited mobility.

Definitely one of the most photo-worthy boats cruising the lagoons of the Cook Islands, The Vaka Cruise takes place on Vaka Tiki-a-Tonga, a Polynesian-inspired double-hulled vessel. The Vaka Cruise is a popular option with day trippers to Aitutaki from Rarotonga.

Those staying on the island, however, still benefit from accommodation transfers. The six-hour lagoon cruise starting at 10 am 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.

Location: Aitutaki, transfers are included.

Bishop's Cruises offers a unique lagoon experience in Aitutaki, accompanied by knowledgeable and mature guides. Their fleet includes a 16-passenger boat with a minibar and a 45-passenger catamaran featuring a minibar, changing area, and toilets.

The catamaran's upper deck provides stunning views, perfect for those Instagram-worthy shots, while the smaller vessels provide an intimate experience.

Enjoy a six-hour adventure on the crystal-clear waters, with stops for snorkelling, relaxing on heavenly sandbanks, and an obligatory visit to One Foot Island.

Indulge in a barbecue lunch under the shade of their island hut, then spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure. With Bishop's, you'll not only see the lagoon's beauty but also learn about its ecology and history.

Location: Aitutaki, transfers are included.

See the Aitutaki Lagoon in a whole different light on a private lagoon cruise with Kutekute Tours & Transfers.

Departing in the late afternoon (usually around 4 pm), their “Sunset Lagoon Cruise” takes you to a mix of exciting snorkelling spots with giant trevally, giant clams and/or the Purple Wall. You have the optional extras of twilight snorkelling and a unique water hammock float down the channel between One Foot Island and Tekopua.

\You’ll then enjoy a stunningly presented beach picnic platter on the uninhabited Moturakau as you watch the sunset. See more cruises like this in The Best Sunset Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.

Perhaps more renowned in Aitutaki for their fishing charters, Black Pearl Charters also offers fantastic private charters in the Aitutaki Lagoon. Their half-day lagoon cruise hits three exciting snorkelling locations, as well as stops by the islands of One Foot Island and Honeymoon Island.

Enjoy morning tea as part of the experience, as well as guided snorkelling where you’ll be shown the different fish and corals seen.

All in all, Black Pearl Charters offers one of the best lagoon cruises in the Cook Islands for snorkelling.

See more amazing snorkelling cruises listed in the 10 Best Snorkelling Tours in the Cook Islands.

Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers included.

An alternative way to cruise the sheltered waters of the Aitutaki Lagoon is on a Hobie sailing catamaran with Sailing Aitutaki. This low-impact option provides one of your best chances for spotting turtles thanks to the unintrusive boat, while those keen to try sailing for themselves can get hands-on experience with instruction from your guide, Captain Ted.

The half-day trip departing from Ootu Beach at 9am (transfers included) includes visiting some motus, planting a baby coconut tree on a sandbank, and relaxing with 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. See more eco-friendly tour options in the 10 Best Eco Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Ootu Beach, Aitutaki, transfers are included.

Perhaps more known for their kitesurfing and whale swimming excursions, Wet & Wild also offers cruises on the Aitutaki 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 alternative experience on the water. Alternatively, check out their whale swimming tours in the 5 Best Whale Watching (& Swimming) Tours in the Cook Islands.

Location: Aitutaki, transfers are included.