10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Last Updated: 9 June, 2025

The Top Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands

+ What’s the Difference Between Captain Tama’s and Koka?!

The lagoon cruise is an iconic activity in the Cook Islands. From the thatched-roof boats cruising the Muri Lagoon in Rarotonga to the, quite frankly, an overwhelming array of cruises on the world’s most beautiful lagoon, the Aitutaki Lagoon, it’s fair to say that you need to do at least one lagoon cruise while you’re in the Cook Islands.

We’ll help you decide which one with this list of the best lagoon cruises in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands. Plus, we’ll answer the most burning question on the internet: what exactly is the difference between Captain Tama’s and Koka’s lagoon cruises?!

1. Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes (Rarotonga)

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!

10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2023]

2. Koka Lagoon Cruises (Rarotonga)

Almost identical to Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes, Koka Lagoon Cruise also offers a fantastic half-day (4-hour) cruise on Rarotonga’s Muri Lagoon. The main difference is that the cruise departs a little earlier (10 am instead of 11 am for Captain Tama’s), and the ukulele band playing on the boat throughout the cruise means there’s never a dull moment.

Additionally, the crew aims for a vibe that is less “cheek” and more “class”. What’s more, you will still have an awesome time snorkelling at the same marine reserve, indulging in an island barbecue on the same island, Koromiri, and watching an entertaining and impressive coconut and sarong-tying demonstration.

Location: Tours depart from Muri Beach, Muri, east coast of Rarotonga. Just look for the green and white boats!

3. Teking Lagoon Cruises (Aitutaki)

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 of which is the small-group cruises of Teking Lagoon Cruises. Visit four of the lagoon’s motu (islands) and three vibrant snorkelling spots where the focus on ecology and conservation allows you to get more out of the experience.

Your experience also includes a refreshing island barbecue on Maina Island, as well as a visit to Honeymoon Island and the infamous One Foot Island and its sandbank. 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.

4. Kia Orana Cruise (Aitutaki)

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.

10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands [2025]

5. The Vaka Cruise (Aitutaki)

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.

6. Bishop’s Cruises (Aitutaki)

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.

7. Kutekute Tours & Transfers (Aitutaki)

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.

8. Black Pearl Charters (Aitutaki)

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.

9. Sailing Aitutaki (Aitutaki)

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.

10. Wet & Wild (Aitutaki)

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.

More About Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

Now that you know the best lagoon cruises in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands, here are more ways to get on the water to explore 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.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across the Cook Islands and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Cook Islands Tourism Corporation (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Tourism Industry Council (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
SPTO (Pacific tourism advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration (Visa and immigration advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Meteorological Service (Weather forecast and warnings - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Finance & Economic Management (Border restrictions advice - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Agriculture (Biosecurity advice - Updated [2025])
Cook Islands Statistics Office (Statistics and travel data - Updated [2025])
Ministry of Transport (Transport operators and licenses - Updated [2025])
Safe Travel (New Zealand travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])
Smart Traveller (Australia travel advisory for the Cook Islands - Updated [2025])

At Cook Islands Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About the Author

Laura S.

This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor-in-chief and co-founder of Cook Islands Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as the Cook Islands. She knows the islands inside out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Raro’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also the editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.

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