10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Aitutaki ⛵ 2025

Last Updated: 9 June, 2025

Which Cruise to Choose on the Aitutaki Lagoon

If there’s only one thing you do in Aitutaki, make it a lagoon cruise. Contrary to popular belief, there are actually many options for seeing one of the South Pacific’s most stunning lagoons.

Large Polynesian-style vessels, small-group adventure tours, private sunset charters, glass-bottom boats and sailing catamarans: they are all ways to enjoy the Aitutaki lagoon and its motu (islands). Snorkelling gear, towels, transfers, water and lunch are typically included on full-day tours, but it always pays to check with the operator for any additional needs.

Be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and a sense of humour if the weather turns bad.

Before we begin, be sure to open the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List in a new tab to make sure you don’t miss a thing!

1. Teking Lagoon Cruises – The Best Lagoon Cruise on Aitutaki for Adventure, Conservation and Seeing More of the Lagoon

With a maximum of 10 passengers, Teking Lagoon Cruises offers a small-group experience on the breathtaking Aitutaki Lagoon. Their “Snorkelling Safari Tour” is the most popular cruise they offer, visiting 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.

Enjoy around 30-45 minutes of snorkelling time among giant clams, giant trevally and purple coral. 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. Accommodation transfers are included. Although most clientele are couples and adults, families are welcome on the cruise with staff on board, even happy to look after younger ones while you go for a snorkel at the deeper spots.

Private charters and two-hour sunset tours with Champagne are available.

2. The Vaka Cruise – The Most Unique Boat on the Aitutaki Lagoon

Definitely one of the most photo-worthy boats on the Aitutaki Lagoon, The Vaka Cruise takes place on Vaka Tiki-a-Tonga, a Polynesian-inspired double-hulled vessel. The cruise is a popular option with day trippers to Aitutaki, as the lagoon cruise of choice when booking a day tour with Air Rarotonga.

Those staying on the island, however, still benefit from accommodation transfers. The six-hour 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. The cruise is popular with all traveller types, but is especially recommended for families, older travellers and those with minor mobility issues, as the large boat is one of the easiest on the lagoon to embark and disembark.

3. Bishop’s Cruises – The Most Informative Aitutaki Lagoon Tour

Bishop’s Cruises offers a unique lagoon experience with their knowledgeable, mature guides, perfect for those who want to learn while cruising. You’ll love their spacious vessels: choose between a 16-passenger boat with a minibar or a 45-passenger catamaran featuring a minibar, changing area, and toilets.

The catamaran’s upper deck provides stunning elevated views of the lagoon. Enjoy six hours exploring the lagoon, with stops for snorkelling and standing on heavenly sandbanks.

Don’t miss the obligatory visit to One Foot Island, where you can indulge in a barbecue lunch under the shade of the company’s hut and spend the afternoon exploring at your leisure.

For more flexibility, Bishop’s also offers drop-offs at One Foot Island, as well as half-day and full-day charters.

4. Kutekute Tours & Transfers – The Best Sunset Cruise and Private Charter

See the 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.

The tour is the only tour to return to the mainland after dark, allowing you to stargaze on the journey back to Ootu Beach.

This cruise is all about you, so let the team know what you’d like to do. Otherwise, they are happy to show you the highlights. This tour is utterly romantic for couples, but groups of three to six are also welcome to take part, as well as families.

5. Kia Orana Cruise – The Best Small-Group Lagoon Cruise on Aitutaki

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Aitutaki’s lagoon with Kia Orana Cruise, operating since 2004. This intimate adventure takes groups of four to ten people on a spacious boat, perfect for those seeking a more personalised experience.

Led by the charismatic “Captain Fantastic” Andrew or his locally-raised son “Captain Useless”, you’ll explore secluded snorkelling spots inaccessible to larger boats. They’re known for their flexibility, adjusting plans to include shallower areas if anyone feels uncomfortable in deeper waters.

The tour includes exciting activities like planting coconuts on Maina sandbank. Operating Sunday to Friday, it’s a fantastic option for weekend travellers. Do note, however, that the cruise may be cancelled if winds exceed 40 knots.

With its small group size and ability to reach hidden gems, Kia Orana Cruise offers a truly unique way to discover the stunning Aitutaki lagoon. It’s an adventure you won’t want to miss!

6. Tavai Inventure Tours – The Most Eco-Friendly Lagoon Cruise on Aitutaki

Embark on an unforgettable private sailing adventure with Tavai Inventure Tours. This eco-friendly charter, led by the renowned Captain Ted, offers a unique way to explore Aitutaki’s stunning lagoon.

You’ll spend approximately six hours sailing to enchanting smaller motus, including the famous One Foot Island, with ample opportunities for snorkelling and island exploration. The tour includes a delicious lunch, fresh local fruit, water, and refreshing coconuts.

As the only tour operator in Aitutaki offering lagoon sailing with no ecological footprint, it’s perfect for environmentally conscious travellers. Snorkelling equipment is provided for underwater adventures, and you might even spot some turtles thanks to the unintrusive nature of sailing.

Weather dependent for safety, this private guided experience welcomes children and is ideal for groups of up to four people.

7. Wet & Wild – The Best Watersports Charter on the Aitutaki Lagoon

Perhaps more known for their kitesurfing and whale swimming excursions, Wet & Wild also offers sightseeing tours on 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 alternative experience on the water.

8. Platinum Cruising – The Most Luxurious Speedboat on the Aitutaki Lagoon

It’s all about the boat on a private lagoon charter with Platinum Cruising. Glide over the flat lagoon waters on a comfortable BRIG Eagle 650 with a Yamaha 200 hp engine.

Popular with couples, although groups of six can be catered to, there are full-day and half-day private charters available. The former includes lunch on One Foot Island, soft drinks and beer, and departs at 10 am.

Half-day charters are available in the morning and afternoon and only include drinks. As with all lagoon cruises, snorkelling gear is included.

9. Mona’s Lagoon Charter – The Most Authentic Lagoon Cruise on Aituaki

Join the locals for a fun and active full-day or half-day charter on the lagoon. Mona’s Lagoon Charter is another popular choice for couples, with the full-day tour including four to five snorkelling stops and four to five island stops, depending on what you feel like.

A barbecue lunch on the island is part of the experience, accompanied by refreshing coconut juice and water.

10. Tavake Aitutaki – A Private Lagoon Adventure

Tavake Aitutaki offers a personalised journey through the stunning Aitutaki lagoon with their “Tavake Private Lagoon Tour”. This intimate 3 to 4-hour experience takes you island hopping and snorkelling in some of the most breathtaking spots around the lagoon. You’ll have the chance to swim among giant clams and explore various lagoon locations at your own pace.

What sets this tour apart is its family-style approach and emphasis on local knowledge. The flexible route allows you to tailor your adventure, making it perfect for those seeking a more personalised experience. To top it off, you’ll enjoy a light lunch while soaking in the paradise-like surroundings.

More About Lagoon Cruises on Aitutaki

That’s it for our list of the best lagoon cruise son Aitutaki but is by no means the only way to experience the island and its lagoon. Inspire yourself for more things to do using the following guides:

Finally, don’t miss any part of your holiday planning with The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki and Where to Stay on Aitutaki: The Best Aitutaki Accommodations.

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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