Where to Hire SUP Boards in the Cook Islands
The placid, crystal-clear lagoon waters are oh-so enticing for paddling, but where can you join SUP tours and hire paddleboards in the Cook Islands? Luckily, the island of Rarotonga is well-equipped with not only paddleboard tours and rentals but also accommodations offering SUP hire free for guests.
Alternatively, many of Aitutaki‘s accommodations also offer paddleboards for guest use. Stand-up paddleboarding 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 join night paddleboarding tours and rent a paddleboard from in Rarotonga and Aitutaki with this list of the best paddleboard tours and hires in the Cook Islands!
How Much is Paddleboard Hire in Rarotonga?
The stand-up paddleboard rental companies all charge around the same price for paddleboard rentals in Rarotonga. Expect to pay around NZ$20 for one hour or NZ$30 for two hours.
Where Should I Paddle in Rarotonga?
Just check out our guide, SUP in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: 5 Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding for inspiration.
This article is based on real on-the-ground research, not on AI scraping old content from the internet. Learn how we use AI!
Table of Contents
1.King Dryden's Night Paddle Tour
King Dryden's Aqua Ventures offers a mesmerising night paddle experience on Muri Lagoon. Glide across the water in LED-lit clear kayaks or SUP boards, watching the vibrant marine life beneath you.
You'll likely spot turtles and colourful reef fish as the lagoon comes alive after dark. Post-tour, indulge in a delicious meal featuring charcoal chicken and seasonal fruits.
The evening culminates with an exhilarating fire knife dance and soothing string band performance on the beach. This intimate, family-owned tour promises a magical night out in Rarotonga.
Ready to hit the lagoon? Book your night SUP and fire show experience with King Dryden's Aqua Ventures.
Location: Night SUP tours depart from Muri Beach, east side of Rarotonga.
2.KiteSUP Night Paddleboard Tour and Private SUP Yoga
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KiteSUP offers a diverse range of water activities on Rarotonga, making it the perfect choice for an awesome day (or night) out on the water. Their offerings include turtle tours, kiteboarding, wingfoiling, nightSUP and snorkelling at locations like the Maitai shipwrecks.
Don't miss their award-winning "Fire on Water Night Paddle Tour" (recognised by Air New Zealand), a 1 hr 30 mins adventure on the illuminated Muri Lagoon at sunset. Running six nights a week (every night except Saturday), the tour departs at 6:00 pm and is suitable for all ages with no prior paddling experience needed. Paddle out on an OC1, kayak or LED-lit SUP, then head to an uninhabited island for an interactive fire show where guests can try fire stick spins themselves. Advance booking is required.
For something more relaxed, join their private SUP yoga sessions on the water, or check out "Pilates Cook Islands", their Pilates classes held above the Panama shop.
Watersport centre on Muri Beach, Ngatangiia, southeast coast of Rarotonga. Surf shop on Main Road, Nikao, northwest coast of Rarotonga.
3.Captain Tama’s Water Sports Hire
Captain Tama’s not only offers lagoon cruises on the Muri Lagoon but also water sports hire, including stand-up paddleboards. You can also get prepared for snorkelling with masks, snorkels, fins and reef shoes also available to hire, as well as lifejackets should you want extra safety.
Alternatively, kayaks are available. Check out the 10 Best Lagoon Cruises in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.
Location: Muri Beach by the yellow boats, Rarotonga.
4.KiteSUP Paddleboard Hire
One of your paddleboard hire options on the Muri Lagoon, KiteSUP offers SUP boards and paddles suitable for all.
Paddleboard hires come with a free lesson if this is your first time.
Other watersports equipment hires include kayaks, snorkelling gear and wetsuits.
Location: Watersport centre on Muri Beach, Ngatangiia, southeast coast of Rarotonga.
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5.Rarotonga and Aitutaki Resort Paddleboard Rental
Before you go hiring a SUP board, make sure that your chosen accommodation doesn’t provide paddleboards 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, Motu Beachfront Art Villas, Crown Beach Resort & Spa, Muri Beach Club Hotel, Nautilus Resort and much much more!
On Aitutaki, a few accommodations with SUP boards include Tamanu Beach Resort, Resort Tava'e, Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, Pacific Resort Aitutaki, Ranginui’s Retreat, Aitutaki Village, Etu Moana and more!
Check out more stays in The Top 50 Resorts in the Cook Islands.
More About Paddleboard Tours and Hires in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands
Now that you know about the best SUP tours and paddleboard hires in Rarotonga, Aitutaki and the Cook Islands, here's more advice to help plan the perfect watersports vacation:
- SUP in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: 10 Best Places for Stand-Up Paddleboarding
- 10 Best Water Activities in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
- 5 Best Kayak Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands
Finally, plan more experiences beyond paddleboarding in the 101 Best Things to Do in the Cook Islands: The Ultimate List, as well as the logistics of your whole trip using The Best Cook Islands Travel Guide.
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