5 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

Last Updated: 10 June, 2025

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.

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.

6 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

2. KiteSUP Night Paddleboard Tour and Private SUP Yoga

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 popular “Fire on Water Night Paddle Tour”, a 1 hr 30 mins adventure on the illuminated Muri Lagoon at sunset, culminating in an epic fire show on an uninhabited island.

For a unique twist, join their private SUP yoga sessions – a fun and relaxing way to rejuvenate on the water. They also offer Pilates classes above their Panama shop, aptly named “Pilates Cook Islands”.

Location: 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.

5 Best Paddleboard Tours & Hires in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

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.

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:

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.

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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