8 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands

10 Tips for Safe Turtle Swimming in Rarotonga

To keep safe within the strong currents of the passages where turtle tours take place, as well as to minimise damage to the lagoon’s breathtaking environment, there are a few safety aspects to keep in mind when choosing a turtle swimming tour on Rarotonga:

1. Check that you are with the right operator.
2. Go with a guide.
3. Check safety ratio: 1 guide to every 4 guests.
4. Check that you complete the safety instructions from your guide.
5. Check you have flippers, a snorkel and a mask.
6. Check that your guide has a bronze medallion standard surf lifesaving certification.
7. Check that the tour takes place within 3 hours of low tide.
8. Check that the tour takes place on a weekday (tours are not permitted on weekends).
9. Do NOT step on coral.
10. Do NOT touch turtles.

The Rarotonga turtle swimming tours listed below have signed an MOU with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation to agree to the safety standards listed above (unless stated otherwise), but it’s recommended to also do a self-check and be familiar with the standards and guidelines as provided by Cook Islands Tourism Corporation.

Please note that the Aitutaki scuba diving tour is not included, as it follows different standards and is not suitable for this tour.

1. Green Turtle Tours

For travellers wanting a more intimate and personalised turtle encounter in Rarotonga, Green Turtle Tours offers a private guided swim through the beautiful Ava’avaroa Passage.

The experience begins with a short briefing and gear fitting at the YWAM/Ava’avaroa Passage car park before you cross the road together to enter the water. Once in the lagoon, your guide leads you through the passage in search of the magnificent green turtles that frequent this area, along with eagle rays and an array of vibrant reef fish.

What makes this tour stand out is its unhurried pace, you decide whether you want to stay in the water for one hour or closer to two, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the marine life without feeling rushed.

All snorkelling gear is provided, and your guide captures the entire swim on video, transferring the footage to your phone afterwards so you can relive the experience.

Learn more and book on Green Turtle Tour‘s website.

Location: Pickup available throughout Rarotonga or meet at Ava’avaroa Passage car park (YWAM car park), Vaimaanga.

© Green Turtle Tours

2. Ocean Toa

Ocean Toa Cook Islands offers an unforgettable turtle swimming experience for all. Join their small-group guided tours (capped at eight guests) led by qualified lifeguards for guaranteed turtle sightings.

The family-friendly tours cater to all ability levels, ensuring everyone can enjoy this magical encounter.

After your swim, enjoy refreshing local fruits while waiting for your photos and videos to be ready.

A portion of your booking supports the “Ocean Tamariki School Holiday Program,” which educates local children about their marine environment.

Whether you’re a seasoned swimmer or a first-timer, Ocean Toa’s experienced team (with four to five lifeguards per tour) ensures a safe and memorable adventure. It’s a fantastic way to experience the Cook Islands’ underwater world while supporting local initiatives.

Location: Tours meet at the Avaavaroa Passage, Vaimaanga. Find out how to get around Rarotonga in our Rarotonga Transport Guide.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

3. Sea Pace Rarotonga

Experience an intimate turtle encounter with Sea Pace Rarotonga in the Avaavaroa Passage. Their small-group tours ensure personalised attention, with just four swimmers per guide (or two guides for less confident swimmers).

The standard “Turtle & Ray Tour” offers excellent value, lasting 1 hr 30 mins and including guided snorkelling, all gear, and a guaranteed turtle encounter. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, their premium tour features private guiding, photos, a handcrafted fruit platter, and local refreshments.

We’ve heard great feedback about their child-friendly approach and commitment to safety during our recent research trip. It’s an unforgettable way to get up close with these gentle sea creatures in their natural habitat.

Location: Tours meet at the Avaavaroa Passage, Vaimaanga

© Sea Pace Rarotonga

4. Ariki Adventures

Ariki Adventures offers an unforgettable marine experience with their signature “Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure”. This two-hour tour takes you on a thrilling journey through the Avaavaroa Passage, where you’ll glide effortlessly alongside sea turtles using lightweight sea scooters.

The adventure includes guided snorkelling with guaranteed turtle sightings, all necessary safety gear, and a photo package to capture your underwater memories.

For confident swimmers, the “ONU Free Swim Adventure” provides another option to interact with these majestic creatures. Ariki Adventures focuses on ocean education and environmental protection, keeping group sizes small for a more personal experience.

All guides are trained to the standards of the Rescue Swimmer program, ensuring your safety throughout the tour. Suitable for families, the tours provide wetsuits and reef shoes. Participants must be able to swim comfortably and weigh under 120 kg (264.6 lb).

Location: Main Road (Ara Tapu), Avaavaroa on the south coast of Rarotonga. Meet at their base 30 minutes before tour time. Find out how to get around Rarotonga in our Rarotonga Transport Guide.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

5. KiteSUP

KiteSUP offers an exciting “Adventure Turtle Snorkel Tour” on Rarotonga’s stunning Muri Beach. This unique experience takes small groups of no more than eight to an exclusive turtle habitat where you’ll encounter these majestic creatures, along with coral gardens, eagle rays and sometimes sharks.

It’s perfect for confident swimmers and snorkellers looking for an adventure off the beaten path. Tours run Sunday through Friday, lasting approximately two hours.

All necessary gear is provided, including a mask, a snorkel, fins, and a wetsuit. As a bonus, photos are taken throughout the tour and shared with you via social media, so you can relive your underwater adventure long after you’ve dried off.

Location: Muri Beach, Ngatangiia, southeast coast of Rarotonga. Find out how to get around Rarotonga in our Rarotonga Transport Guide.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

6. Rarotonga Turtle Tours

Snorkel with turtles and eagle rays either in the popular Avaavaroa Passage or the less crowded Papua Passage with Kato, Kali, Tiki and the crew from Rarotonga Turtle Tours. Their standard turtle and eagle ray tour has a maximum of six guests per tour and includes quality underwater photography.

Also included are quality snorkels, masks, booties, and fins, light refreshments, Surf Lifesaving- and First Aid-certified guides, and 1 hour and 30 minutes of fun.

Longer and custom private tours of the Avaavaroa Passage are also available.

Alternatively, opt for a guided free dive in the Papua Passage, which features an underwater cave and offers a chance to see green turtles.

Location: Tours meet at the Avaavaroa Passage or Papua Passage, Vaimaanga. Otherwise, you can find Rarotonga Turtle Tours at the Punanganui Market every Saturday morning. Find out how to get around Rarotonga in our Rarotonga Transport Guide.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

7. Go Local Cook Islands

One of the few turtle swimming tours to take you out by boat, Go Local Cook Islands offers a fun and interactive turtle swimming tour of the Avaavaroa Passage with a fun crew of local lads.

The tour lasts one to two hours, depending on how long you want to swim and includes quality snorkelling gear (snorkel, mask and fins), as well as raw and edited underwater photography so you can get some awesome shots with the turtles.

Although it helps to be a confident swimmer, the guys provide floats and paddleboards for support if needed. The experience concludes with an awesome coconut show, where the local boys climb up a tree to grab a refreshing nu (drinking coconut) for you.

Location: Find their beach setup at the Avaavaroa Passage, Vaimaanga, available Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. Find out how to get around Rarotonga in our Rarotonga Transport Guide.

© CookIslandsPocketGuide.com

8. Bubbles Below – Dive Aitutaki

Bubbles Below offers year-round diving experiences in the stunning waters of Aitutaki. This dive operator specialises in small-group and personalised adventures. You’ll have the chance to swim with turtles and eagle rays, with June and July being the prime months for spotting them.

All tours, whether private or shared, include water and snacks to keep you refreshed.

Scuba diving with Rarotonga‘s dive operators is also a great way to see turtles underwater, depending on the dive site you choose. Learn more in the 5 Best Dive Shops & Operators in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.

Location: Arutanga Harbour, Arutanga, Aitutaki. Transfers are available for a fee. Otherwise, check out the Aitutaki Transport Guide to learn more about getting around.

© Bubbles Below / Dive Aitutaki

Frequently Asked Questions About Swimming with Turtles in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands

What else is there to know about swimming with turtles in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions on the internet about turtles in the Cook Islands!

When is the best time to see turtles in Rarotonga?

Turtles are in Rarotonga’s waters all year round, so any time of the year is usually ideal for seeing turtles in Rarotonga and the Cook Islands. It’s important to note, however, that turtle tours are only permitted to take place during low tide on weekdays, as per the MOU with Cook Islands Tourism Corporation. In other words, you cannot take a turtle swimming tour on weekends, so bear this in mind when making travel plans.

Can you swim with turtles in Rarotonga?

Yes, you can swim with turtles in Rarotonga. Not only might you see turtles by chance when snorkelling from shore on Rarotonga, but there are several turtle swimming tours that pretty much guarantee sightings. See the list above!

Where can I see turtles in Rarotonga?

Turtles can be seen in various locations throughout Rarotonga, including multiple dive sites and the Muri Lagoon. The best place to see turtles in Rarotonga, however, is the Avaavaroa Passage, which is accessible from shore but has extremely strong currents that should only be tackled with a guide.

Where can you swim with wild turtles?

One of the best places in the world to swim with wild turtles is the Cook Islands – especially the island of Rarotonga, where dedicated turtle swimming tours are available.

Where should I not swim with turtles in Rarotonga?

We do not recommend swimming at any passages or lagoon channels in Rarotonga on your own, especially if you are not on a guided tour. Certified turtle swimming tours may take you to some of these channels with strong currents, but they have safety guidelines and lifeguards on hand to look after you. Avoid swimming in any lagoon passages by yourself.