Kayaking in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands: Top 5 Places to Kayak

One of the widest parts of the lagoon encircling Rarotonga, the Muri Lagoon is an awesome place to explore by kayak. If you're not staying at one of the beachfront accommodations with kayak rentals included, hire your kayak from Captain Tama's or KiteSUP on Muri Beach and hit the tranquil waters to explore the four motu (islets) just offshore.

Take some snorkelling gear and paddle following the inner reef between the motu of Koromiri and Taakoka with some excellent wee snorkelling spots. You can even land on the beach of Koromiri and relax on the sand.

What's more, with Muri Beach just a short paddle from anywhere, the Muri Lagoon offers safe and easy paddling for all.

If you're looking for a unique kayaking experience on the Muri Lagoon, don't miss King Dryden’s Aqua Ventures' night kayaking and paddleboarding tour. Their transparent kayaks and SUP boards, illuminated with LED lights, make the water a magical experience, culminating on the beach with BBQ skewers and a fire show!

Location: Muri Beach, east side of Rarotonga.

On the southwest corner of Rarotonga, Aroa Beach is not only an excellent place to paddle for its marine reserve and snorkelling opportunities but you have options for kayak hire if you're not staying at one of the resorts here. You can rent with Adventure Cook Islands - see the 5 Best Kayak Hires in the Cook Islands for more information.

Enjoy a short and relaxing paddle from shore and explore the coral heads (being careful not to paddle into them). You can also do an extended trip from Aroa Beach along the south coast - see point #4 for more details.

Location: Aroa Beach, Arorangi, southwest side of Rarotonga (at The Rarotongan Resort).

A wide stretch of lagoon on the southeast corner of Rarotonga, with no passages to navigate (unlike other parts of the south coast), the lagoon off the shores of Titikaveka offers safe kayaking. The kayaking is particularly good in the deeper waters and marine reserve in front of Tikioki Beach towards the east end of Titikaveka.

Again, take some snorkelling gear to enjoy watching the fish, starfish, giant clams and coral at this marine reserve, which you can find out more about in The Best Snorkelling in the Cook Islands: Top 10 Places to Snorkel. Kayak hire is available from Adventure Cook Islands

Location: Titikaveka, southeast coast of Rarotonga.

Ok, enough of the casual paddling! If you're looking for a real journey by kayak on Rarotonga, then try out this route from Aroa Beach to Titikaveka (or vice versa).

Hire your kayak from Adventure Cook Islands if starting in Aroa and make your way along the stunning south coast of Rarotonga. There are lagoon passages with strong currents on this route, so don't kayak too close to the reef.

It's approximately 8.5 km (5.3 mi) to paddle between Aroa Beach and Tikioki Beach in Titikaveka. You can extend your journey further, all the way to Muri Beach, taking you an additional 1-3 km (0.6-1.9 mi) depending on how far you want to go.

Location: Aroa Beach, Arorangi, southwest side of Rarotonga (at The Rarotongan Resort) or Titikaveka, southeast coast of Rarotonga.

Finally, you won't miss out on the kayaking fun that Aitutaki has to offer. With an area of between 50 and 74 km² (19 and 29 mi²) combined with frequent strong winds, kayaking across the Aitutaki Lagoon is not recommended - a few tourists have got into trouble in the past.

However, the best and safest kayaking in Aitutaki is off the shores of Ootu Beach. You can paddle around the island of Akitua and its sandbank (where the Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort is located) and even across to the motu (islet) behind it, Angarei, which is uninhabited.

It is not recommended to pass the Motu after that, Motu Ee, unless you're an experienced ocean kayaker who knows what they're doing.

Location: Ootu Beach, at the end of the Ootu Peninsula on the east side of Aitutaki. Kayaks are available to rent for guests of Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort, Ranginui's Retreat, Etu Moana (they have a shipping container here) and Aitutaki Village.