The Best Snorkelling in Rarotonga: Top 7 Places to Snorkel

Often referred to as the "Fruits of Rarotonga" snorkelling spot, Tikioki Marine Reserve is one of the best places to snorkel in Rarotonga. Park just opposite the Fruits of Rarotonga shop and wade out in waist-deep water where you'll already be able to see the colourful fish swimming around your legs.

There's a lot of lagoon to take advantage of here, so you can swim out to where the depths get to around 2-3m (2.2-3.3 yards) and see coral bommies with more magnificent displays of tropical fish, giant clams and moray eels.

Note that this is also the site from which the lagoon cruises come from Muri Beach.

Location: Opposite Fruits of Rarotonga, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Titikaveka.

The Aroa Lagoon Marine Reserve is a protected area. While you're not allowed to touch any of the marine life you see here, it keeps the environment much more vibrant than most of the lagoon around Rarotonga - i.e. excellent snorkelling!

You'll find plenty of small reef fish close to shore, while further out are giant clams, starfish and more. Many of the nearby resorts, like Aro'a Beachside Resort and its Shipwreck Hut (see the 10 Best Bars on Rarotonga), benefit from the marine reserve too, so you can call in for a snorkel then get out just in time for happy hour!

Can you snorkel at the Aroa Lagoon if you're not staying at the resort? With the exception of The Rarotongan, of course! What's more, the resorts' restaurants and spas are open to casual visitors, giving you more reasons to visit. Just note that the snorkel gear hire is usually for their guests.

Location: Southwest coast of Rarotonga, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Aroa Beach.

At the northwestern side of Rarotonga, Black Rock usually offers calm conditions due to the prevailing southeasterly winds. The popular swimming and snorkelling spot offers an interesting seascape with black volcanic rock jutting out of the white sand. You'll also find rock pools hiding all sorts of marine creatures.

While you're there, learn more about the spiritual significance of Black Rock on the interpretation panel or find out more in the 10 Best Historical Sites on Rarotonga.

Location: There's a gravel car park on the roadside of the Main Road (Ara Tapu), Nikao.

The Muri Lagoon is certainly a hotspot on the island, with its main beach lined with resorts and villas. Snorkel from shore and you'll mostly see sea cucumbers and the odd fish, but make use of any of the kayak hires along the beach and you'll reach some much more interesting spots!

Go for a paddle toward Motu Koromiri or Taakoka, and there are plenty of spots to stop for a snorkel - you'll see through the clear waters what looks good! If you're lucky, you'll cross paths with a sea turtle!

Location: Muri Beach, Main Road (Ara Tapu), anywhere on the lagoon.

The Edgewater Resort & Spa boasts a stunning marine reserve right off its beach, perfect for safe lagoon swimming, snorkelling and kayaking. Guests can borrow snorkelling gear, paddles and lifejackets from reception, while reef shoes, flippers, and beach towels are available at the Activities Hut (open from 8 am to 5 pm).

Although not as renowned as other spots, there's still plenty to explore in these protected waters. For the best experience, we recommend timing your swim with high tide.

Location: Edgewater Resort & Spa, Main Road (Ara Tapu), Arorangi, western side of Rarotonga.

The Shipwreck of Maitai offers a fascinating snorkelling experience, best enjoyed on a guided tour. This 100+-year-old wreck has become an integral part of the reef, teeming with marine life. For the adventurous, it's possible to snorkel out from Trader Jacks at low tide, but only if you're a strong swimmer with fins and a buddy.

To make your exploration easier, consider the sea scooters with Ariki Adventures or join a tour with KiteSUP. Tours are generally available from April to December/January, weather permitting. Find out more about these operators in the 5 Best Snorkelling Tours in Rarotonga.

Location: About 500 m (1,600 ft) from Trader Jacks, western end of Avarua.

Finally, if you want to pretty much guarantee seeing turtles in Rarotonga, then the Avaavaroa Passage is the place to go. But wait! There are extremely strong currents here that have taken lives in the past, so this is not the place to go without experience in the area.

Join one of the many turtle tours, as listed in the 10 Best Turtle Swimming Tours in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands, which have the safety precautions in place to enjoy a safer swim with sea turtles, rays and oodles of fish among the coral canyons!

Location: Vaimaanga, opposite the YWAM building.