The Guide to Windsurfing in Rarotonga, Aitutaki & the Cook Islands

Where are the best places to windsurf in the Cook Islands? Rarotonga offers incredible conditions for windsurfing for half the year on the Muri Lagoon but Aitutaki is commonly agreed as the best of the Cook Islands for all kite sports.

Windsurfing in Aitutaki

Aitutaki is arguably the best place for windsurfing in the Cook Islands, not only because the expansive lagoon offers much windsurfing terrain, but it's currently the only island with windsurf gear available to hire.

Most windsurfing in Aitutaki takes place off Ootu Beach, located at the end of the Ootu Peninsula on the east side of Aitutaki. Windsurfing gear is available to hire here (see the section below), and the water is flat and benefits from the trade winds.

If you've got your own gear, take one of the water taxis run by the kitesurfing schools to Honeymoon Island with expanses of shallow lagoon unsheltered to the trade winds. Learn more about Honeymoon Islands transfers in The Guide to Kitesurfing in Rarotonga, Aitutaki & the Cook Islands.

Ready to go? Plan your trip to Aitutaki using The Complete Travel Guide to Aitutaki.

Windsurfing in Rarotonga

When it comes to sailing and kite sports in Rarotonga, set your sights on the Muri Lagoon. Located on the southeast corner of the island, Muri benefits from the prevailing southeast trade winds that dominate between May and October.

While kitesurfing and winging are mostly enjoyed on the Muri Lagoon due to the rentals available, the windsurfing here is excellent for those who have their own gear. Plan your trip to Rarotonga using The Complete Travel Guide to Rarotonga.

Although windsurfing gear hire has been available on Rarotonga in the past, rentals are currently only available in Aitutaki.

Aitutaki Windsurfing Rental

Experience the thrill of windsurfing on Aitutaki's stunning lagoon with Tavai Inventure Tours, based at Ootu Beach. After a brief assessment of your skills, you're free to ride the waves to your heart's content.

Choose from a range of board sizes to match your ability, from beginner-friendly options to advanced boards for experienced windsurfers.

Sail sizes vary to suit different wind conditions and skill levels. Beginners can start with small, easy-to-handle sails, while intermediate riders can opt for balanced sails offering both performance and control.

For the pros, large sails are available for high-speed, advanced manoeuvres. Safety is paramount, with life jackets and thorough safety briefings provided with every rental.

Windsurfing is not the only way to harness the elements in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Because of the favourable kiting conditions of the lagoons, the Cook Islands is a hotspot for kiteboarding (kitesurfing), which we also have a full guide on in The Guide to Kitesurfing in Rarotonga, Aitutaki & the Cook Islands.

It is also possible to take wing (winging) lessons with South Pacific Kiteboarding in Aitutaki or with KiteSUP on Rarotonga. Alternatively, South Pacific Kiteboarding also offers three-hour kite foiling lessons, while Tavai Inventure Tours offers wind foiling hire.

For more watersports, check out the 10 Best Water Activities in Rarotonga & the Cook Islands.