If there is anything you are interested in, click on any of the above and you will go directly to the information. If you would like further information, please see our "A-Z Rarotonga Info Guide" for more details.
The waters off Rarotonga are ideal for game fishing with a steep drop off only minutes from the reef. This enables you to start fishing as soon as you leave port. Charter fishing trips in Rarotonga are excellent value when compared to other South Pacific destinations namely Tahiti, Fiji and Hawaii.
You do not have to be a serious or experienced angler to have fun out on the water. You can share a charter or have your own private experience.
There are many reputable charter fishing trips now available and most depart from Avatiu Wharf. They offer a variety of options from two-hour trips to standard half-day, privvate charters and now "Whatever Fishing" offering local style fishing for as long as you want, whatever you want.
Half day trips range from $70 - $200 per person for 4-5 hours on a shared charter basis. At Experience Rarotonga we know the charter fishing trips well, so please ask us?
For the enthusiast, here is a guide to what you can expect to catch and when!
July-March: Tuna (Yellowfin & Skipjack)
June-October: Wahoo (Paara)
November-April: Marlin
September-March: Mai Mai
Tips
It pays to ask if lunch and/or drinks are provided and also "who keeps the catch?" - as often the catch stays with the boat.
Explore the spectacular underwater world in the waters around Rarotonga. Each side of the island has something different to offer. There are four launch sites around Rarotonga so generally there is a sheltered spot to dive.
If you have never dived before then this is an ideal environment to start, all dive companies have qualified instructors. You may choose to sit your certified dive course while in Rarotonga or take your diving to the next level.
We boast a wide variety of marine life with over 70 species of fish including Lion fish, Angel fish, Rays, Puffer fish, Trumpet fish, Moray Eels, Reef sharks, turtles, Maori Wrasse, Anemone fish, Butterfly fish and more.
In July through to October we are lucky to have the graceful Hump Back Whale cruising the waters around Rarotonga as they rest with their calves on their migration back to the colder southern waters.
Water temperatures in these waters are certain to make a pleasant diving experience, with temperatures ranging between 23° C to 29° C. In addition Rarotonga boasts visibility upwards of 20m!
Feel like exploring the waters of the South Pacific after dark? The dive companies are now offering night dives. Watch the sun go down and enjoy a special diving experience. If you want even more of a thrill, extreme dives are also a possibility - just ask around.
There are four dive operators in Rarotonga.
Cook Island Divers
Dive Rarotonga*
Pacific Divers*
The Dive Centre - The Big Fish*
* Man their boats
Paradise Sailing offers 3 hour sailing trips include snorkelling outside reef. Drinks and food included. Booking is required. This trip runs Mon-Sat 1pm-4pm, weather permitting and the cost is NZ$75.00 for an adult and NZ$35.00 per child. You can phone Alberto on 682 21096
Muri Beach is home to the Sailing Club where you can hire small sail boats...Saturday's are generally race day, come along and join in the fun.
If there is a "must do" water activity while you are visiting Rarotonga, it has to be snorkelling. If you have never done it before, this certainly is the place to start! The sheltered waters of the lagoon, warm waters year round, great visibility and a plethora of marine life provide the ideal environment to learn. If you are after a more adventurous snorkelling experience, local guides will only be too happy to give you the opportunity to explore outside the reef. Or you may choose a night snorkel?
Rarotonga’s lagoon is great for snorkelling and there are many other excellent spots dotted around the island.
Some of the best snorkelling experiences are around The Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa, the well known Fruits of Rarotonga at Tikioki to Muri Lagoon around the Motus and Kavera on the Western side of Rarotonga.
Ra'ui, areas that have been designated as Marine Protected are scattered around the island.
Snorkelling trips
While it is easy for you to snorkel on your own, there are a couple of snorkelling trips on offer.
The Pacific Resort has a lagoon cruise and so does Captain Tama’s (at The Sailing Club) and are both located at Muri Beach. Both offer snorkelling gear and a barbeque lunch as part of the package, lunch is optional.
Reef to See Snorkel Adventures
Offer surface snorkelling or skindiving outside the reef.
So don’t forget to pack your snorkel and mask, flippers are not really required. If you do not have any and do not want to buy your own, snorkelling gear can be rented at a couple of places around the island.
The lagoon off Muri Beach is a perfect place to indulge in all these activities. The beach hut at the Pacific Resort and Captain Tama's Aquasportz Centre has kayaks, windsurfers and sailing boats to hire. They are located in the heart of Muri Beach. Tuition is also available for those of you are new to these activities.
Kitesurfing is becoming a popular water sport. You will need to bring your own. This also goes for windsurfing if you are more experienced and fussy about your equipment.