The 15 Best Cook Islands Tours & Lagoon Cruises

1.Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,518 reviews · from $71Our pick

Join Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruizes at 11am for a four-hour trip across Muri Lagoon. You’ll see reef fish, giant clams, and perhaps Charlie the moray eel from a glass-bottom boat, then snorkel in the marine reserve before a fresh fish BBQ, pareu tying, coconut show, music, and island humor on Motu Koromiri.

“I was absolutely amazing, staff where unbelievable, so good , would 100% recommend this , the trip and food was amazing”

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2.Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 455 reviews · from $112

Ariki Adventures takes you from Takitumu into Rarotonga’s sheltered reef waters for a two-hour sea scooter safari. You receive a safety briefing, mask, snorkel, fins, and a scooter, then follow guides toward sea turtles and other marine life. Small groups, photo support, and a strong conservation focus make this a good choice for less confident swimmers.

“It was an unbelievable experience, would recommend this to everyone, staff was amazing, so helpful , in and out off the water”

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3.Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 345 reviews · from $111

Meet Moana Sea Scooters at YWAM Cook Islands for a 90-minute guided trip through the Avaavaroa passage. You’ll learn to use an eco-friendly sea scooter, swim near turtles, eagle rays, and fish, then receive high-resolution photos. Groups are kept to 4 to 6 people, with fruit and a coconut drink included.

“Absolutely unforgettable experience! Swimming with turtles and seeing eagle rays in the wild was beyond anything we could have imagined. From the moment we got into the water, it felt like a dream—graceful turtles gliding past us and eaRead more”

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4.4-Hour Rarotonga Going Troppo Nightlife Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 140 reviews · from $57

Join Raro Tours on Wednesday or Friday for a social night around Avarua. Guides such as Chocolate, Chip, Dominic, and driver Ice have helped create a friendly, well-run outing. You will visit three or four bars, receive a welcome drink and souvenir Ei tag, enjoy snacks, and return to your accommodation by bus.

“Mostly young adults on the bus. They were friendly but would of been better with others our age. We left after the second pub. The host was friendly & arranged a taxi for us.”

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5.‘Discover’ Rarotonga Cycling Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 129 reviews · from $76

This relaxed four-hour ride takes you through Arorangi’s back roads, gardens, villages, and mountain views. Guides such as Corrina, Karinna, Kathrin, Dave, and Uncle Jimmy share local stories and stop for fruit tastings and cultural demonstrations. You’ll finish with lunch and a swim at Rutaki Beach. Bikes, helmets, and hotel transfers are included.

“Cortina was absolutely delightful. So knowledgeable on the Cook Islands history and politics. We loved her botanical knowledge and getting to taste some delightful items. Some sweet, some tart, always interesting! Lunch at the Falafel Hut was great!”

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6.Cook Islands Turtle and Ray Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 105 reviews · from $91

Meet the Cook Islands Turtle Tours team at Tarani Beach Bungalows for a 90-minute snorkel with guaranteed turtle sightings. Guides such as Papa Turtle, Charlotte, Tex, Visha, and others help you in the water, while an award-winning photographer captures the action. Eagle rays may appear when conditions allow.

“I had an AMAZING time with Papa Turtle and Visha! They made sure I was kept safe the entire time from start to finish! I was lucky enough to see both the turtles and a squadron of eagle rays at the bottom of the sand bank! AND a very speciRead more”

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7.3-Hour Rarotonga Island Discovery Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 98 reviews · from $62

Spend about three and a half hours touring Rarotonga with a local guide such as Nat, stopping at Black Rock and Avana Point while passing gardens, churches, villages, and plantations. Return hotel transfers, refreshments, live commentary, and an air-conditioned vehicle are included. It is a useful first-day orientation, though some departures may feel more like a scenic drive than a series of long stops.

“This tour was incredible, so much knowledge and enthusiasm to share the local experience. Our tour guides were so welcoming and friendly, we really felt like part of the family.”

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8.‘Explore’ Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · from $93

Explore Rarotonga by bike with Corrina and the Storytellers Eco Cycle team. Ride quiet back roads, the Ancient Coral Road, villages, gardens, and beaches, with stops for local fruit, island stories, a swim, and a beachside lunch with a cocktail. The easy-paced tour runs about four to five hours and includes bikes, helmets, pickup, and lunch.

“A very informative guide with good local knowledge on plants , history of the island as well as good local knowledge. Easy ride to all points of interest. End of trip completed with a yummy lunch by the sea under coconut trees. Would highly recommend this experience.”

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9.Seat in Coach Transfer from Rarotonga Airport to Hotel

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 45 reviews · from $22Best value

Meet Cook Islands Tours after customs at Rarotonga Airport, where staff in orange shirts provide a flower ei, chilled water, and a cold face towel. Ride in an air-conditioned shared vehicle to your lodging, with local tips from drivers such as Mai and Bates. The trip takes about 5 to 55 minutes, depending on your hotel.

“Amazing service.. Thankyou for the laughs on way to club raro😊 Friendly greeting..flowers amazing smell..smiles all the way.”

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10.Premium Sea Scooter Lagoon Discovery

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $85

Meet Ariki Adventures near Flying Turtle Cafe for a two-hour guided lagoon trip with a hand-held sea scooter, mask, snorkel, and fins. Your guide shows you how to use the scooter, leads you to coral canyons and fish-feeding spots, then gives you time to explore independently. Basic swimming skills are required, and wetsuit hire costs extra.

“The sea scooters are sooo fun! This is a definite must for your trip. I loved that part where the tropical fish are fed and you get to drive the scooter through the group of fish. Just so amazing. Thank you for this great experience. I just wish that i had an under water camera to have captured the experience.”

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11.Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Shipwreck Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 15 reviews · from $96

Join Ariki Adventures from Avarua for a two-hour open-ocean safari using an eco-friendly sea scooter. You will visit a shipwreck resting 5 metres below the surface, then explore coral gardens beyond the reef, where turtles, puffer fish, reef sharks, and other marine life may appear. Basic swimming and solid snorkelling skills are required.

“The excursion was a wonderful experience. The crew were caring and friendly, and made sure that you were okay for the whole trip. The scooters were magical. The coral reefs were actually full of fish, and the wreck was magical to see especially after 100 years. Thank you.”

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12.Ei Making Classes in Rarotonga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $68

Meet Juanita and Tim at Tiare’s Cafe in Muri for a two-hour ei katu class in the garden. You’ll learn the traditional art of making a Cook Islands flower crown, with bubbly or a nonalcoholic drink included. This private class is a hands-on cultural activity for your own group.

“Loved this class! The tour company offers several other experiences including sip and paint. Highly recommend Juanita and her husband Tim who led the tour and wish you guys success as you grow your business!”

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13.A Turtle Tour on Rarotonga – small groups, premium experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 7 reviews · from $119

Join an experienced local guide for a 90-minute snorkel through Rarotonga’s Passage, a natural channel known for clear water, coral gardens, turtles, eagle rays, and reef fish. Premium equipment, small groups, and in-water assistance make this a strong choice for confident snorkellers and free divers.

“All turtle expeditions on the island are in the same area. This group limits the group to 10 people and is the best. The current is very strong and with a larger group I don't see how they ensure everyone sees the turtles and other sea life or how the get everyone back to shore,”

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14.A Cook Islands Turtle Tour – small groups, premium experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 7 reviews · from $119

Meet in Rarotonga for a 90-minute guided turtle swim limited to eight people. You get premium snorkel gear, reef shoes, flotation help, lifeguards, beach portraits, underwater photos, and an online gallery within four days. Turtles are guaranteed, with a refund offered if none are seen. Hotel transfers cost extra.

“Do not book with Papa Turtle - Hopess & unreliable. Many other great little companies. They also have a poor reputation in Raro”

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15.Cook Islands Family or Couple Photo Session

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 6 reviews

Meet in Rarotonga at 6:00 am for a private one-hour photo session with your partner or family. Charlotte handles communication, while Charlotte or Miri may photograph your group. You receive at least 50 edited images in a downloadable album, making this a practical keepsake from your Cook Islands stay.

“It was our honeymoon and I was going to take self photos around hotel and beach.”

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