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

Start at 11am at Muri Beach with drumming and a glass-bottom boat ride into the marine reserve. Snorkel among fish, giant clams, and Charlie the moray eel, then enjoy a fresh fish barbecue on Motu Koromiri, island music, coconut demonstrations, and pareu tying. Gear is provided, and hotel transfers cost extra.

“Very entertaining day on the reef with great snorkeling food and entertainment would recommend this tour.”

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2.Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 491 reviews · from $49

At Snorkel Cook Islands in Avaavaroa Passage, Big T, Captain T, Josh, and the water-safety team guide you from the beach into clear reef water where turtles, rays, and tropical fish gather. The two-hour trip includes premium gear, a shallow-water check, local fruit, showers, storage, parking, and possible photos. Strong currents can affect the outing.

“Incredible tour! We saw loads of turtles and eagle rays. It was a truly magical experience. What a great tour company :)”

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3.Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

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

At Ariki Adventures in Rarotonga, you’ll learn to use an eco-friendly sea scooter, then snorkel toward the reef in search of two native turtle species. Gear, guides, safety support, and return to the meeting point are included. The two-hour trip suits nature lovers and less-confident swimmers, though groups can feel busy in the water.

“We felt very safe and enjoyed our family day. Viewing the turtles off the beach of Rarotonga with the sea scooters was memorable. We will treasure the excellent photos.”

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4.Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga

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

Meet Dan and the Moana Sea Scooters team at YWAM Cook Islands for a 90-minute guided outing in the Avaavaroa passage. You will learn to use an eco-friendly sea scooter, swim near turtles, eagle rays, and fish, then receive high-resolution photos, fresh fruit, and coconut drink. Groups stay small at 4 to 6 people.

“Experience was fantastic, a bucket list item for us. Dan & his team were very helpful and made us feel safe. The sea scooters were easy to use & made it effortless to glide around to enjoy the turtles. Photos that we received at the end were excellent. Small group is definitely the best way to see the turtles. Thoroughly would recommend this tour.”

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5.Private Rarotonga Turtle Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 188 reviews

Meet Snorkel Cook Islands at Avaavaroa Passage for a roughly two-hour guided beach-entry snorkeling trip. Your guides provide gear, safety instruction, and close support in the water, with turtles, rays, and tropical fish the main draw. A local fruit spread follows, and photos are taken when conditions and safety allow.

“This was the highlight of my holiday. Swimming with turtles, why wouldn't you. Our guide was awesome, very informative and him and his crew made me feel safe in the water. Highly recommend Snorkel Cook Islands. The experience itself in 2 words magically majestical”

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6.4-Hour Rarotonga Going Troppo Nightlife Tour

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

Join Going Troppo for a four-to-six-hour night around Avarua, with pickup, a custom party bus, three or four bars, a welcome beer or cocktail, snacks, and return transport. Guides such as Chocolate, Chip, Dominic, and driver Ice have been praised for keeping the group together and safe. The tour runs Wednesday and Friday nights for ages 18 and over.

“Lots of laughing and dancing. You can drink as little or as much as you like. We had people of all ages on our bus; from 20s to 80s. Tasty snacks at the second pub. Make sure you take a group photo.”

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7.‘Discover’ Rarotonga Cycling Tour with Lunch

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

Ride 8 to 12 km through Arorangi’s quiet lanes with guides such as Corrina and Karinna. Stop for local fruit, island stories, and hands-on moments such as husking a coconut, then enjoy lunch and a swim at Rutaki Beach. Bikes, helmets, hotel transfers, and lunch are included.

“Karinna is a great storyteller . She made it into a fun interactive bike ride following the backroads of Raro. We had the opportunity to husk a coconut then eat it , try some breadfruit , learn about local customs . The ride finished with a wonderful homemade lunch on a glorious sparking sandy beach . Also the bikes were excellent . Highly recommend”

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8.3-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 or Chicko. Ride through back roads, plantations, villages, limestone churches, and historic sites, then stop at Black Rock and Avana Point’s Garden of the Seven Canoes. Hotel transfers, refreshments, commentary, and air-conditioned transport are included.

“An absolutely amazing experience. Our guide was humorous and made the outing extremely enjoyable and memorable. We learnt about the cultural significance of different sites. There were only four of us in a well conditioned mini van. We were provided with a light lunch and delivered safe and sound back to our accommodation. Highest rating deserved”

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

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 66 reviews · from $93

Ride with Corrina and the Storytellers Eco Cycle team through Arorangi and Titikaveka, using quiet roads, village lanes, and the Ancient Coral Road. You’ll stop for local history, plants, fruit, beaches, and gardens, then finish with lunch and a cocktail by the sea. The pace is gentle, but bring water and swimwear.

“Learning about the history of the island and tasting the various fruits that are growing naturally. Also, the biking was at a good pace and not too strenuous.”

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10.Private Turtle and Ray Tour Rarotonga

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 41 reviews · from $179

Meet in Takitumu District for a private turtle and ray swim led with close attention to water safety. Your group receives snorkelling gear, optional flower crowns, and about 30 Canon ambassador photographs, including underwater and beach shots. Turtle sightings are guaranteed, but timing depends on tides.

“I recommend booking direct with the operators. Booked through viator and the times offered were not correct due to this being dependent on the tides. Now trying to contact someone for a refund.”

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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 sea scooter trip to a shipwreck resting 5 meters below the surface. You’ll use a scooter, mask, snorkel, and fins while guides explain the reef, marine life, and conservation work. Basic swimming skills and snorkeling experience 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 flower-crown class. In the garden, you’ll learn traditional weaving while enjoying bubbly or a nonalcoholic drink, then make your own crown to take with you. It’s a private activity for your group, with no transport provided.

“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 local guides for 90 minutes at Rarotonga’s Passage, a natural channel known for healthy coral, turtles, eagle rays, and reef fish. Premium snorkel gear, in-water help, and a small-group setup make this a strong choice if you want close guidance rather than a crowded boat outing. Bring confidence in the water and expect a strong current.

“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 Papa Turtle’s team in Rarotonga for a 90-minute guided swim at a favored turtle area. Your small group, limited to eight, gets premium snorkel gear, lifeguard support, beach portraits, and underwater photographs. Non-swimmers can use flotation equipment or a paddle board. Photos arrive by email within four days.

“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 family or couple photo session with Charlotte or Miri. You receive at least 50 edited photographs in a downloadable album, making this a practical way to preserve honeymoon or holiday memories without asking strangers to take your picture.

“We booked a photoshoot to have for our honeymoon memories! Charlotte and Miri were both exceptional, both with communication and with the final product. It was so lovely to spend time with the locals and just as lovely to see the final products. Absolutely must do for memories of the most special island!”

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