Rarotonga Activities

The island of Rarotonga typifies the traveller's expectation of a tropical island paradise, with sandy beaches, warm turquoise-coloured lagoon, palm trees along the coastline, a lush tropical rainforest interior, and a vibrant Polynesian culture with friendly people.  The lifestyle here is laid-back and focusses on relaxation, romance and beach vacations. There are no casinos, shopping malls and fast freeways so if that is what you are seeking then Rarotonga is not what you need. Below are the kinds of activities one can expect when vacationing on this South Seas island paradise.

Rarotonga Scuba Diving

Excellent dive trips are available for those wishing to explore the Rarotonga reefs. The island is volcanic in origin and the drop-offs on the outer reef go from 100 feet to 12000 feet. Divers here say that the diving is one of the best-kept secrets in the world and offers spectacular drop-offs, swim-throughs, wrecks and caves. There are also good sites for novice divers. Your resort will be able to advise you on diving activities. There are a few independent dive operators who provide exciting dive adventures to guests at the different resorts, villas and motels.  These include 'The Dive Centre - the Big Fish', a 5-star PADI facility. They are located on the south-west side of the island near the Aroa Beach and Marine Reserve and experienced professionals Sabine and Sascha are there to show you the best that Rarotonga has to offer. There is excellent snorkelling at this spot also!

Rarotonga Kayaking

The island of Rarotonga is enclosed by a beautiful lagoon and coastal beach at almost every spot. This gives easy access to kayaking excursions, where visitors can paddle along in the clear warm water and look down on a myriad of fish and corals below. Most resorts, motels and villa properties have on-site kayaks for guest use.

Fishing in the waters off Rarotonga

Like most South Pacific island nations, the bounties of the ocean are revered for their supplies of fresh fish and seafood. The local islanders are very familiar indeed with the best fishing locations and how to catch the different species. Deep-sea fishing and sport fishing trips are available and a local, internationally-affiliated Fishing Association welcomes visiting anglers! (Phone +682 21419).  Fish include wahoo, sailfish, marlin, skipjack and yellowfin tuna, barracuda, hump head maori wrasse and dolphin fish and boats can usually handle 4-6 lines.  Between July and October, there's even the bonus chance of sighting migrating humpback whales as they pass by Rarotonga on their journey north from Antartica.