Lonely Planet™ · Thorn Tree Forum · 2020 |

# Aitutaki Lagoon Tours Country forums / Pacific Islands & Papua New Guinea / Cook Islands
mojowp 17:57 UTC 06 Mar 2012 | I have seen much older post on this topic and would more recent information. I am planning on being on Aitutaki at the end of July. I really wanted to take a lagoon tour with as many islands and as much snorkeling as possible with a smaller group (not the 40+ groups that I have been reading about). Any recommendations? I was also wondering if there are any locals that we could arrange a trip with when we get there. We aren't so interested in the big barbeque (hubby seriously allergic to fish and sea food) and dealing with big groups I know wastes a lot of time organizing to get loaded, in and out of the water, eating, paying, and so on. Thanks for any help or guidance on this matter. |
h2ooh 20:01 UTC 06 Mar 2012 | Finding a tour without a lunch stop may be difficult and possibly more expensive than a tour with lunch. The places that most of the tours stop for lunch will probably provide some snorkeling time for you if you choose to skip the meal. I've been on quite a few of the lagoon tours. We found the glass-bottom boat guy a good choice for us. He has small groups of 4-8 people and often picks up the fish for shore lunch from a fisherman during the cruise, so he may not charge as much without lunch included. I'd check with Matriki Beach Huts or your host for more information on cruises. If you want to spend a lot of time in the water you'll find good beach snorkeling near the marine preserve on the north end of the main island. Just take the road that goes up around the airport at the NW end and park your scooter on the beach at (GPS or Google Map or Google World coordinates: 18 49' 35.2" S & 159 46' 34.21" W). Then explore the area from that point to the west and north. If you venture out near the outside reef be careful when near the channel NW of the research station. It can have a pretty good current on the outgoing tide. You can also rent some kayaks over by Samades and paddle south toward Akiama and the string of Motu to the south. If you get far enough south you should find some pretty good water for snorkeling. Enjoy... Aitutaki is a very nice spot, no matter what you do there. | 1
lagoon 23:27 UTC 06 Mar 2012 | I know a local who may be available to take you out (depending on his day job) - but worth a try since you are keen on a private charter that takes you where you want to go without scheduled stops for other passengers or meeting up with others on the lagoon. Send me a PM if you want contact details. Lunch isn't included anyway, just the cost of fuel and charter time. Bring your own snacks, and drinking water. The boat is a modern cabin cruiser, with a cheerful and knowledgeable skipper. | 2
dgiffard 11:18 UTC 21 Apr 2012 | Hi Just back from a week in Aitutaki, we did a lagoon cruise with Aitutaki Adventures, maybe it was a quite day but only seven on the entire boat. Included two lengthy snorkeling sessions, visit to honeymoon island and one foot island plus a nice lunch with a variety of food. I would certainly recommend them, however if you are keen on more snorkelling a private trip maybe the way to go. Fantastic place, enjoy your stay Edited by: dgiffard | 3