Boat travel in the Cook Islands

Hi everyone,

I'm heading to the Cooks in mid-November with a good friend. We would really like to visit the islands of Aitaku and Atui while we are there, but the flights are insanely expensive, about $600 for the round trip.

Having traveled in Asia a lot, I wonder if there are local boats between islands much like in Cambodia or Thailand. A friend who has been to the Cook Islands told me it is easy to charter a boat when you are there to get to the other islands, but is it too far for small boats which is why everyone flies?

If anyone has been to the Cook Islands recently and knows if there is anyway to get boats between islands rather than fly I would really appreciate any info!!

Thanks very much,
TravellingHelga

Air Rarotonga is the only game in the Cooks if you don't have a LOT of time... like at least a month. The the Cook Islands are just too spread out and sparsely populated for small boat transportation.

Expensive ? yes

Worth it? yes

Tamanu Beach Resort on Aitutaki sometimes has packages that include air fare between Rarotonga and Aitutaki. You might check their web site http://www.tamanubeach.com/

H2ooh is correct. There currently are no boats other than container ships that go between the islands. They do take passengers but you have to be very flexible if you travel with them.

You can purchase a round trip fare with accommodation from Island Hopper Vacations or book through Air Rarotonga travel centre. Prices start out at $799.00 per person (last minute availability) with 2 nights Atiu (Atiu Villas) and 2 nights Aitutaki (Tamanu Beach).

The small inter-island freight ships aren't really an option because they don't depart Rarotonga on time, and they don't go from Atiu to Aitutaki directly.

There are yachts based on Rarotonga, but the costs to charter one with a skipper will be considerably more expensive than flying.

Mid November travel you will likely be competing for seats to Aitutaki with some of the paddlers arriving Rarotonga for the annual paddling races. But keep checking Air Raro in case something cheaper than normal arises.