Snorkelling infront of accommodation

We are trying to find a lovely reasonably-priced place to stay in Rarotonga and Aitutaki where we can swim and snorkel right infront of our accommodation.
Any highly recommended experiences under $250 per night ?
Anyone stayed at:
Muri Beach Resort
Muri Beach Hideaway
Makayla Palms
Kotaa Villas

Thanks so much.

I haven't actually stayed in any of the places you mention, but live at Muri. The snorkelling at Muri is pretty non-existent. By all means, you can put a snorkel on and wallow about, but you won't see very much, unfortunately;-) Better snorkelling is a little further around, at Titikaveka, or further again, near the Rarotongan resort.

Hi Jeanie
Thanks for responding so quickly. Could you tell me what accommodation is around the Rarotongan? Also, apparently Makayla Palms is at Titikaveka. Do you know it?
Thanks

Try looking at the Moana Sands. The best snorkling in Raro outside the door

Cheers
Ian

I haven't noticed Makayla Palms, but it may be that the name has recently changed - or that I am very unobservant! There are new places popping up here on a daily basis. It may seem strange, but I don't really take much notice of the rental properties on an individual basis - which even seems strange to me, when I actually think about it! ;-) I'll have a look tomorrow, when I am driving around!

You may be interested in this site Cook Islands website There are maps on the links to the different accomodation categories which may help you to see which properties will suit your needs.

Moana Sands is in a great spot as Ian says. I'm not sure on their prices, though. The Pawpaw Patch, right next door is a good restaurant, too..

Makayla Palms is in the perfect spot for snorkeling. We stay at Maeva which shares the same piece of land. Makayla is only a year old. The area around Palm Grove is also excellent.

Thanks again Jeanie. I look forward to your "investigation" results.
Ian, Moana Sands is more than we would spend, unfortunately...but thanks for the suggestion.
Donna, could you tell me how nice the setting and property is of Makayla Palms? I would also appreciate it if you could give me (you may want to PM me) details about Maeva. Checked Palm Grove, but it's also expensive.
Amazing isn't it, but in Oz I would never consider staying in $200+ accommodation and in the Cooks unless you pay more the accommodation is "only average".

The best single spot for snorkeling on Rarotonga is between Ta'akoka islet and the barrier reef, on the south end of Muri Beach. From there all the way to Moana Sands is very good.

Raro, would you mind giving me some suggestions. Thanks a lot.

The best snorkeling on Muri Beach would be directly across from the Muri Beach Resort (formerly the Shangri-La) along the far side of the motu. It's not as good as in front of the "Fruits of Rarotonga" concession. The accommodations at the resort are very nice - with A/C! Quite nice.

We stayed at the Muri Beach Hideaway. We loved it. If you can get the absolute beachfront unit, the ambience of the place is awesome. Just gorgeous. We placed photos of the trip, with emphasis on the places in which we stayed, on the "Webshots" site. Just "PM" me, if you'd like to see them.

Regardless of where you stay, you're never far from the things you might want to do. The island isn't that big!

Best regards,
Mark

Pollies---Check out my snorkeling tips for Rarotonga and Aitutaki on the fixed FAQ post at the beginning of this branch. Have fun!

Pollies, sorry, I still haven't driven around that side of the island! I keep meaning to, and then forget. As soon as I do, I'll get back to you with my opinion.

Letterdude I'd love to see your photos so will PM you. Raro thanks for that. I've printed out your info.
Jeanie, thank you for going to the trouble. You are very generous.
It's really wonderful and greatly appreciated to get the suggestions and advice from so many people.
Anyone stayed at Main Islander?

I'm now also trying to find a lovely beach bungalow in Aitutaki.
A couple of suggestions are :
Seaside Lodges
Paparei Bungalows
Sunny beach Lodge
Any comments?

I finally managed to have a look at Makayla Palms! It looks lovely. Great spot and right on the beach, close to good snorkelling. I actually knew exactly where it was, but didn't know the name (I must drive around with my eyes shut!). If you'd said "that new place, just down the road from where N used to live, across from Titikaveka school" I would have known exactly which property you were talking about!! ;-) In all seriousness, it looks really nice, so if you can get it for a good price, it would be perfect for you.

Good luck with your plans!

Thanks a lot Jeanie. You'll soon be able to set yourself up as an independent "travel agent".