Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga
Recommended by 94% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Overview
Discover the incredible underwater world of Rarotonga on this snorkeling adventure. Look out for the majestic sea turtles and other sea life in the blue water. Swim with tropical sea life and among vibrant coral - great for capturing with your underwater camera. Benefit from the guidance of your knowledgeable guide, to find some of the best snorkeling spots.
- All snorkeling equipment is provided so you’ll be ready to dive in
- Enjoy a shower after your snorkel
- A guided snorkel trip with water safety professionals
- Sit back with a seasonal local fruit refreshments, included
What's Included
- Premium snorkeling gear for your comfort and safety
- 100% Safety record
- SnacksEnergizing local fruits to keep you fueled up
- Convenient shower facilities for after your adventure
- Ample parking for your convenience
- Secure storage for your valuables
- Photographs are taken on all tours but not guaranteed as your safety is our priority
- Transportation
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Snorkel Cook IslandsAvaavaroa Passage, Takitumu District, Cook Islands
We're right on the beach at Avaavaroa passage. Find us up on Google Maps under Snorkel Cook Islands. We're conveniently on the main road bus route. We do not offer direct transfers but upon booking you will be emailed all details of how to find us
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.What To Expect
1
Rarotonga
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Near public transportation
- No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
- Most travelers can participate
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 40 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Rasha_A
We had an incredible experience with Snorkel Rarotonga and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. Josh is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and from the moment we arrived, they made us feel safe and well looked after, especially as a less confident swimmer.
Throughout the tour, Josh shared information about the lagoon and its marine life, which made the experience both educational and engaging. He took the time to speak with everyone individually, creating a genuinely personalised experience. The snorkelling itself was relaxed and unhurried; we were able to explore at our own pace and stay in the water until we felt ready to finish.
We saw turtles, giant clams, vibrant coral and colourful fish! It was also lovely to see that this is a family-run business, with Josh’s partner and daughter out on the water as well. Their warmth and hospitality really stood out.
As an added bonus, Josh and his partner took underwater photos of each of us at no extra cost and uploaded them to their website for easy download, such a thoughtful and generous touch. The experience finished with a beautiful fruit platter, which perfectly wrapped up the whole experience.
Reviews
4.8
based on 540 reviews
Evert_v, Apr 2026
If you go on any turtle tour this is the one to go on. Josh and his team are so friendly, professional and really take time to make sure everyone in the group is catered for. They know their stuff
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thanks so much 😊 Really appreciate that. Josh and the crew will be stoked to hear it. Glad you felt looked after out there that’s what it’s all about.
Thanks again for coming out with us 🐢
Nicky_M, Apr 2026
The crew are all amazing, the experience is an absolute must on your holiday agenda!!!!
The experience of swimming around the beautiful graceful turtles is heavenly.
I felt very safe with the staff!!!
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you for the lovely feedback 😊 We’re really glad you felt safe and well supported out there that’s something we take seriously. And we agree, there’s nothing quite like being in the water with the turtles.
Appreciate the recommendation and hope to see you again sometime 🐢
Christine_P, Apr 2026
Swimming with the turtles under the stewardship of this local team was nothing short of magical. My husband and I took our daughters (11 and 14), and it’s an experience we will all remember.
The water was so warm and crystal clear, making it feel like we were swimming in an aquarium. We were incredibly lucky to encounter a critically endangered Hawksbill turtle, along with many other turtles and a stunning array of fish - truly breathtaking.
The team was incredibly accommodating, kindly rescheduling our tour when our youngest was unwell, and communication throughout was seamless. From the moment we arrived, it was clear how deeply they care for the marine environment. We especially appreciated learning about the impact of fuel on coral - it added real depth and meaning to the experience.
Our youngest was initially a little hesitant, but Charlotte’s kindness and patience made all the difference. She gently guided her through the water, ensuring she felt safe and didn’t miss out, something we’ll always be grateful for.
A truly special, thoughtful and beautifully run experience. We couldn’t recommend this team more highly.
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for this, really appreciate you taking the time to share it, We’re so glad you all had such a special experience and how lucky spotting a Hawksbill too!
It means a lot to hear the little things stood out, especially around caring for the ocean. And we’ll definitely pass your kind words on to Charlotte, she’ll love that. So glad your youngest got to enjoy it in the end as well 🐢
Clinton_H, Apr 2026
Such an incredible experience. I'm not confident in the ocean but I felt incredibly safe and cared for all the way. Josh and his wife have years of experience and truly care about the environment. It was so surreal seeing these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. The fish and coral were amazing. Loved the whole thing
Response from Host, Apr 2026
Thank you so much for sharing this, Clinton 💙🌊 It means a lot to hear that you felt safe and supported throughout your time with us, especially if the ocean isn’t usually your comfort zone. Josh and the team truly care about creating that kind of experience, so your words will mean a lot.
We’re so glad you got to enjoy those special moments with the turtles, fish, and coral 🐢
mistymorehu, Mar 2026
Our whanau loved it, memories to cherish for ourselves. I loved the kōrero being rich with conservation and keeping the reef safe while still being enjoyed. The guides were knowledgeable and experienced. Meitaki maata!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re delighted your whanau had a memorable experience and enjoyed the kōrero about conservation and protecting the reef. 🌊🤿
Our guides love sharing their knowledge, and it’s wonderful to hear it made your adventure special. Meitaki maata! ☀️
wendy_b, Mar 2026
Wow! We have scuba dived and snorkled so many places and we have never had an experience like this! So many beautiful turtles! It was so perfect!! We had a great safety talk prior and then headed out the short little walk/swim to the turtles who were free to come and go as they pleased. So many turtles!! It was fantastic!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much, Wendy!
We’re so glad you had such a special experience and got to see so many turtles up close. 🐢 It’s wonderful to hear that the safety talk and our approach to letting the turtles move freely made your adventure memorable!
LaurieR, Feb 2026
It was fantastic .. a15/10 experience!
Lots of turtles, an experienced photographer and knowledgeable guides and all about preserving the sea life and ocean ecology
So much fun!!!
Couldn’t ask for anything more!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much Laurie! We’re happy you had such an incredible experience and got to enjoy the turtles, our wonderful guides, and the underwater photos. 🐢
It’s great to hear you value our efforts to protect the ocean and its wildlife!
Rasha_A, Feb 2026
We had an incredible experience with Snorkel Rarotonga and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. Josh is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and from the moment we arrived, they made us feel safe and well looked after, especially as a less confident swimmer.
Throughout the tour, Josh shared information about the lagoon and its marine life, which made the experience both educational and engaging. He took the time to speak with everyone individually, creating a genuinely personalised experience. The snorkelling itself was relaxed and unhurried; we were able to explore at our own pace and stay in the water until we felt ready to finish.
We saw turtles, giant clams, vibrant coral and colourful fish! It was also lovely to see that this is a family-run business, with Josh’s partner and daughter out on the water as well. Their warmth and hospitality really stood out.
As an added bonus, Josh and his partner took underwater photos of each of us at no extra cost and uploaded them to their website for easy download, such a thoughtful and generous touch. The experience finished with a beautiful fruit platter, which perfectly wrapped up the whole experience.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much Rasha! 🌊🤿 We’re thrilled you had an incredible experience with Josh and family. 🐢 It’s wonderful to hear you enjoyed the personalised guidance, exploring the lagoon at your own pace, and seeing turtles, giant clams, and vibrant marine life.
We’re glad the underwater photos and fruit platter added a special touch. We’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable snorkelling adventure soon! 🌴
Sven_L, Jan 2026
Perfect and absolutly amazing Animals in their natural environment with nice Guides.
Must do in Rarotonga!!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you for your kind words! 🤿 We’re thrilled you loved observing the marine life in its natural habitat and that our guides made the experience enjoyable.
It means a lot to hear you’d recommend this adventure in Rarotonga! 🌊
Tegwen_D, Dec 2025
Great tour with a team that really care for the ocean and environment.
Wonderful day out with lots of marine wildlife to be seen.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the day! Thank you for sharing your experience, it’s wonderful to hear our team’s care for the ocean and environment made your tour special. 🐢
Christine_M, Nov 2025
This will be an experience you will never forget. Was absolutely amazing. Our tour guide was incredible. very respectful of the turtles and the land.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We really appreciate your kind words! 🤿 🐢 Knowing you enjoyed the respect shown to the turtles and land, as well as the guidance from our team, makes us so happy. Hope to see you on your next snorkel trip!
Francine_T, Oct 2025
For a not so confident rip swimmer Captain T helped my fear by guiding me out through the water allowing me to experience swimming with the 🐢 seeing the stingrays and enjoying the experience.
Felt very safe with the lifeguard team watching out.
Definitely recommend Snorkel Cook Islands
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much, Francine! We’re so glad Captain T was able to help you feel comfortable and supported out in the water. It’s such a special thing to push past that fear and still get to experience the turtles and stingrays, we’re really happy you got to enjoy it safely. We hope to see you again on your next ocean adventure! 🤿🐢
brjones28, Sept 2025
Absolutely do this tour! Fabulous company with super friendly and professional guides. This is the cheapest company that take you to see the exact same turtles as any other more expensive company. You get plenty of time in the water and feel in safe hands. The current entering & exiting the turtle area is quite strong but there are many lifeguards keeping a close eye on you and helping you throughout. Lots of active turtles - Would definitely do this tour again!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thanks for the wonderful words! We’re delighted you felt safe, supported, and able to fully enjoy the active turtles. The currents can be tricky, so it’s wonderful the team’s attention made the experience relaxing and fun.
We’d be excited to guide you on your next Rarotonga snorkel trip! 🌊
Cheryl_M, Aug 2025
Awesome guides who helped us to see turtles and reassured us all the way...can't wait to see our photos
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Cheryl! 🐢 We’re so glad our guides helped make your snorkel safe, fun, and full of turtle encounters 🌊. Hope you can relive those moments with your photos!
Destinee_W, Aug 2025
We enjoyed our tour very much! There were so many turtles to swim with and eagle rays to see, the experience was like no other!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re delighted you had such an incredible time, Destine! 🐠 Swimming with the turtles and eagle rays is always magical 🌊, and the team loved ensuring everyone had a safe and fun adventure.
Hope your next Raro snorkel adventure is just as special! 🐢
D_P, Jul 2025
The overall experience was great thanks to the amazing team on the day—they were helpful, knowledgeable, and made the turtle tour itself really enjoyable.
However, the admin side of things was a letdown. I booked the tour 3 months in advance and received no communication at all until I went in person the day before, only to find out my booking had been cancelled due to a public holiday (and the following week was also unavailable). The booking was non-refundable, which made the lack of notice even more frustrating.
Fortunately, the on-site team managed to squeeze me into that day’s tour, and I’m really grateful for that. Without the admin mishap, this would’ve been a 5-star experience.
Also, I still haven’t received the photos from the bundle I paid for—it’s now day 6 with no updates or follow-up.
Great staff, poor communication.
Karen_H, Jun 2025
We saw lots of turtles on this tour, the only disappointment was there were too many people on the tour. Would have been a better experience with a smaller group. Guys were great, safety was a priority.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Karen! 🐢 We’re glad you enjoyed seeing so many turtles and felt safe with the team 🌊. We appreciate your feedback about the group size and will keep it in mind to make future tours even better 🐠.
Richard_H, Jun 2025
Sadly our turtle encounter didn't happen as it was too rough but have to recommend this operator for his safety first attitude and has organized a refund for us as the weather persisted for several days
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for your kind words 🙏🐢
We’re really sorry the conditions didn’t allow for the turtle encounter, but safety will always come first. We truly appreciate your understanding and hope to welcome you back in calmer seas soon 🌊😊
Lisa, Jun 2025
We had an incredible experience with Snorkelling Cook Islands in Rarotonga! Josh and his team made us feel completely at ease from start to finish. The full safety brief was clear and thorough — from checking all the equipment was properly fitted and functional on the beach, to making sure we were comfortable in shallow water first.
As someone who’s 55 and not particularly fit, I was nervous I might overestimate myself and struggle in the water, but Josh addressed all those worries. He explained we’d do a shallow water test first and, if we weren’t comfortable, we’d get a full refund — a policy I really appreciate for peace of mind.
There were plenty of guides in the water alongside us, offering help and support, and we were encouraged to raise a hand if we got tired or unsure at any point. The team made sure everyone felt comfortable and supported.
The route through the passage was carefully explained beforehand, and we were told exactly what to do if we needed help or fell behind. The current was strong on the return trip and I briefly lost my footing, but strong hands were there immediately to steady me and get me back safely.
The highlight, of course, was the breathtaking view beneath us — majestic turtles gliding effortlessly through the water alongside a rich array of colorful marine life. The reef was teeming with tropical fish, and we were able to appreciate their vibrant world up close in a way we’d never experienced before.
This tour is a perfect blend of professionalism, care, and pure magic under the water. Highly recommended — a wonderful experience from start to finish!
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much for sharing your experience, Lisa 🌊🐢
It’s wonderful to hear that our team’s focus on safety, support, and guidance helped you feel confident in the water. Seeing the turtles and vibrant marine life up close is always a highlight, and we’re so happy it became such a special memory for you. Your recommendation truly means the world to us!
We hope to tour you again soon!
leilah_H, Jun 2025
Incredible tour! We saw loads of turtles and eagle rays. It was a truly magical experience. What a great tour company :)
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you, Leilah 🐢🌊 We’re so happy you had a magical time spotting turtles and eagle rays.
Your support and kind words about our team mean the world, we’d love to see you back for another adventure!
Vicki_B, May 2025
Excellent activity. Saw lots of turtles and Angel rays.
Friendly staff that were very safety conscious.
Would highly recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
So glad you had an amazing experience Vicki 🐢🌊
It’s fantastic that you got to see so many turtles and angel rays, and that our team’s friendly guidance helped make the tour safe and enjoyable.
Thanks for recommending us!
Leann_T, May 2025
The crew was very good. Some people were having problems with the current. It can be to much for people that aren't strong swimmers. For me I got to see a turtle, sting rays and lots of fish, that was my goal. I am sorry for my friends that had troubles.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
We’re glad you got to see turtles, stingrays, and lots of fish, those wonderful moments are what we love creating! We understand the currents can be challenging for less confident swimmers, and our team always aims to support everyone as best as possible.
Thank you for sharing your experience, Leann 🐢
Lisa_T, Mar 2025
OMG amazing, professional guides, knowledgeable, friendliest people. Loved it and to top it all off, lots of Turtles, I was so excited.
Response from Host, Mar 2026
Thank you so much, Lisa! 🌞🐢 We love hearing that the team’s energy, professionalism, and turtle encounters made your trip so special. Moments like these are exactly why we do what we do.
We can’t wait to have you back for more underwater adventures!
Chris_C, Mar 2025
Totally the best experience! The tour guide and team were exceptional and very knowledgeable. My husband and I were gifted the tickets and we were very thankful but we would definitely recommend the tour. Might even go back again before we leave. Two thumbs up! 👍 👍
Response from Host, Mar 2025
So glad you had an amazing time! 😊 Our team loved having you both on the tour!
What a wonderful gift to receive! 🎁 Thank you for your kind words and recommendation—it truly means a lot.
We’d love to have you join us again before you leave! Hope to see you back in the water soon! 🐢💙
Joanne_W, Mar 2025
Wonderful time. Plenty of turtles to see and the guides were fabulous. Looked after my husband when he was struggling. Thank you everyone.
Response from Host, Mar 2025
Thank you for your lovely review! 😊 We're so happy you had a wonderful time and got to see plenty of turtles! 🐢✨
Our guides are always there to help, and we’re glad they could support your husband so you could both enjoy the experience. 💙
We’d love to see you again for another adventure—hope to have you back in the water with us soon! 🌊😃
Amber_S, Feb 2025
Fantastic day. Super informative I felt safe thru the whole experience. The turtles and rays were amazing. My daughters said it was their favourite part of our whole week in raro. Thanks big t and team ! Easy parking. Well directed !
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Sounds like an incredible day! 🤩🐢 So glad you felt safe and enjoyed the experience!
Amazing to hear it was your daughters' favorite part of the trip – what a special memory! 💙🌊
Big thanks from the team! We'd love to see you again next time you're in Raro! 😊☀️
Penny_B, Feb 2025
Amazing experience, saw plenty of turtles, great crew
Loved every second of the experience
Would do again if I go back to Rarotonga
Response from Host, Feb 2025
So awesome to hear you loved every second! 🤩🐢
Glad you had an amazing time with the crew and saw plenty of turtles! 💙✨
Hope to see you back in Rarotonga for another adventure! 🌊😊
Linda_R, Feb 2025
Nobody turned up to take us on tour,13 people waiting in our group.no communication either.left hanging no contact.poor experience.
Derek_H, Feb 2025
Big T and crew at snorkel cook islands were awesome, 1 of the best diving experiences I have ever had
Response from Host, Feb 2025
Meitaki ma’ata! 😊 We’re so glad you had an amazing time with Big T and the crew! 🌊🐢
It means a lot to hear this was one of your best diving experiences! We’d love to have you back for another adventure next time you’re in Raro! 🤿💙
Leena_R, Feb 2025
Awesome experience. Would do this everyday if I could. The current is something to be aware of but there are plenty of lifeguards available to keep you safe.
Response from Host, Feb 2025
So awesome to hear you had a great time! 😊 We’d love to have you back in the water with us every day too! 🌊🐢
Safety is always our top priority, and our team is there to make sure everyone feels comfortable and looked after. Hope to see you again for another adventure! 🤿💙
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