Cook Islands Oceanography Tour

Your overseas adventure is off and away as you travel to Rarotonga. As your plane descends, look out your window to see spotted Islands and crystal-clear blue shores. A local guide will greet you at the airport and transfer you to a beach resort. 

The afternoon is yours to explore. Take a nature walk, splash in the hotel infinity pool, or soak your feet into the beach’s white sand. In the evening, you will meet with your group and local guide for dinner, and take some time to get to know your companions on your next week of adventures.

Start your first day with a bang by cruising the nearby lagoon. Board the boat with the welcoming sounds of the Cook Islands’ traditional drum song. The bottom of your boat is glass so you can see the ocean and marine life below. Keep an eye on for turtles, tropical fish, giant clams, and the huge Moray eel (yikes!) The boat will stop for you to enjoy a quick swim in the warm sea. Finally, you’ll make your way back to shore to enjoy a traditional Raro-style fresh fish BBQ with a salad and fruit. 

A professional oceanographer will accompany you on each of your water excursions to provide education on the physical and biological aspects of the ocean. You’ll learn about ocean waves, currents, and plate tectonics. The Cook Islands is an excellent location to learn about the ocean, so be sure to ask lots of questions on your endeavors.

Take the day by bicycle as you explore Rarotonga. At a relaxed pace, your guides with share stories to you about this island. Bike along lanes to see the tranquil village life of locals. You’ll make several stops to appreciate and photograph your surrounding mountain scenery. After a good workout, head into a local village for lunch at a local restaurant. Following this, enjoy free time for independent explorations and souvenir shopping. 

It back on to the water today as you board your boat and set out to discover the expansive Muri Lagoons. Enjoy the magnificent scenery and wind in your hair as you cruise. Next, arrive at Motus Island to learn about the mainland and Motus. You will nature walk to the coastline’s Marine Reserve. Enjoy a small snorkel tour around colorful pacific fish, local turtles, and coral nurseries. Your oceanographer will show you how to detect the ocean’s current from the underwater sands. Enjoy a well-earned lunch on the beach before free time.

You’re off to Te Vara Nui Village to be welcomed by locals into their gates. First stop, the history hut, where you’ll learn about the legends, cannibalism, warrior weapons, and navigations techniques of the Polynesian people. Discover the Marae hut where the high chiefs of the tribe meet before visiting the Witch Doctors Hut to learn about traditional medicine. Next, walk through the botanical gardens to learn about to weave and make tapas. Finally, enjoy a homemade dinner and show provided by the locals.

Start your final full day in the Cook Islands with a bang as you cruise along the edge of the passage keeping an eye out for stingrays. You’ll cruise over the beautiful outer reefs toward the drop-off. First, your guides will teach you free diving skills to allow you to take joy in the deep water within your comfort zone. Next, you will gear up on a sea scooter and descend into the ocean depths. Enjoy views of abounding marine life and the remains of the H.S.S. Mai Tai. During this time, your oceanographer will educate you about this unique marine environment.

It has been an educational and adventurous week in Rarotonga, but the time has come to say goodbye. Enjoy one final breakfast with your group and guides. Reflect on your fondest memories of the trip and what you learned. Next, you’re off to the local airport for your departure flight.