Black Pearl Charters
Black Pearl Charters
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Deep sea fishing, Private lagoon/snorkelling tours, spearfishing in Aitutaki.(All snorkelling is guided and includes the outer reef)
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Features animals

Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023

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Black Pearl Charters
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Travellers talk about
(44 reviews)
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
411 reviews
Excellent
406
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Robert R
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
An early morning fish with Mike was amazing and whale experience on the way back in was awesome. Then the lagoon with One Foot island, Honeymoon island and snorkeling in the giant clams and GT's was absolutely brilliant. Leo was an excellent guide and had so much to share about everything we saw and found a few turtles on the way as well. The food supplied was beautiful and the team really do think of everything. If this the only thing you can do when you visit I couldn't recommend them more.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana Rob and Jo So happy you enjoyed your experiences out on the water with both Mike and Leo. Thanks so much for writing this review for us. We'll definately see you back here again. Take care until then The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 27 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Peter J
Sydney, Australia65 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
In September 2023, we went to the island of Aitutaki, in the Cook Islands, for the third time. We took a half day fishing charter with Black Pearl Charters; an operator we fished with twice before.

The owner and skipper, Mike Tekotia, took us aboard 'Black Pearl' outside the fringing reef to the nearest Fish Attracting Device (FAD.)

Shortly after arriving near the FAD, we had live bait on the hooks, and Mike was tossing handfuls of bait fish astern to attract mahi-mahi. It took no time before a school of mahi-mahi were following us, leaping and splashing. Kerry hooked on first, then a bull took my bait.

Mike helped Kerry get her fish into the boat and then helped me. About 30 minutes later my fish was alongside, and Mike brought it inboard. After this excitement, we tried again, but the mahi-mahi had left the area.

After that, we did some deep fishing closer to the reef, using a heavily weighted line on an electric reel. I was fortunate enough to bring in a pink snapper from 260 metres and a red snapper from 325 metres. With two other fish, making six for the morning, we headed back to the passage through the reef and the harbour.

As this is whale season in the Cook Islands, we also had a couple on these giants pass close by the boat.

Overall, a very good morning on the water. Mike is a very knowledgeable fisherman and he does his best to get his people among the fish. If you are interested in fishing outside the reef in Aitutaki, then Mike and Mere of Black Pearl Charters are the best in the business.
Written 24 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks Peter and Kerry for writing this wonderful review for us. We are rapt you enjoyed your time out on the water with Mike and it sounds like you really enjoyed it out there. We love seeing your photos and will hopefully use those as well in the future. Don't forget to look us up again when you head back this way. Until then, stay safe. Regards Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 27 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

K_and_K212
Hawaii5 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wonderful service and a truly memorable experience. Everything from the easy booking and perfect timing of Mere's pickup to Mike's extensive knowledge and flexibility created an incredible afternoon on the water for my wife and I.

The day started off grey and rainy, and we weren't sure what would happen, as we boarded the White Pearl. Yet Mike knew exactly where to look and was able to find spots where we had bright sunshine and uncrowded, private adventures.

He tailored the afternoon to exactly what we wanted to see and try. We toured motus, walked the landscape, experienced wildlife, floated, snorkeled, fed fish, and enjoyed Mere's phenomenal coconut bread along with fresh fruit and drinks. We got in everything we wanted, and it never felt rushed or hurried.

Mike had everything we needed onboard, and even took pictures for us while we were in the water. The attention to detail was perfect, as were the recommendations to sample local foods, and the follow up afterwards to see if we had found what we were looking for.

We would highly recommend Black Pearl for anyone looking for a unique, personalized experience. There are plenty of options to crowd into much larger boats and follow each other to the same photo opportunity/barbecue. We watched them all from a distance while we had some really beautiful spots to ourselves. If you want to do it right, there's no other way to go!
Written 23 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey guys Thank you so much for taking the time to write this extensive review of your time on board the White Pearl with Mike. Our lagoon is certainly second to none and can be enjoyed any way you choose to. We like to do this with no crowds, and we were extra pleased you certainly enjoyed what we offer. Take care of yourselves, stay safe and hope to see you again some day. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 27 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Adrienne A
Ranfurly, New Zealand3 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We had 2 charters with black pearl - Lagoon cruise and fishing
First charter was the lagoon cruise which we did with our dad (89) and a group of baby boomers.
From start to finish it was flawless. Mere was very responsive via email and was a great driver and provided a great morning tea (aka lunch). Leo our skipper friendly and informative and the location snorkelling and beach combing fantastic. Dad was able to get on and off the boat with assistance and could explore the islands and enjoyed chatting with Leo when we were swimming. Great having our own charter as flexibility was fantastic and price very reasonable for the group, Snorkelling with giant Trevally and Giant Bass fantastic.

3 of us went fishing a few days later - Mike was exceptionally jovial , knowledgeable and obviously was living the dream fishing everyday. Weather a bit rough so unable to get out to the big game fish but had fun trawling when the birds were working and deep sea fishing so a good selection of fish - which was cooked for us at restaurant. Great day out all around -
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana Adrienne Thank you for writing this review of both your experiences with us on the Black and White Pearls. It was great to meet you and your family and show them around the lagoon. It was a pity the weather didn't play its part when it came to game fishing, but that unfortunately, is something none of us can control. Happy to hear you enjoyed eating your fish as well. Until next time, take care. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 27 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

LtDonnyD
Adelaide, Australia69 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
A great experience out on the boat with Mike a very experienced guide. We got.to see lots of whale activity and almost got to get in the water with them but they moved deep and changed location. Some great snorkeling in locations Mike advised and some excellent fishing as well. Managed to catch a 30+kg Wahoo (big game fish) which our hotel chef prepared amazingly.
Highly recommend the personal service provided by Black Pearl.
Written 26 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana We are rapt you have taken the time to write this review of your experience on board the Black Pearl with Mike. Thank you so much. We are happy the fish certainly played its part and you got to not only catch a decent sized wahoo, but got to eat some of it. The photos of your food prepared by your chefs look amazing. Glad you enjoyed your whole day out. Should you ever find yourselves back this way, please do not hesitate to look us up. Best Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 13 October 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

mike h
28 contributions
Sep 2023 • Solo
Another great fishing adventure with Mike & Mere from Black Pearl Charters. If you are travelling to Aitutaki and want to go fishing, then you need to contact Mike & Mere. They have all the gear and all the local knowledge to get you onto the fish. Very friendly and profesional service.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Mike Was great to catch up with you again and a pleasure to have you out on the boat and in our home. Thanks for everything you did. Take care and stay safe until next trip. The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 23 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ken K
158 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
What a great way to start the day! From Mere's pickup at our hotel to Captain Mike's knowledge and willingness to go above and beyond to make sure our trip across the lagoon sparkled...it was a true treat. Snacks were great and Captain Mike ensured we visited the hot spots when very few people were around...and we also greatly enjoyed the snorkel spots and even had a chance to snorkel OUTSIDE of the lagoon which was legendary. Hoping to have a chance to do it all again!
Written 1 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey guys Thank you so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review of your time out on our truly spectacular lagoon. It certainly is very pretty and the colours beyond compare when you see all sorts of different blues!! Pleased you also took the chance to snorkel outside the lagoon where the topography of Aitutaki is really on show. We will welcome you back next time, so don't forget to look us up. Until then take care, stay safe. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 2 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cara
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
Our half-day shared fishing charter with Mike was amazing! First, our booking experience with Mere was a breeze via email, and we confirmed everything/pick-up details once we arrived to Aitutaki.

Our day on the water fishing for mahi mahi and yellowfin tuna was a success! Mike is extremely knowledgeable and personable - a great person to spend a few hours with and get to know. We were new to sport fishing, and Mike did a great job teaching us the basics and helping us reel in some decent size fish.

Mike fileted the fish once we got back to the wharf, and our restaurant at our hotel was able to cook it for us for dinner. A nice surprise! It was an incredible experience. If you're looking for a personal, semi-private fishing tour - Mike is your guy!
Written 29 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey guys So happy you enjoyed your day out on the water with Mike on board the Black Pearl. You were certainly extra lucky that day and pleased you managed to take fish back and enjoy your catch. It was a pleasure to meet you both and we look forward to seeing you again in the future. Until then, take care, stay safe. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 2 September 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Cam Hub
2 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We could not recommend Black Pearl highly enough. They helped us plan an amazing day before our arrival via e-mail and helped ease some of my worries about swimming in the open waters. Knowing we’d be with a very seasoned skipper named Leo calmed my fears. Mere picked us up at the airport with a smile and took us to the dock to meet Leo. We were able to plan our day out how we wanted and were able to spend extra times with the whales. The Whales! Oh my word, unbelievable. Leo knew the spots to go to, educated on how best to interact with them and we all felt very safe and watched after. He was very kind, calm and patient with our family of 5. Incredible fish everywhere you look, huge trevally and giant clams were also spots we explored throughout the day. Mere had prepared the most delicious food that we enjoyed throughout the day. Sandwiches, chips, fresh fruit and homemade coconut and banana bread- what a treat. Mike cruised us around the island, including getting us to the base of a steep little walk to get 360 views of the island. He then took us to a great spot for dinner where we could watch the sunset. Great conversations and insight about their island life. A very personalized experience which is really hard to come by. It will be a day that we will never forget.
Written 25 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana Cami, Hans and family Wow, I cannot thank you enough for this wonderful review you have written for us about your time out on a charter. "Word of mouth" is the best way for us to get guests and you have certainly written things that I hope other people will want to do. You have such a wonderful family, your kids very well mannered so thank you! Should you ever find yourselves back in Aitutaki, please do not hesitate to look us up. It would be our pleasure to take you out again. Until then, stay safe. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 25 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kauaiguest
Canberra, Australia118 contributions
Aug 2023 • Couples
We did a half-day private snorkeling tour with Mike. It was a wonderful half-day. Mike took us to several different snorkeling spots and took care to ensure we were safe at all times. He told us what to look out for, and pointed out some things to us while hey snorkeled alongside us. We also were able to stroll along the beach of stunningly beautiful One Foot Island.

Mike helped us in and out of the boat, helped us with our gear … nothing was too much trouble. If I had to pick, I would say swimming with the giant trevallies was a highlight. And then he provided us with snacks, made by his mum, including sandwiches and cakes and fresh, locally grown fruit. All delicious. Thanks also to Mike’s mum! The entire time he kept us entertained, with local legends and fun anecdotes. We ended our tour having had a wonderful snorkeling experience, knowing so much more about beautiful Aitutaki, and feeling as if we had made new friends. Thanks so much Mike, and also Mere who drove us home again. We would love to come back and swim or snorkel or fish with you, and will recommend your tours to any one we know who is heading your way!
Written 14 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for writing this great review for us. "Word of mouth" goes a long way to getting repeat guests and even newbies trying an experience with us. We are pleased you enjoyed your time on the water with us. Next time you are here, please look us up. Until then, stay safe. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written 20 August 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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