The Vaka Cruise
The Vaka Cruise
4.9
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
Closed
Sunday
Closed
Full view
About
The ‘must do’ day lagoon cruise aboard the Polynesian style Vaka Teariki Moana. Every morning at 10am Mondays to Saturdays, the sound of the conch shell signals the departure of the Vaka for six hours of lagoon magic. There’s snorkelling, swimming and sunbathing to do before tucking into to an island barbecued lunch of fresh caught ocean fish served on board and accompanied by a full bar service. Visit several motu (small islets) and beach comb at One Foot Island before returning past the old TEAL flying boat base. Impromptu entertainment by the crew will have you tying pareu, weaving coconut leaf plates or humming island tunes. Tour includes pickup from your accommodation on Aitutaki. Resorts and Hotels on O'otu Peninsula are within easy walking distance from the departure point and the Vaka docks directly at the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort and Spa to pick up guests from there. We look forward to take you to the magic that is Aitutaki's lagoon.
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
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4.9
1,264 reviews
Excellent
1,194
Very good
54
Average
9
Poor
4
Terrible
3
Amberley Spark
1 contribution
May 2024 • Friends
Literally no words can explain how stunning the waters were in Aitutaki. They were crystal clear and when they were they were beautiful cerulean blue. Ali was our guide and he was brilliant at the job. He was funny, informative and made sure everyone was safe in the water, including me who has chronic disabilities. I was able to snorkel with fish and see a couple of turtles when I was on the boat.
One foot island was absolutely amazing and we got to stay there for just under an hour 😍
Lunch was delicious and all the food came from the island of Aitutaki! There was a great selection and no one left hungry.
Yes it’s a lot of money for the day tour but for 12 hours of singing, swimming, snorkelling, adventuring and fun? Worth every cent.
One foot island was absolutely amazing and we got to stay there for just under an hour 😍
Lunch was delicious and all the food came from the island of Aitutaki! There was a great selection and no one left hungry.
Yes it’s a lot of money for the day tour but for 12 hours of singing, swimming, snorkelling, adventuring and fun? Worth every cent.
Written 5 May 2024
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.
Tovio-cook
3 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
The Vaka Cruise was a fantastic experience for our family. We travelled with a 10 year old and a very active 16 month old, and the cruise catered perfectly to both age groups.
The stunning scenery, delicious food, and live string band entertainment made it a perfect day out on Aitutaki Lagoon.
Our 16 month old even got in an hour's nap when we got to the snorkelling spot, the staff were so lovely, they watched her while she napped and we got in a quick snorkel.
Tip: If you have an early dinner booked, there are facilities to freshen up on the Vaka before your dinner, a lifesaver with little ones!
The stunning scenery, delicious food, and live string band entertainment made it a perfect day out on Aitutaki Lagoon.
Our 16 month old even got in an hour's nap when we got to the snorkelling spot, the staff were so lovely, they watched her while she napped and we got in a quick snorkel.
Tip: If you have an early dinner booked, there are facilities to freshen up on the Vaka before your dinner, a lifesaver with little ones!
Written 9 July 2024
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.
Tiah
Adelaide, Australia27 contributions
Nov 2024 • Couples
Booked in a few weeks before our trip and so glad we did! The conditions in Aitutaki have been quite windy making for stronger current. Despite this, Vaka cruise went ahead while many other cruise companies had to cancel as their smaller vessels wouldn’t handle the conditions. The catamaran is amazing, equipped with toilets, showers, kitchen and bar to purchase drinks (beer and wine!). There’s a lovely huge couch out back to enjoy the view or go up front and lounge on the Sun loungers. The crew were amazing with lots of laughs, songs and stories about Cook Islands history. Despite the conditions and not being able to snorkel at the first snorkelling spot due to safety, we still got to see giant trevalli, clams and lots of other tropical fish at one foot island. Lastly, lunch was amazing with BBQ fish and so many delicious salads - as a vegetarian I felt spoiled for choice!
Written 19 November 2024
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.
Nita N
Sydney, Australia14 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Got the day tour from Rarotonga to Aitutaki with Raro Air which included the Vaka cruise.. while it was pricey the whole family agreed it was the best trip we have ever done ! Before we went my 11 year old announced that he didn’t think he would like it as it sounded like “an old person tour”… but on the way back he proclaimed it as “sigma” (which means best ever in 11 year old speak 🤣).
The boat was great - four lovely clean toilets and even two showers with shower gel, shampoo etc included. Towels and snorkel gear were provided - not wet suits but kids had their own and I didn’t need it.
Ali the tour operator was simply perfect - engaging, funny as, and very informative. Everything ran like clockwork. Food was yummy, amazing ukulele playing/ singing from the crew - and mum and dad appreciated the bar 🤣
Snorkeling was OK.. some good coral but we weren’t lucky enough to see the giant trevally they sometimes see :-(
… but it was the incredible colours and the views which made this trip. I’m not loading up any photos as they simply don’t do it justice.. Ali was right when he said good luck trying to tell your friends and family how beautiful it is… we’re very lucky in that we have travelled quite a bit to some incredible parts of the world but Aitutaki blew them all out of the water.
If there’s any way you can get here - then do it! It won’t disappoint!
The boat was great - four lovely clean toilets and even two showers with shower gel, shampoo etc included. Towels and snorkel gear were provided - not wet suits but kids had their own and I didn’t need it.
Ali the tour operator was simply perfect - engaging, funny as, and very informative. Everything ran like clockwork. Food was yummy, amazing ukulele playing/ singing from the crew - and mum and dad appreciated the bar 🤣
Snorkeling was OK.. some good coral but we weren’t lucky enough to see the giant trevally they sometimes see :-(
… but it was the incredible colours and the views which made this trip. I’m not loading up any photos as they simply don’t do it justice.. Ali was right when he said good luck trying to tell your friends and family how beautiful it is… we’re very lucky in that we have travelled quite a bit to some incredible parts of the world but Aitutaki blew them all out of the water.
If there’s any way you can get here - then do it! It won’t disappoint!
Written 24 July 2024
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.
Barry M
9 contributions
Jun 2024 • Friends
Recommend this trip- friendly helpful crew, good food, very new well appointed boat, marvellous scenery and ultra clear waters. The snorkelling at the coral outcrop is ‘the best’ You are greeted by 4 magnificent giant trevelly swimming around you at arms length away and that’s followed by an amazing array of fish around the coral outcrop. The second snorkelling spot we were taken to was in a channel adjacent to One Foot Island but it was pathetic by comparison with the first place. I’d recommend the company does better on this one and find a spot for snorkelling off the beach which is much better - otherwise it’s a trip we’d recommend
Written 20 June 2024
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.
Ourarka
East Sussex, UK186 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
This was an absolutely incredible day - probably one of the best day excursions we have ever done on holiday!! Do not hesitate to book if you’re in the Cook Islands.
We were staying on Rarotonga, so our excursion included return flights to Aitutaki. Everything was seamless from pick up to drop off, all under the expert eye of our wonderful guide ‘Paul’, whose enthusiasm and humour made the day even better still.
Aitutaki, the lagoon and the associated islands speak for themselves - they are as truly incredible as you hope and because you are one of only two tour boats …….you pretty much have them to yourselves!!
The tour boat itself is so comfortable and not overcrowded at all - it is smart and clean with several toilets, showers and changing rooms and plenty of space both in the shade and in the sun, so you can flit between the two.
You make several stops, all of a perfect length - never rushed, never bored - all under Paul’s expert guidance where he treats you to a guided nature walk, a cultural demonstration and points out all the good snorkelling spots …. as well as ensuring you have some time to yourself. Lunch is served on board and is both substantial, and very healthy - plenty of BBQ fish with local fruit and vegetables.
All in all, a truly wonderful experience that I will remember forever. Thank you.
We were staying on Rarotonga, so our excursion included return flights to Aitutaki. Everything was seamless from pick up to drop off, all under the expert eye of our wonderful guide ‘Paul’, whose enthusiasm and humour made the day even better still.
Aitutaki, the lagoon and the associated islands speak for themselves - they are as truly incredible as you hope and because you are one of only two tour boats …….you pretty much have them to yourselves!!
The tour boat itself is so comfortable and not overcrowded at all - it is smart and clean with several toilets, showers and changing rooms and plenty of space both in the shade and in the sun, so you can flit between the two.
You make several stops, all of a perfect length - never rushed, never bored - all under Paul’s expert guidance where he treats you to a guided nature walk, a cultural demonstration and points out all the good snorkelling spots …. as well as ensuring you have some time to yourself. Lunch is served on board and is both substantial, and very healthy - plenty of BBQ fish with local fruit and vegetables.
All in all, a truly wonderful experience that I will remember forever. Thank you.
Written 22 January 2025
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.
mikeyk64
Sunderland, UK302 contributions
Sept 2024 • Friends
I don’t normally enjoy excursion experiences but were with friends and of course go with the flow of the group. However I had a great time with Vaka Cruise thanks to Ali and his crew.
The boat transfer pickup was bang on time from the lagoon resort straight to the main boat a short distance away. We were met a short time after by the rest of the guests but had a moment to explore the boat. All very clean and even the toilets /showers were immaculate. Hot and cold drinks available and once away a bar service too.
The buffet was in the words of my wife one of the best meals she had on this trip.
Enjoyed the island visits although one foot island was a little crowded as Bishops Cruise boat and other smaller boats were still there , we were alone at the other islands. The snorkelling was great too.
Ali and the crew entertained the passengers between stops jamming on the Ukuleles, taking requests too.
Was sorry the day ended. Although not cheap (nothing is in the South Pacific. ) Thought it great value , and would certainly do it again
The boat transfer pickup was bang on time from the lagoon resort straight to the main boat a short distance away. We were met a short time after by the rest of the guests but had a moment to explore the boat. All very clean and even the toilets /showers were immaculate. Hot and cold drinks available and once away a bar service too.
The buffet was in the words of my wife one of the best meals she had on this trip.
Enjoyed the island visits although one foot island was a little crowded as Bishops Cruise boat and other smaller boats were still there , we were alone at the other islands. The snorkelling was great too.
Ali and the crew entertained the passengers between stops jamming on the Ukuleles, taking requests too.
Was sorry the day ended. Although not cheap (nothing is in the South Pacific. ) Thought it great value , and would certainly do it again
Written 20 October 2024
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.
Kback
Saugerties, NY14 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
The crew and tour guide, Ali, provided us with an excellent experience. The scenery is unmatched-- truly an island paradise with water in shades of blue and green and teal that you only see in storybooks. We booked this as part of the Aikutaki Day Tour from Air Rarotonga, and every detail was covered. Once we boarded the plane, we were well taken care of.
The crew on the cruise was considerate, helpful, and funny. They do double duty as a musical combo that plays for a couple of hours throughout the afternoon. Very fun!
The food was also excellent-- fresh fruits and vegetables. Very different from my other experiences of day cruises.
I absolutely recommend this tour without reservations! Worth every penny.
The crew on the cruise was considerate, helpful, and funny. They do double duty as a musical combo that plays for a couple of hours throughout the afternoon. Very fun!
The food was also excellent-- fresh fruits and vegetables. Very different from my other experiences of day cruises.
I absolutely recommend this tour without reservations! Worth every penny.
Written 9 January 2025
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.
Mike B
9 contributions
Dec 2024 • Couples
1st class all the way. Ali our host was fantastic. We will be coming back and this time staying on the island . The lunch was great and the crew entertained us with music and stories of the islands and the history of the islands. The water is warm and beautiful. One foot island you can walk a giant sandbar ,snorkel or swim in the warm waters.
Written 5 December 2024
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.
Caroline c
2 contributions
Sept 2024 • Family
This was our 3rd time with the Vaka Cruise and we can't rate it highly enough. Aitutaki lagoon is like heaven on earth and everything on the cruise was of exceptionally high standard and whilst the mood is laid back, everything is managed with professionalism and well practised coordination. Every need is taken care of, and the small touches made the difference, from the way the crew drape your towel over your chair, to the joyful singing, and for the exquisite food - a dozen or more dishes to choose from. Nothing was too much trouble and that did not go unnoticed by us.
Ali, you are the consummate host, genuine and informative. We appreciated the many laughs! Thank you to you and all the crew for a fabulous day.
Ali, you are the consummate host, genuine and informative. We appreciated the many laughs! Thank you to you and all the crew for a fabulous day.
Written 26 September 2024
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.
Where does the cruise leave from in relation to the cruise ship tender port? We would like to do this cruise but we will be arriving in a cruise ship tender. Is the Vaka Cruise close by?
Written 9 February 2025
Do you have space available today? We are on the ship. How much is it? When do you go out and return?
Jamie Chapman
Written 31 October 2022
Is there any other food at the BBQ other than fish?
Written 28 January 2020
I honestly don't remember so I just looked at the picture I took of the meal. I had a big piece of fish, coconut, pineapple, grilled banana, grilled onions, starfruit, oranges, cucumber, coconut flakes, lettuce, carrots, and mashed potatoes. I think there was bit more than that because I remember it was a buffet and you just picked what you wanted and got the fish from grill. But I honestly can't remember if they had a meat option as well.
Written 28 January 2020
Which are the quieter days on the tour (less people)? We would be going in May/June.
Written 2 October 2019
The boat holds 40 guests and they are consistently sold out, when I asked a couple of my fiends that work on the boat - they indicated that most days are fully booked.
I would book early to ensure you get to experience the amazing lagoon tour.
Written 2 October 2019
Hi,where does the cruise start from? also from Rarotonga with flight and boat?
Written 25 May 2019
Hi. Can the tour be booked directly on the island of Aitutaki? Where is your address?
Written 14 March 2019
I believe yes - but we booked via a travel agent! Just ask Mr Google! Good luck!
Written 11 June 2019
Is this tour suitable for a 17 months old kid? Or it's too long and hot, and difficult for the parents?
Written 10 March 2019
Kia orana,
Our vessel is suitable for all ages from infant, toddlers, children, adults, elderly and guests on wheelchair are most welcome onboard.
You can also bring your 17mnths pram or stroller onboard.
Let me know if you have any other questions regarding our tour.
Cheers
Written 13 March 2019
If we take the Aitutaki Day Tour from Rarotonga is there some where and some time we can change out of our swimsuits before boarding our return flights?
Written 10 July 2018
You change on the boat. It is very casual and most people had only their bathers on. You are on and off the boat swimming and exploring.
Written 23 July 2018
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*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.