Top Tours in Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Aitutaki Tours
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Boat Tours • Sightseeing Tours
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What travellers are saying
- amydinnisSydney, Australia11 contributionsCannot fault the vaka cruise! Every island was stunning, the snorkelling was incredible and food was amazing! Highly recommend.Written 19 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Elisa TGreater Sydney, Australia13 contributionsThis is a must if you like great snorkeling, amazing surroundings, beautiful lagoons, 🐠 and Te the king 🤴 what a wicked sense of humour and immense knowledge and love for his beautiful island.
The lunch was delicious !Written 18 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Jenn L4 contributionsAmazing service! Great communication from Mere, and Captain Mike was an outstanding host for our half day charter. Mike picked us up from our accommodation and provided sandwiches, juice, etc. on the boat. The fish were biting and my dad and husband enjoyed the fishing (me, not so much). Unfortunately I got seasick and we decided to cut the fishing short, but as we hadn't used up our half day Mike took us to two spectacular snorkelling spots inside the reef instead. It was nothing short of magical! All in all, a fantasitc half-day out!Written 7 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rachel K9 contributionsThis trip was superb. The boys kept us happy, safe, entertained and very well fed. The snorkelling was incredible and the lunch was beautiful! Thank you! We loved itWritten 5 December 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Jo DAdelaide, Australia24 contributionsWe did the tour to One Foot Island and it was fantastic. The guides were friendly, the lunch was great and snorkelling with trevally was amazing. We even saw a couple of turtles. Recommended.Written 15 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BrentAuckland Central, New Zealand44 contributionsAmazing experience and well worth doing - Captain Mac was at the resort bang on time to greet us and picked us up taking us to the port. His local knowledge was awesome and we found this fascinating as he would explain about different parts of the lagoon around Aitutaki. It was a bit windy but no issues for Mac as he took us to sheltered spots and a couple locations to do some snorkeling. The marine life was abundant, with all sorts of fish species and turtles. The photo's don't do the lagoon justice on how beautiful and blue it was in person. Investing in an island hopping tour was very worth it as we got to see more than from the mainland. At the end of the 3-4hr trip Mac gave us a lift back to the resort, fantastic convenience and customer service. Highly highly recommended if you want explore the lagoon and appreciate how stunning it is - Meitaki Ma'ata. (Brent & Kelly)Written 20 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kev and Cat5 contributionsHuge props to Mike Lee, Rick and Manual.
We were referred to Mike Lee by a kite board instructor friend of ours and we were just so happy with the experience. Mike transports you by boat from the wharf in Aitutaki to Honeymoon Island. Honeymoon Island is one of the best kiteboarding locations in the world., where the winds are constant and the water is clear, smooth and shallow.
Kiteboard Aitutaki has a camp set up on the island with picnic tables, hammocks, as well as a gear and changing area all under cover. It's a super chill vibe and if you need anything they will sort it out for you.
Tipping 60, we have both taken lessons at other resort locations in the past. Unfortuntely, the winds elsewhere were too variable and it kept us from progressing beyond kite control, body dragging, and recovery. Aitutaki receives trade winds June through September. This is the best kiteboarding, foiling and kite sports window in the world.
Rick worked with me on Kite Boarding and Manual worked with my wife on her Wing Foiling. They were both happy people, patient, encouraging, easy going and extremely knowledgeable. We stayed focused on only a few skills at a time so you didn't feel overwhelmed. The teaching follows the IKO curriculum, and Kiteboard Aitutaki is always focused on safety, and the important concepts of the sports.
We both progressed to where we're starting to ride and that's just the best feeling. We can't wait to come back and enjoy this special place again. Thanks again, guys. Cat & KevWritten 1 July 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - gcmitchell58Sydney, Australia35 contributionsI wanted to do something really special for my husband's 70th birthday and I had heard about the magnificence of the Aitutaki lagoon.
So, I booked a trip to the Cook Islands, including Aitutaki and a charter tour for just my husband and me with Mona's. Captain Dan took us all around the lagoon on a 6 hour trip.
We snorkelled at 4 different places seeing huge trevally, purple coral, turtles and many different fish. The visibility was about 30 - 40m metres and the water was warm and pristine. We also visited many different islands that rim the lagoon and Captain Dan gave us a great commentary about each one.
They even accommodated the fact that we wanted a fish lunch on Honeymoon Island and supplied ice to chill the French champagne for our celebration.
We highly recommend this trip to anyone who loves snorkelling, great service and who appreciates the beauty and magic of Aitutaki.
It really is paradise!Written 30 September 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Joanne SSydney, Australia2 contributionsA local gentleman in a bar directed us to Kutekute transfers during our stay in Aitutaki. Maria was actually sitting back relaxing on her day off. She said let me grab my keys and was more than happy to run my husband and I around looking for a fishing rod. If you are looking for a great service and a business owner who is happy to go out of her way to make your holiday more enjoyable don’t go past Kutekute. We using Kutekute on several occasions during our 5 day stay and Maria certainly did not disappoint. She did everything she could to arrange a trip to One foot island, in which had to be changed from the original day due to weather conditions, correspond with another company Bishop that runs the post office and stamps your passports. A huge thank you to Maria and her crew for making our time in Aitutaki memorable. Jo & Shane StephensonWritten 25 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- ArdiCollege Station, TX6 contributionsLong review for an amazing family business that was nothing less than 5 stars from 1st contact to drop off after the trip. First time in Cook Islands and so we were told that the lagoon tour was the highlight of the trip. Did my research and emailed 4 companies that offered the private tour and T's wife Colette was the quickest to reply and answer all my questions, very professionally but also friendly. I got the feeling that this was not a big company treating you like just another lead. They were also the least expensive. Most of the tours are similar, you go on the lagoon and snorkel and to uninhabited islands to explore. It is up to the tour operator to decide on your itinerary. The most famous tour - Vaka, is almost the same price as a private tour and you only go to 1 snorkel spot and then to 2 islands and your share the boat with dozens of strangers and kids.
Our private tour started with hotel pick up and we were taken to a private jetty to meet T and the boat. We started earlier than the larger boats so that we can hit all the spots and have them to ourselves instead of 50 people in the water. We quickly jumped on and we were off. The 1st stop was out near the reef, T had a course set up with buoys as markers. This snorkeling was the best on the island for size and diversity and color of fish. We made our way for about 45 minutes, and he picked us up at a different spot. The best part of this island is that there are no predators in the lagoon - no sharks, no stingrays, no jelly fish, no sea snakes so you can snorkel in and know you are safe even though you really can't see the mainland. The next stop was an area with giant clams, again just one other private boat was out there with us. The 3rd snorkel spot was to swim with giant trevally, and we got lucky enough to have a Napoleon join us. That was treat.
After 3 snorkel spots, he took us over the Honeymoon Island for some amazing pictures, again the only people there so it felt like you were on a deserted island. The final stop was One Foot Island. This is where the large companies have a permanent camp where they grill lunch. Instead, T took us over to the island next door and we had scrumptious fish and chicken sandwiches prepared by his wife along with homemade breads and the best tropical fruit you have had in your life. We also had fist size hermit crabs join us. After lunch, we jumped in the water and swam/floated over to One Foot Island and got the passport stamp. It was truly an amazing day on the lagoon and T and Colette made it memorable and we can't wait to go back.
Biggest advice is to skip the larger tours and book with T. He can take up to 6 comfortably and he is also the best value. Thanks again T and Colette!Written 20 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - annieandnickWellington, New Zealand357 contributionsWe chose this sailing adventure to experience a different and more peaceful way to see the lagoon. So glad we did. Captain Ted was awesome and a very experienced sailor. He told great stories about Aitutaki, and is a fun friendly guy.
It’s a perfect way to see the lagoon at a nice quiet pace. Definitely recommend sailing with Ted.Written 10 March 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Cassandra H1 contributionThe boat trip was an Amazing day we visited Survivor Island , One foot Island ( got my passport stamped ) and honeymoon island . I got to plant my own coconut tree .. It was Beautiful ! The water , the pretty fish and the giant Trevelly fish we snorkeled with - So much fun ., The water was sparkling , the sun was Shining and Lunch was Delicious .. A special thanks to Captain Fantastic who was so kind and knowledgeable and accommodated everyone - free water , towels and snorkelling gear … A Day I will Remember and Treasure ! Simply Spectacular ! 💝💖Written 12 February 2025This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Rachel3116Mount Maunganui, New Zealand2 contributionsThank you Bubbles Below for an amazing experience!! We had our own snorkels and they leant us flippers each. We went out on the first tour for the whale swim and saw some whales breaching! They were travelling so didn't get an opportunity at that stage to swim in the water near them, but we were taken to a reef to do some snorkeling and have a look around. We were then taken to a different spot to try to find some whales, but they weren't around at that time, so we were given the opportunity to snorkel around the reef again which was beautiful! The visibility was awesome!
As we didn't get an opportunity to swim with the whales in the morning as they were travelling through, we were offered another trip in the afternoon which we took. On the second trip we were able to jump in the water with Mum and calf three times and each time it was totally incredible!! A totally mind blowing experience and one we will never forget!!
The safety briefing was good, giving us clear instructions about what to do when in the water with the whales and I loved how we weren't interfering with the whales or their travels in any way and kept a safe distance from them so they felt safe and were relaxed.
We knew when we booked, that there was a chance we might not get an opportunity to be in the water with the whales as it is nature and nature isn't always predicable, but were super stoked to be given another opportunity in the afternoon with another tour to go out.
Thank you team for an incredible experience! We look forward to doing it again some day!!Written 24 October 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - gibby99Gisborne, New Zealand64 contributionsWhat an amazing day! Great family operated business. They picked us up from our resort on time and dropped us at their boat.
There was no mucking around - we hoped in board and were off after our safety briefing.
We did a private tour and our amazing guides took us to all the best spots - Fed the giant trevally, snorkelled, snorkelled over many giant clams and then visited 3 Islands. Honeymoon Island, Motu Akaiami (which used serve as an International Airport) and One Foot Island where we had lunch. Our guides cooked the most beautiful bbq which we ate we salads and fresh fruit. Our guides also opened up a couple of coconuts and we experienced coconut marshmallow! All in all a fabulous experience.Written 12 November 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Go33388Auckland Central, New Zealand5 contributionsRichard and his crew gave us a fabulous day out. One of our passengers has a disability, and the special care and attention they paid to accommodate his needs were very much appreciated.
The knowledge Richard has of Aitutaki is impressive. This knowledge includes the history of the island's development right through to the special nature of the land and marine environments. We were lucky to see turtles and be shown the clam nursery Richard has been a key player in.
A wonderful day out. I could not recommend it highly enough.Written 1 May 2022This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.