Cook Islands | The most beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots

Kia Orana! Welcome to the Cook Islands, a tropical paradise close to New Zealand known for its pristine beauty. Located in the Pacific Ocean, this idyllic group of islands has a mix of white sand beaches, crystal clear turquoise waters, friendly locals and a colorful underwater world. Whether you want to relax on secluded beaches or take a dip, the Cook Islands will not disappoint. The islands are certainly not inferior to destinations such as Bora Bora, the Seychelles or the Maldives. The difference? The Cook Islands are a lot more affordable and there are fewer tourists. In this article we take you along the most beautiful beaches and snorkeling spots of this – still relatively undiscovered – archipelago.

Table of contents

About the Cook Islands

The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands and some of them are uninhabited. Don't confuse it with Cook Island, an island in Queensland, Australië. The most visited islands are Rarotonga, Aitutaki en atiu, caress, Manishiki en Penrhyn. Less well known are the islands of Palmerston, Palmerston North, Mitiaro, Takutea, Nassau, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, Suwarrow and Manuae.

Cook Islands in the Pacific Ocean — Cook Islands in the Pacific on Google Maps

Each island has its own unique character and special features. From The Netherlands it is quite an undertaking to get there, but in our opinion definitely worth it. Already on arrival at the airport Rarotonga, you will be immersed in the 'island life'. You will receive a garland of flowers around your neck and will be greeted in a friendly manner. While you wait for your luggage, a live band plays Polynesian music. Time suddenly seems to slow down. From now on it's just fun!

Let's start with some practical information:

Capital city: Avarua (Rarotonga)
Population: About 17.500
Language: English and Cook Islands Maori
Time Zone: UTC-10: 00
Currency: New Zealand Dollar (NZD)
Visa: no (maximum 31 days)
Electricity: 3 flat pins / 220-240 volts

The most beautiful beaches & snorkeling spots

Are you a lover of tropical beaches? Do you prefer to run straight into the clear water to snorkel? On the Cook Islands you will find the most beautiful beaches in the world, where you can often also snorkel well. Nice with your feet in the soft sand and a refreshing coconut in your hand. Or explore the underwater world, which starts just a few meters from the beach. Below is a selection of the most beautiful beaches and the best snorkeling spots in the Cook Islands:

Muri Beach (Rarotonga)

This is one of the most popular beaches on Rarotonga and with good reason. You have a very nice view of three islands (motus) in the lagoon. Add to that white sand, turquoise water and a surprising underwater world and the picture is complete. Rent a kayak or paddleboard to explore the lagoon, walk the long beach or relax at a beach club.

O'otu Beach (Aitutaki)

On this beach Atiutaki it's just perfect. It seems to come straight from your dreams. White sand, palm trees and crystal clear water where you can see the fish swimming in front of your feet. In addition, you also have a great view of the lagoon and the surrounding motus (small islands). You will never want to leave here…

Titikaveka Beach (Rarotonga)

Rarotonga is surrounded by a lagoon, so the sea is often calm. You can snorkel well from almost every beach, but Titikaveka has to be the best place. You can walk straight into the water from the white sandy beach and swim among the fish. You can easily spend the whole day here, bring some food and have a picnic on the beach. The sunset here is magical.

Black Rock Beach (Rarotonga)

A special beach thanks to the imposing black volcanic rocks that rise from the sea. Good for scenic views and a great spot for snorkelling. Enjoy the sunset or spot humpback whales (seasonal).

One Foot Island (Aitutaki)

This small island is located in the middle of the large, turquoise lagoon. It is known as one of the most beautiful places in the Cook Islands, the perfect place to relax and swim. The island got its name because from above it looks – you guessed it – like a foot.

lagoon One Foot Island, Cook islands — Lagoon One Foot Island, Cook Islands

Tip: bring your passport and score the coolest visa stamp you've ever seen.

Oneroa Beach (Atiu)

This secluded beach on Atiu is surrounded by greenery. The crystal clear water and colorful marine life make it a great snorkeling spot. At low tide you can walk from this beach to “The Three Grottos” in about 30 minutes. Here you will find caves, some even have a clear pool that you can take a dip in. Make sure you are back well in time before high tide and only do this on a calm day without many waves.

Tukao Beach (Mangaia)

The secluded Tukao Beach on Mangaia is a hidden gem. Enjoy the surroundings, the calm water and the white sand beach. Mangaia is the second largest of the Cook Islands and is known for its pristine nature and traditional Polynesian culture. Old traditions and customs are still honored here, a special experience. On the island there are several coral caves where you can look around. One of the most famous caves is the Ana Te Pora cave, with beautiful stalactites and stalagmites.

Araʻoa beach (Mangaia)

One of the best beaches located on the northern tip of the island, offering good snorkeling and picnicking. The beach is surrounded by large rocks and caves, coral reef and a white sand beach. An idyllic spot that is hard to say goodbye to.

Taungaroro Beach (Mitiaro)

A great place for nature lovers and snorkelers. This beach is best known for its colorful coral and impressive marine life.

Hakaotu Beach (Penrhyn)

This paradise beach is surrounded by untouched nature and an impressive coral reef. The crystal clear water and diversity of marine life make it a great place for snorkeling. On the island of Penrhyn you really get a Robinson Crusoe feeling, ideal for travelers looking for a quiet and authentic holiday.

Utuko Beach (Manihiki)

This is a beautiful secluded beach with clear water and a spectacular coral reef. You can spend hours snorkeling here, because there is so much to see. Manihiki is a small atoll about 1.300 kilometers north of Rarotonga, the main island of the Cook Islands. The island is known for pearl farms and traditional pearl crafts and techniques.

Practical Information

Transportation

The bigger the island, the more choice you have of transport. Most people arrive on the main island of Rarotonga. Here, both tourists and locals make extensive use of the local buses and taxis. The buses run regularly and take you to the main attractions, villages and beaches of the island.

Do you want to explore the island at your own pace? This can be done by rental car, scooter or even on an electric bicycle. Although there is plenty to discover on Rarotonga, the other islands also have a lot to offer.

Visit one or more islands with a domestic flight. With Air Rarotonga, for example, you can fly to Aitutaki in less than an hour. Quite an experience, in such a small plane over the South Pacific. There are also ferries, but due to the great distances it can take days before you are on another island: only for the real adventurer with enough time.

On the smaller islands such as Aitutai and Atui, you can choose from taxis and minibuses. It is best to arrange this in advance through your accommodation or travel organization. Sometimes it is rent a car or a scooter is also an option, but the choice is often limited. Please note that the Cook Islands have their own pace, the so-called “Islandtime”. Don't worry too much if the bus is late or it takes a while for your rental car to be ready. Go with the flow!

Accommodation

In the Cook Islands you can go as crazy as you want in terms of accommodation. From a cheap backpackers hostel to a luxury villa. We stayed at Rarotonga Backpackers for almost two weeks, first in a double room (€38) and later in a bungalow on the beach (€55). A very good price-quality ratio. If you have a bit more to spend, take a look at the accommodations below:

• Muri Beach Club Hotel
This hotel on Rarotonga (click here) is the ultimate destination for anyone seeking relaxation, romance and fun under the tropical sun. The rooms at the Muri Beach Club Hotel are spacious, stylishly decorated and equipped with all modern comforts. What really makes this hotel special is its location. It is located right on beautiful Muri Beach, overlooking the crystal clear waters of the lagoon.

Ranginuis Retreat Aitutaki
Rangini's Retreat (click here) is a charming property located on the beautiful island of Aitutaki. The property features comfortable bungalows surrounded by lush gardens. Each residence is designed with Polynesian influences and modern amenities. Ranginuis Retreat is located right on the edge of a breathtaking lagoon with a white sand beach. Take a boat trip, enjoy the beautiful sunset or explore the surrounding islands. Fancy a little more action? Go kayaking, paddle boarding or fishing. Forget all your worries, immerse yourself in the beauty of the Cook Islands and make memories you will never forget!

Atiu Villas
These villas (click here) are a good choice for a wonderfully relaxing stay on the island of Atiu. The villas at Atiu are spacious and comfortable with a blend of modern amenities and traditional Polynesian touches. Enjoy nature and the view while relaxing on your private terrace or balcony. Besides relaxing and swimming, you can also hike through dense jungles, explore caves, spot birds and get acquainted with the local culture and traditions.
Mangaia Villas
This is a real paradise on Mangaia Island. Each villa is designed with attention to detail and equipped with everything you need for an unforgettable stay. The staff is ready to assist you with anything from arranging activities and tours to providing local tips and recommendations. Mangaia is the oldest island of the Cook Islands. Hike the island, discover hidden caves, immerse yourself in cultural experiences or swim in crystal clear freshwater lakes.
Manihiki Lagoon Villas
The villas are located right on the edge of an azure blue lagoon, surrounded by a white sandy beach that invites you to relax. They combine modern luxury with a Polynesian flair, making you feel right at home. The ocean view is magical! Manihiki has beautiful coral reefs and rich underwater world. If you like diving, there is plenty to discover. Even if you just want to relax, sunbathe and enjoy nature, this is the place for you.

Tip: pay attention to the arrival date when booking your accommodation. It is a 4-hour flight from New Zealand, but you fly to a different time zone and therefore arrive almost a day earlier!
This is because the Cook Islands are in the UTC-10 time zone, while New Zealand is in the UTC+12 or UTC+13 time zone (depending on summer/winter time). Please make sure you book for the correct dates to avoid disappointment.

How you get there

If you want to visit the Cook Islands, prepare yourself for a long journey. We chose to combine the Cook Islands with a trip to New Zealand. The most logical flight routes from the Netherlands are:

• San Francisco or Houston – Auckland – Rarotonga
• Singapore or Hong Kong – Auckland – Rarotonga
• Dubai – Auckland or Sydney – Rarotonga

In many cases you therefore have two or three intermediate stops. The average travel time from Amsterdam to the Cook Islands is between 28 and 35 hours (including stops). For a return flight you pay a minimum of €1500, but more towards €2000. If you are flexible with your travel dates, you have a better chance of getting a good deal. Use our insider tips for Skyscanner to find these deals.

snorkeling Cook Islands — Snorkeling Cook Islands

The best travel time

The best time to travel to the Cook Islands is during the drier and cooler period, which runs from May to October. In this period it doesn't rain much and the weather is pleasant with temperatures between 20°C and 26°C.

Also read: Travel information New Zealand | Everything you need to know in advance

The Cook Islands have a tropical climate, so it never really gets cold. The rainy season runs from October/November to April. During this period there is a higher chance of rainfall, high humidity and possibly also tropical cyclones. Don't let that stop you, as we visited the Cook Islands from mid-October to mid-November and had nice, sunny weather for the most part. Also a heavy downpour now and then, but you keep that in mind.

Tip: Every year from June to October, humpback whales migrate to the warm waters surrounding the Cook Islands to mate, calve and raise their young. This is really cool to experience. You can even see them from the beach. For the best experience, book a boat trip / whale safari.