The Cook Islands- Best Stops Hands Down

RAROTONGA

AKA “Raro” to the locals has a population of less than 7500 and is a tiny island 4 hours flight from Auckland New Zealand. When you picture paradise this is it.

When looking at the itinerary for this trip we knew little about The Cook Islands. We had two stops on our itinerary in Rarotonga and Aitutaki! But I was so focused on Tahiti I kind of forgot about it!

I checked Viator and everything involved the water. I picked a tour with Snorkeling Rarotonga owned by a guy named Josh who also competed for the Cook Islands at the Olympics in kayaking!

He had amazing reviews for his swimming with turtle excursions. We invited Erik and Colette to join us- Colette was hesitant as it wasn’t something they’d normally do but I convinced her it would be incredible.

Day of the weather was incredible. Massive blue skies and a slight breeze. Unfortunately Dre wasn’t feeling well at all so I went solo with them. Henry was our guide picking us up at the TINY cruise terminal- it was another tender day so bobbing to shore was another sweat box but much easier than Easter Island!

We drove on the one road that goes all around the island and arrived at what looked like house on the beach surrounded by trees. Breathtaking!

After a brief snorkel/fin/where we were swimming tutorial into the water we went. I held loosely onto Henry’s life float and let the tide guide us out into the ocean. Colette did the same with our female guide who joined our group of 3.

Magical as we saw gorgeous fish in every imaginable color, coral reefs untouched, a “fever” the name for a group of black and white spotted stingrays below us- and turtles turtles everywhere. We watched as they left the “Turtle Cafe” and swam to the top of the water for a breath and then gracefully swam back down. The best part was Henry and his go-pro took all the pictures and video for us so all we had to do was swim and take in the theatre of marine life below. I even got to hold a massive purple starfish of which there were so many. Our swim ended after about 60-90 minutes and we were back on the beach greeted by a display of fresh fruit- star fruit, guava, passion fruit, bananas, papaya on a massive palm leaf. It was literally a perfect morning with nature and I was thrilled Colette who was apprehensive had a great time. Henry airdropped the pics and video to us and suggested a local hotel for lunch where he drove us!

The hotel was beautiful, surrounded in greenery leading to a restaurant right on the water. Seated at Table number 2- I knew the universe was watching me. Lunch was delish. Fish sandwiches for all! At lunch with Wifi we looked at the incredible photos Henry took and there was one of a swimmer taken looking up at the sun forming a perfect circle! It was gorgeous and at first glance I thought it was Erik or Colette but it was ME!!!!! I couldn’t believe it! I looked like a snorkeling pro and a picture I’ll definitely frame!

The hotel called us a cab and our driver was a hoot. He volunteered that his wife left him. He owned his house with no mortgage and had worked at the hotel for over 20+ years. He said life in Rarotonga was paradise and we should move because in HIS words- “in your country all you do is kill each other!” He dropped the three of us off in town where I could buy a snorkel to use in Aitutaki the next day. The three of us walked back to the teeny ship terminal and tender boats but could definitely feel the heat and sun and humidity rising! While it was close to a truly perfect day I was bummed Andre didn’t get to join us and swim with the turtles!

AITUTAKI

The next day we were taken to another Cook Island population about 2500. It’s basically a beach. The water is crystal clear blue and you can walk 1/2 mile out to sea and still only be up to your knees. We hopped a cab with Erik/Colette and another couple from Sydney. She dropped us off at a beach where 1/2 our ship had already arrived. I plopped down my sarong as a blanket and walked right into the water and kept walking and walking. I was a good 300 meters from shore and still easily touching the bottom of the clear warm water. We stayed out there a good hour or more just enjoying the perfect weather and watching the occasional boat go by. Finally and begrudgingly I went back to shore and we all walked around a bend to a family owned restaurant for lunch as the cafe where we were was totally sold out of food.

Where we ended up was adorable- The family owns 2 bungalows to rent, the café celebrating their 12th year- and all the art, photography and sarongs for sale had been made by a cousin or sister/brother.

How they hand make sarongs

We were supposed to be picked up by our original driver but when the group went back to the beach to get our stuff they found another cab for only $5 a ride so we hopped in with her. Now here’s where a perfect day takes a nose dive into deep hell. There were so many passengers waiting for a tender and it was hellish hot. No cover/shade anywhere. It was brutal. Colette and I left the guys in line and found a tree to sit under. Then 20-30 minutes later Dre came running over to tell us we were next on and we had to move fast or be left to go to the end of the line. As we zipped through the dagger eyes of other guests who didn’t care that our husbands had been holding our place in line-I thought one of them could have killed us and claim sunstroke as a defense! It was awful- unpleasant and once again the staff of msc were just oblivious to the drama.

I got back on board and I think I slept for two days!

With some cold water and a clearer head- I realized The Cook Islands were what I expected to find in Tahiti. But it was even better- untouched paradise that I could move to for 6 months and be the happiest girl ever. I wish it wasn’t so far and remote but then again it’s probably why it’s still paradise!

A MUST VISIT!!!!!