Private Tour
Private Rarotonga Turtle Tour
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
This private tour is designed for those who value comfort, flexibility, and a more personalized ocean experience.
With a dedicated guide for your group, you’ll receive one-on-one support in the water, making it ideal for beginners, families, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed pace. Without the presence of a larger group, you’ll have more space, more time, and a more natural interaction with marine life.
We follow a minimal-impact, eco-friendly approach, allowing you to experience Rarotonga’s reef environment in a way that respects and protects it. By avoiding motorized assistance, the experience remains quiet, safe, and more immersive.
Since 2018, we have maintained a 100% safety record, with guides who carefully assess conditions each day to ensure the best possible experience for your group.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Enjoy a more personal way to experience Rarotonga’s marine life with your own private turtle snorkeling tour. This exclusive experience takes you to Avaavaroa Passage, one of Rarotonga’s most renowned snorkeling locations, where you’ll have the opportunity to swim alongside wild sea turtles, rays, and vibrant tropical fish in crystal-clear lagoon waters. With a dedicated guide focused entirely on your group, you’ll have the freedom to explore at your own pace—without the pressure or distractions of a larger tour. Whether you prefer a relaxed introduction to snorkeling or a more immersive experience, your guide will tailor the pace to your comfort level while ensuring your safety at all times. Our approach remains eco-friendly and minimal-impact, allowing you to enjoy the reef responsibly while preserving its natural beauty. Photos are taken during the tour so you can relive your experience, while your guide remains fully focused on your safety. Tour times vary daily to ensure the safest and best conditions for your experience.
What‘s Included
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Local fruits
Photography is included on all tours but not guaranteed as your safety is our priority
Secure storage for your valuables
Outdoor shower
Ample parking for your convenience
Guaranteed turtle experience
Options
Private Rarotonga Turtle Tour
Reviews
191 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Turtle tour
kimmS5034SC,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We loved the family vibe. We saw lots of turtles and are looking forward to the photos . Thank you a real trip to remember !
Amazing
Tour26124901536,Feb 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guys were awesome as. Friendly and made us feel comfortable and took some awesome pictures and videos definitely use them again.
Unique experience
Tinebabel,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The experience is unique. We were the first in the water and saw a lot of turtles. The animals are so calm and trusting (if you radiate peace yourself). The large groups exude unrest, which is why we decided to go on a private tour. We went with Charlotte and it was so much fun. We were able to take our time to observe the beautiful animals and to have around us where there were not the crowds of tourists. We recommend everyone to travel in smaller groups. Thank you Charlotte and Josh for the experience!
Excellence and professionalism
Trail33113651325,Jan 24, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highlight of our family trip. All round excellence and professionalism. Josh, Charlotte and the team are so friendly, real and welcoming. The tour was worth every dollar spent. Special memories created! Thank-you. Manaaki Atua.
Fantastic turtle tour with Snorkel Cook Islands
132sheldonn,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you Josh and Charlotte for an amazing day. Thanks also to puku and aunty. We loved doing the turtle tour with you guys. Apart from the experience, you guys are amazing hosts, so kind, polite and welcoming. You kept us safe and happy and we go back home content with our decision to do this. Thanks again for the memories and all the very best to you and your beautiful family.
Highly recommended
Christine B,Jan 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The experience was fantastic. We were the first in the water, the turtles swam directly with us. Charlotte is great.
Just Ok!
Luke L,Jan 8, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Was expecting great things but bit disappointed. Did the 01/01/26 at 1:45pm tour. Guide seemed disengaged with the later tour booked it. Seemed half the turn out to the morning session. No photos of my group session have been uploaded. Way over 160 from the morning group. Felt the consistency wasn't there for both groups. Not sure why as I paid the same amount if not more way over the special price. The water was not as visible as expected to see alot of the marine life. Just ok!
Good but bad at the same time.
James B,Jan 7, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00The tour delivers however, the low rating is due to the fact that the photos were not uploaded, and the emails remain unanswered. I love the passion of the host and tour guide protecting the reef, however, I cannot help but feel the 1;45pm tour group didn’t get the same love as the previous two, of which their photos were uploaded. Very disappointing as this truly was remarkable seeing Manta Rays and Turtles.
Exceptional experience – cannot recommend highly enough
KLVaughan,Dec 23, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Snorkel Cook Islands were absolutely brilliant from start to finish. This is a family-owned and run business, and you really feel that personal care and pride in what they do. The equipment provided was immaculate, clean, and clearly well maintained, which immediately gave us confidence. The experience catered perfectly for both adults and children who could confidently swim. I especially want to highlight how amazing the team were with my youngest child, who isn’t the strongest swimmer and was a little nervous about swimming over the drop-off. The crew went above and beyond, providing extra swimming support and reassurance so my child felt safe and supported — which also allowed me to fully relax and enjoy the experience myself. Their attention to detail and genuine care for the marine environment was commendable. The snorkeling methods used were natural, respectful, and clearly designed to minimise disruption, helping preserve one of the most vulnerable and beautiful slices of marine life we’ve ever seen. We were a large family group of 9 on the day, with children ranging in age from 6 to 15 years, and the experience was outstanding value for money compared to other operators. Every single person in our group had an amazing time. I honestly cannot recommend Snorkel Cook Islands highly enough — exceptional value, exceptional care, and an unforgettable experience
Wow! Magical Turtle Tour!
Departure03278194433,Nov 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What an amazing magical day had today with the Snorkel Cook Island crew, Josh, Eli, Charlotte, baby (Bronte?) and mama back at base. From the go, Josh and his team made us feel safe and confident enough to be able to swim out in the passage. He told us everything we would be doing and drew a map in the sand. Once we got out there the team was always surrounding us, so we always felt safe but also giving us the freedom to explore this beautiful area of this beautiful island. Wow is all i can say, this experience is food for the soul, turtles are beautiful creatures and i lost count of how many we saw, truly grateful to have experienced something like this in my lifetime and thats hugely because of Josh and his team making this possible. We have booked back in to do again while we are here. Keep up the good mahi!
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