Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
ECO-FRIENDLY MINIMAL IMPACT SNORKELING
100% SAFETY RECORD SINCE 2018
All Turtle Tours on Rarotonga are conducted at Avaavaroa Passage. A stretch of water “notorious for drownings.”
It’s being crowded with motorboat taxis and sea scooters — creating serious risks for swimmers, guides, and marine life.
The use of boats and sea scooters has enabled an increase in competing operators who rely on mechanical assistance to transport customers through the passage or compensate for limited ocean knowledge and swimming ability.
Boats and sea scooters don’t just increase danger — they also bring fuel leakage, noise pollution, and reef disturbance into one of Rarotonga’s most fragile and iconic turtle habitats.
Before you book Rarotonga’s #1 “must do” experience, please consider how you’re using the ocean — and whether it protects the reef and all water users.
Sign the petition online to keep Avaavaroa Passage motor-free and safe
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Guaranteed to see turtles! Discover Rarotonga’s best snorkeling experience. Not only will you swim alongside turtles but rays, and colorful tropical fish in crystal-clear waters! Our top-rated guided snorkeling tour offers a safe and unforgettable adventure, with beach entry and expert water safety professionals ensuring an incredible experience for all skill levels. Operating since 2018, we are committed to providing eco-friendly, tours that showcase Rarotonga’s breathtaking underwater world. Book your Rarotonga snorkeling tour today and create lifelong memories in paradise! Photos are taken on all tours but not guaranteed as your safety is our priority. Note our tour times change daily, as are scheduled around the safest and best conditions for the day.
What‘s Included
Convenient shower facilities for after your adventure
Premium snorkeling gear for your comfort and safety
Energizing local fruits to keep you fueled up
100% Safety record
Secure storage for your valuables
Photographs are taken on all tours but not guaranteed as your safety is our priority
Ample parking for your convenience
Transportation
Options
Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga
Reviews
506 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
You must book this!!
cheznyqueh2023,Mar 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00You will see turtles and rays + more!! The sea life is beautiful within this passage. Would 100% recommend this tour. Aside from this, The crew has lifeguard and professional photography experience. And they take photos underwater free of charge. They also give fresh homegrown fruit on arrival back onto the island Note: Pool noodles are available and it’s not a hard swim, but if you require a life jacket coz you can’t swim, it’s best you book a private tour instead.
Best swim with the turtles experience
Melissa S,Mar 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Hands down the best swim with the turtles experience! So good to have an orator who genuinely cares for the environment and the longevity of the reef and turtles. Cannot recommend this enough!
Fantastic experience & fantastic staff.
Quentin M,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fantastic experience & fantastic crew. All very experienced staff who care for their customers as much as their environment. As a family, we highly recommend these guys to all. Book with Snorkel Cook Islands and you will not be disappointed.
so many beautiful turtles!!
wendy b,Mar 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wow! We have scuba dived and snorkled so many places and we have never had an experience like this! So many beautiful turtles! It was so perfect!! We had a great safety talk prior and then headed out the short little walk/swim to the turtles who were free to come and go as they pleased. So many turtles!! It was fantastic!
If you’re thinking about, just book it!
LiaCathrene,Mar 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Had a great time and saw beautiful marine life from turtles to beautiful fish, tuna etc
Great
Helmut S,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We have seen several turtles and countless fish. The equipment is very good. The people are attentive and friendly.
Fantastic!
LaurieR,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00It was fantastic .. a15/10 experience! Lots of turtles, an experienced photographer and knowledgeable guides and all about preserving the sea life and ocean ecology So much fun!!! Couldn’t ask for anything more!
Professional, welcoming, generous, and truly memorable
Rasha A,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00We had an incredible experience with Snorkel Rarotonga and would highly recommend it to anyone visiting the island. Josh is extremely knowledgeable and experienced, and from the moment we arrived, they made us feel safe and well looked after, especially as a less confident swimmer. Throughout the tour, Josh shared information about the lagoon and its marine life, which made the experience both educational and engaging. He took the time to speak with everyone individually, creating a genuinely personalised experience. The snorkelling itself was relaxed and unhurried; we were able to explore at our own pace and stay in the water until we felt ready to finish. We saw turtles, giant clams, vibrant coral and colourful fish! It was also lovely to see that this is a family-run business, with Josh’s partner and daughter out on the water as well. Their warmth and hospitality really stood out. As an added bonus, Josh and his partner took underwater photos of each of us at no extra cost and uploaded them to their website for easy download, such a thoughtful and generous touch. The experience finished with a beautiful fruit platter, which perfectly wrapped up the whole experience.
Exhilarating
steffanor2026,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was me and my partners favourite experience of our Raro trip. Family run business that really connects with the group. Not only did we get to swim with turtles but he took stunning photos for us (the whole group) with his underwater camera and even after our excursion he recommended spots on the island. Very respectful and down to earth. Felt safe and had fun exploring the whole time.
Bucket List - ✅
Dream43752852171,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Folks, this was booked by my hubby and O.M.G — it was a bucket list experience I didn’t even realise I needed 😍 This company is exceptional. Josh, an ex-Olympian and long-time surf lifesaver 🛟, delivers one of the most thorough safety briefings we’ve ever experienced. His pre-tour instructions were clear and reassuring, and once in the water he ensured the experience was genuine, safe and suitable for all snorkelling abilities within our group of around 12. All gear is supplied (just bring towels and water), which makes everything seamless. What we loved most? No motorised devices. No noisy boats. No petrol pollution being pumped directly into the pristine environment you’re there to admire. Just respectful, eco-conscious exploration. Josh and his team flanked us at all times for safety, while still encouraging freedom to explore. Along the way, they educated us about the environment and the incredible old-soul, gentle creatures we were privileged to observe. And the cherry on top? High-resolution professional photos included in the price — gifted to ensure those memories stay crystal clear forever. Absolute gold. Afterwards, we were welcomed back with a shower and a beautiful fruit platter to finish. They even offer a discount on a return tour, which makes it comparable in price to just one trip with competitors — and you receive far more value here! An absolute no-brainer. If you choose this tour, you’ll get way more than your money’s worth 😎🤩🥰
-11% off
From NZ$79.21Was NZ$89.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
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Operated by Snorkel Cook Islands