Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
We believe the ocean should be experienced safely, respectfully, and in its most natural state.
Our tours are designed with a minimal-impact, eco-friendly approach, allowing you to enjoy Rarotonga’s marine life without disturbing the reef or its wildlife. Unlike some operations that rely on motorized equipment, our experience focuses on guided, human-powered snorkeling, creating a quieter, more natural encounter with turtles and other marine life.
Safety is at the core of everything we do. Since 2018, we have maintained a 100% safety record, with experienced guides who carefully assess daily ocean conditions to select the best and safest locations for each tour.
We intentionally operate in a way that prioritizes:
Guest safety and comfort
Protection of marine ecosystems
A more authentic and immersive snorkeling experience
By choosing this tour, you’re not only creating an unforgettable memory—you’re also supporting a more responsible way of exploring Rarotonga’s ocean environment.
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
Swim alongside wild sea turtles in one of Rarotonga’s most unforgettable snorkeling experiences. This guided tour takes you to Avaavaroa Passage, one of the island’s best-known snorkeling locations, where turtles, rays, and vibrant tropical fish are often seen in their natural habitat. With crystal-clear waters and rich marine life, it offers an incredible opportunity to experience Rarotonga’s underwater world up close. From the moment you enter the water, our experienced guides will be right by your side—helping you feel confident, comfortable, and fully immersed in the experience. Whether you’re new to snorkeling or more experienced, this tour is designed to be safe, relaxed, and truly memorable. We take pride in offering an eco-friendly, minimal-impact experience—protecting the reef while allowing you to enjoy it responsibly. Photos are taken during the tour so you can relive your experience, while our team remains focused on your safety at all times. Tour times vary daily to ensure you are snorkeling in the safest and best conditions available.
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
540 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A first class and professional operation
Repsaw,May 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I was in communications with Snorkel Cook Islands for several months and they went the extra step in creating a private tour with my wife and I on a Sunday when they don’t usually work. They created this just for us and we were all ready to go, however when my cruise ship pulled in the swells and waves were too high and the tenders could not operate. We had to cancel. They immediately offered to refund my money or to give me a credit for a future vacation . No questions asked. You don’t get this all over the world but here with Snorkel Cook Islands you do. Professional and upfront and I can’t wait to come back and go with them on their tours.
Best sea turtle snorkelling guides!
Ashleigh P,May 11, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Elijah was our main guide and was awesome. All the rest of the crew were also friendly, & helpful. Had a great time! Also don’t use boats or sea scooters which is better for the environment 🙌🏼
Rogue operators
Tugtug4433,May 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Beware - Snorkel Cook Islands are rogue operators. Yes people have enjoyed themselves on their tours, but people would enjoy a dilapidated ferris wheel with a fresh coat of paint up until it falls over sideways. So enjoy yourself with any of the legitimate tour operators that are endorsed by the real people of the Cook Islands. If you are going to have safety issues or harm a turtle, there is no doubt Snorkel Cook Islands will be the ones to provide this for you. They do not adhere to the CI Tourism MOU regarding safe operation of turtle tours and they are not a worthy provider of a turtle tour experience. Don't come to Raro to eat rocks just because its cheap and the marketing is flash, get some real food.
What an experience!
Ellie J,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Loved every minute of this tour. There was a lovely warm welcome on arrival from Mama T and the boys. It was great to know that we were in safe hands with Josh, Elijah and Sean as they took us out to the passage. Soo many turtles and rays - bloody amazing!
Book with these guys!!!!!
sashamY2090SO,May 8, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an INCREDIBLE experience. You get to swim out over a channel that is sooo deep and cool. Then the crew set you off to explore and they are constantly watching over you. While photos are not technically included, Josh made sure everyone who wanted a photo got one, and they are free as well :) They’ve got people to make sure the non-confident swimmers are safe and well looked after. These boys knew exactly what they were doing and timed everything perfectly - we had the lagoon bit all to ourselves. Even got to see some rays! Would 1000% book with them again.
Our safety was their first priority
Maps02452436361,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Totally enjoyed our swim with the turtle/s. You walk/swim out to the main turtle spot🐢. Was blowing a gale at first with strong current but the operators/crew were amazing. They focused on our safety every minute. They guaranteed our safety and a turtle sighting. 🐢 Was a little murky but got photo of turtle coming up for air. It wasn't their fault it was rough and murky. The main guide kept us entained with his great sense of humor throughout. Fruit at the end was a treat afterwards. We totally enjoyed it!!
Highly recommend
kylad453,May 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Such an awesome tour, the guides are very friendly and professional. Even with the bad weather that has passed through the last couple of days and the murky water, we were still able to see turtles and other sea life. Very enjoyable tour. Highly recommend snorkel Cook Islands.
Swimming with turtles
LoulouLLS,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were a bit worried when we saw how many people were in our group, but in the end, the experience was crazy! After a little swimming test, we had the freedom to snorkel in the zone without being on top of each other. There were so many turtles and fish, equipment was top-notch! We just wished that the guides had given us more details about approaching the turtles. Some tourists were touching them, which felt unnecessary and uneducated. But overall, a great experience.
Fun, value and very safe !
Martinoaustralia,May 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00These guys are super professional without losing that relaxed island vibe .
What an amazing experience
Glen S,Apr 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My wife and I had the pleasure of going on the snorkelling with Sea Turtles tour today as it's been my wife's dream to swim with turtles. We were blown away how many turtles there were. What an amazing experience. The tour operators were very friendly and helpful as there was a strong current on our tour day.
From NZ$89.00
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