A. Benson

We'll be in Rarotonga for 6 nights and want to take a day trip to Aitutaki. Would you recommend the special flight that includes the catamaran trip and lunch? Or are you captive and can't get out of the sun? Is it better to rent a car and sightsee on your own? Thanks for any help you can give.

LordBalfor

Take the cruise. Exploring the islands' back roads is very cool, but it's the lagoon and the motus that really make Aitutaki special. <BR><BR>If your cruise is on the Titi Ai Tonga (the larger of 2 cats that offer tours), you need not woory about too much sun. There is plenty of shade beneath its' wide overhanging canopy.<BR><BR>The Kit Kat is smaller, but still has a &quot;full cover&quot; canopy.<BR><BR>Some of the Bishops' Cruise trips are in small speedboats - great to take you out to more remote motus, but as you mentioned, you will not have as much cover from the sun.<BR><BR>Enjoy your stay. The Cooks are wonderful.<BR><BR>Ken<BR>

A. Benson

Thank you so much Ken. I was thinking of the day trip offered by Air Rarotonga. Where can I find out about the ones you spoke of? We're really looking forward to all this, and glad you enjoyed it so much.

LordBalfor

According to Air Rarotonga's website, one of the cat boats is the default vessel for the tour. Based on the fact that they mention that lunch is served on the beach (rather than on the boat), I would guess that the vessel is the Kit Kat. To be sure, you might consider e-mailing them:<BR><BR>http://www.ck/airrarotonga/aitutaki.htm<BR><BR>Ken<BR><BR>PS: There's a photo of the Kit Kat on this travelogue about a trip to the Cooks &amp; Fiji:<BR><BR>http://www.geocities.com/mnladventures/fiji.html<BR><BR>And, if you haven't yet (sounds like maybe you have) seen them, my own shots of the Cooks:<BR><BR>http://community.webshots.com/user/lordbalfor

A. Benson

Thanks for all your help Ken. I'm in the process of contacting 3 tour operators, including Air Rarotonga and I'll then try to determine which is the best deal. Take care.