Just back. Want to provide some snorkeling information for all you Cook Island wanna-go’s. Hopefully, when I get some time, I can report in more detail on the rest of our trip.<BR><BR>On Rarotonga, we only snorkeled the Muri area, west to the Titikaveka area. The lagoon in front of the Pacific Resort, Sails (Rarotonga Sailing Club), and the Muri Beachcomber (where we stayed) does not present good snorkeling. There is little coral accept out near the reef. The sandy bottom is great for wading out to the two motu’s which present a good walk and bird watching opportunities. You can hire kayaks from Pacific or from a vendor next to the Sailing Club. Out near the reef, the snorkeling is a little better, but the current can be a little strong out there. Check tide information.<BR><BR>The best snorkeling on Raro, in our opinion, is the area in front of “The Fruits of Rarotonga” west of the Muri Beachcomber about 1 mile. Specifically, about 200 yards west of the Fruits of Rarotonga is a small cemetery and a large radio tower. Stow your gear at Fruits of Rarotonga (they will keep your bags, they have restroom facilities. Just buy a coke or something.) and walk down the beach to just opposite the tower. Snorkeling out there is very good with good coral and lots of fish. Our highlight: an octopus. The lagoon out in front of the Little Polynesian Resort, farther west, is also reportedly very good for snorkeling, according to a diver and his wife staying at the “Little Poly,” whom we be-friended.<BR><BR>Continued

On Aitutaki, the best snorkeling by far (and perhaps the ONLY) is off the motu of Maina, accessable only by boat. Use Bishop’s Lagoon Cruise (all day with lunch on One Foot Island) or Teking Cruise (half day just to Maina), both can be arranged by your hotel. They both use open outboard boats with a shallow draft and maneuverability allowing them to get in there. The large platform boats offered by the Pearl Resort and Kit-Kat only go to One Foot Island. Snorkeling off of Maina is among the best we have ever had. Several large coral outcroppings. Many Giant Clams. Fish tend to be larger. Wave and surf surge increases as you get closer to the adjacent reef. Highlights for us here: Green Turtle and a large Brown Moray Eel. Later, after lunch on One Foot, we snorkeled in the channel north of One Foot, and saw an octopus and at one point were surrounded by dozens of good sized trumpetfish.<BR><BR>Snorkeling off of Pearl Resort is not good. We did not snorkel on the west side of the main island, for instance in front of Are Tamanu or Pacific. Both properties looked very nice, but we did not view the adjacemt lagoon.<BR><BR>Over the years we have acquired very good equipment, including lycra body suits, inflatable vests, and excellent masks and snorkels that don’t leak. We don’t have to worry about being in the sun for long periods of time and the vests save energy and help considerably when the sea is a little rough. We might look a little funny, and get a few comments in the boat, but that’s not our concern. I would encourage serious snorkelers to do the same.<BR><BR>I hope this info helps those intent on snorkeling in the Cook Islands.<BR>

Thanks, Bill. My husband and I are scheduled to fly to Rarotonga in two weeks. We are staying at a bungalow on the southeast shore, so appreciate the snorkeling info. We will also be on Aitutaki and will book a lagoon trip with one of the boats you suggested. We don't use body suits or vests. I was under the impression that the lagoons on both islands were quite calm if you stayed away from the inlets to the ocean. Am I right?

Absolutely, yes. The lagoons are calm compared to the open ocean. On occasion the wind can bring up a chop as opposed to large waves, and there can be current, but usually not strong enough to be dangerous. Many think we are kind of wimpy cause of the vests. But after using them once in the open ocean, we now use them on the longer snorkel outings even in lagoons. We save a lot of energy, and seem to be able to enjoy the view more and stay out longer.

The vest seems like a good idea if you're going to stay in the water a long time. Gives your legs a rest. There are times in Hawaii that I'd wished I'd had one when the swells were tiring me out. I'm looking forward to the peacefulness of the lagoons. Thanks.