After a long time of going this way and that I think I've finally settled on a visit to Aitutaki in the Cook Islands.

I teach and that limits me to certain times of year to go. I could go in late December/early January, or anytime during the summer months. I assume that June would be a bit warmer than July and August.

I'm leaning towards December at this point because it is warmer.

Obviously we will want to spend as much time in/on the water as possible.

So, should it be December or June?

Thanks for your help.

-Bill

Well, you will no doubt have a greater risk of rain in December - but your right in that it will be warmer (no risk of finding it bit too chilly, that's for sure).

Personally, I'd go for December. As a northern hemisphere resident, I prefer to head to a tropical destination when the weather is chilly at home. I'd gladly risk the rain in return for the warmth.

Ken

Thanks Ken, that's what I was thinking too.

Thanks, by the way for the info you have posted on the Cooks in the past. I've been reading what information there is out there on the Cooks for a couple of years now and it has all helped me to make up my mind. It is very hard to break my Kaua`i addiction though!

-Bill

You're welcome.

Trust me. If you love Kauai, you will LOVE the Cooks. Same laid-back atmosphere. If you have the time, you should book part of your trip for a stay on Raro as well. It reminds so very much of the north shore of Kauai. As I'm sure you've read, Aitutaki is dryer and less rugged (by far) than Raro and less like Kauai - but the water is amazing and the motus feel so exotic and remote. Book islands are terrific in their own different ways.

Enjoy your stay.

Ken

Thanks again Ken.

We are thinking of 3/4 nights on Raro and 5/7 nights on Aitutaki.

-Bill

jam, i'd reverse it and spend most time on Raro or go to one more island. in my opinion 5-7 days on Aitutaki is too much, not a lot to do after you've been on the day cruise.

forgot-we went in June and had perfect weather, only rained one night but not much at that.

matnikstym,

Thanks.

When you say another island, what are you referring to?

Was the water warm enough to snorkel in without a suit?

Thanks.

-Bill

Atiu is another choice, we didn't go but the travel agent in Avarua highly suggested it but since we had rented a house for the 10 days we were there, we didn't go. The water was warm in the lagoons in Raro. In Aitutaki on the day cruise we stopped in the middle of the ocean to snorkel and see giant clams and it was a bit cold there but no wet suit was needed.