Our trip to The Cook Islands

[annw24]

Glad to hear you enjoyed Raratonga. I was there in later Sept. and also dived with Christina & Graham of Pacific Divers and was very happy with their outfit. It was pretty windy that week so we were limited to diving the lee side of the island. Was rather disappointed by the depredations of the Crown of Thorns but hopefully the reef will recover. A close encounter with a mother humpback and her baby at about 50' depth off Black Rock more than made up for it.
I also spent a week on Aitutaki and heartily recommend Neil Mitchell's Aitutaki Scuba (not much choice since he's the only dive operation on the island but the dives were varied and his divemaster, Nathan, was exceptional). I just wish my photos of the giant clams and the Napoleon wrasses had turned out better - maybe next time.
My husband and I were really taken with the laid-back style of the Cooks and hope they continue to maintain it, keeping out the big chain hotels and the like.

 

[JustAddWater]

Neil has a great story about " a feeling he was being watched during a dive". It turned out to be a curious humpback whale that gave him a real close look. Anyone who has the benefit of diving with his operation, be sure to ask about the story.

 

[Brian]

I've enjoyed reading the comments about Aitutaki. We're thinking of visiting there in April. How significant is the coral dieback? Any thoughts about staying at the Pearl Beach Resort (it used to be the Aitutaki Lagoon Resort)? And how do you think the island is for kids -- particularly an 11-year-old girl (who snorkels and loves nature)?

Thanks in advance.

 

[JustAddWater]

The locals said the coral definitely took a hit, but that it seemed to be on the rebound. There was plenty of nice beach for sunbathing and playing in the sand. There was one beach/bar/restaurant area (I forgot the name, but everyone there knows of it) where kids were playing in the water, kayaking, and generally having fun. Other beaches are quieter, and have shallow reefs, close to shore, that would be ideal for a young snorkeler/explorer.

 

[annw24]

The depredation of coral due to Crown of Thorns did not seem as severe on Aitutaki as on Raratonga but it was still a factor.
There is limited snorkeling from shore although we did find a spot at the west end of the airport runway. It was very shallow and one had to keep alert to avoid bumping into rocks but there was lots to see and a large area to explore.
The best snorkeling, however, is around the motus and it's necessary to take one of the lagoon cruises to get there. We took the small boat with KitKat Cruises and really enjoyed the day long expedition. Your 11 year old will have a ball on the motus where it's possible to explore the land as well as the water.

 

[Brian]

Dear Ann and JustAddWater,

Very helpful information! Thank you.

 

[JustAddWater]

Hey annw24,
Almost forgot about the lagoon cruise with KitKat. That was a fun day with great snorkeling. The bbq parrotfish was good too!