5 Best Things you must do in Rarotonga – Cook Islands

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1. Take a Vaca Lagoon Cruise in Rarotonga

Everyone will tell you this activity is a MUST when you visit Rarotonga and the Cook Islands so you should definitely try it! Essentially you go out for half a day on a pontoon-type boat with a thatched roof and do some snorkeling, island exploring, and then you get a BBQ fish lunch!.I went with Captain Tama’s Lagoon Cruise and had a really fun time on the beautiful lagoon! One of the captains sang and played yukalalee for us while the other was a bit more uh, stern (“No talking when I’m talking!”, “Hurry up!” and also said “Are you guys going to get off the boat” when we got back because I was trying to find money in my purse to tip him…he then wouldn’t take the tip and told me to give it to the other captain).

2. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking

Even if your balance sucks, I would HIGHLY recommend renting a paddleboard to take out onto the lagoon!.It’s really cool to see the coral and fish below you, plus you can explore at your own pace, stop at more islands, snorkel whenever you see something or feel like it, and create your own island picnic!.We rented paddleboards from KiteSUP for $30NZD for 2 hours, and bought snacks and wine from the little mini-mart down the street to take with us. We then paddled everything to the smallest uninhabited island and had a little mid-paddle happy hour on the giant rocks there!

3. Go Snorkeling or Scuba Diving

Most hotels will let you use snorkel gear for free, and if not, you can rent them from either Captain Tama’s or the other water sport centers along Muri Beach. You can go on either guided snorkels or go on your own. Either way, there’s definitely a ton of reefs to see! 

For scuba you’ll definitely need a guided tour because the barrier reef around the island is very dangerous (think Moana.). But you should be able to see black tip sharks, and in some seasons, whales!

4. Eat at the Rarotonga Muri Night Market

Another popular thing you’ll hear all locals (and bloggers) say to do is eat at the Muri Night Market! It’s in Muri Beach and open every day at 5pm, with Sunday’s being the busiest.You’ll find about twenty food stalls or so with everything from homemade crepes, to noodles (the most popular), and of course, delicious seafood! Get there early as food tends to run out!

5. Eat an “Island Sized Sandwich” at Charlie’s Restaurant and Bar

I recently witnessed the biggest sandwich I have ever seen in my entire life. It was as long and wide as two of my hands, and about six inches tall! It also had three whole fish filets in it and some delicious secret sauce! You absolutely must order the Fish Sandwich if you go to Charlie’s! 

We also ordered the sashimi which was equally as impressive! Not only was it extremely fresh Blue Fin Tuna, but two rows of sashimi rather than one and for only $18NZD! It was also served with some delicious garlic ponzu sauce alongside traditional soy sauce!

Charlie’s is also popular for it’s live music later in the evening! It’s considered one of the “hotspots” of the island and 100% worth checking out!