Where to swim on Rarotonga besides Muri

Muri is not the only lagoon on Rarotonga, and for some things it is not the best one. The reef runs almost all the way around the island, so there is calm water on every coast — but the character changes considerably.

The west coast

Arorangi and the beaches south of it face the sunset, which is the main reason to be there in the late afternoon. The lagoon is narrower than at Muri and the snorkelling directly off the beach is often better because you reach the coral sooner.

The south coast

Quieter again, with some of the clearest water on the island and several of the better snorkelling spots. Titikaveka has a deservedly good reputation. There is less infrastructure here — fewer places to buy a drink, fewer people about — which is either the appeal or the drawback depending on what you want.

Reading the water

This is worth taking seriously. The reef has passages where water that has come over the top flows back out to sea, and the current through them is strong. They are usually visible as a darker channel with the surface moving in a different direction from the water around it.

• Do not swim in or near a reef passage, however calm the lagoon looks.
• Conditions change with tide and wind. A spot that was fine yesterday morning may not be today.
• Ask locally. People will tell you plainly where is safe on the day.

Book something on Rarotonga

Booked direct with local operators — no booking fees.