Beaches & Swimming
Aro’a Beach and the west coast sunset
📍 Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Where
Aro'a, west coast
Opening hours
Daylight; late afternoon is best
Typical cost
Free
Aro'a sits on the west coast, which means two things: the reef is closer in, and you get the sunset.
Snorkelling
Because the lagoon is narrow, you are over coral within a minute or two of wading in. For shore snorkelling without a boat trip, this stretch of coast is among the best on the island.
Sunset
West-facing and open. There are places to sit with a drink along this coast, which is a large part of the appeal.
💡 Local tip
The lagoon is narrower here, so you reach live coral within a short swim of the beach — better snorkelling than Muri without a boat.
Listed as a local guide entry — not bookable through CI Booking. Details can change; it is worth confirming before you go.
Book something on Rarotonga
Booked direct with local operators — no booking fees.