Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga at Avaavaroa Passage
- DurationAbout 2 hours (about 1 hour in the water)
- Daily
- Group
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Overview
This guided snorkel takes you from the beach into Avaavaroa Passage on the south coast of Rarotonga, a natural channel through the reef often called the island's last real-life aquarium. Green turtles come here to feed and rest, so you are very likely to see them, along with living coral and many tropical fish. Your guides, who are lifeguards, surfers and fishermen, fit your fins, reef shoes, mask and snorkel on the sand, check your snorkelling in calm shallow water and then lead the group over the coral for about an hour in the water. It is a shared tour of about two hours with no boat and no pickup, best for confident swimmers in good health.
Highlights
- Swim from the beach into Avaavaroa Passage, a natural channel through the reef
- Very good chances of seeing green turtles in the wild
- About 1 hour snorkelling over living coral with colourful reef fish
- Experienced guides who are lifeguards, surfers and fishermen
- Fins, reef shoes, mask and snorkel included
- Pool noodles for extra flotation
- Respectful wildlife rules: no touching or feeding turtles
Full Description
Avaavaroa Passage, Rarotonga
Rarotonga is encircled by a reef, and in a few places the reef is cut by passages, natural channels where water from the lagoon flows out to the open ocean. Avaavaroa Passage, on the south coast of the island, is one of the best known, and its deeper water and living coral attract far more marine life than the sandy lagoon around it.
Many travellers search for the best snorkeling in Rarotonga and end up here: the coral is healthy, the water is clear and fish gather along the walls of the channel. Because passages can have currents, it is best explored with guides who know the conditions, which is exactly what this tour provides.
Swimming with green turtles
Green turtles visit Avaavaroa Passage to graze and to rest in the shelter of the coral, so sightings are highly likely, although they are wild animals and never guaranteed. Watching one glide past or surface for a breath a few metres away is the moment most guests come for.
The guides keep everyone at least three metres from the turtles and never touch or feed them, so the animals stay relaxed and keep returning. Swim gently, avoid chasing them and let them come and go. The guides take photos on most tours, but safety comes first, so pictures are not guaranteed; a waterproof camera of your own is a good idea.
The coral and reef fish of the passage
Beyond the turtles, the passage is a living aquarium of coral and fish. Expect branching and plate corals, sea cucumbers on the sand, parrotfish, surgeonfish, butterflyfish, triggerfish and shimmering schools of small reef fish that part around you as you swim.
You start in calm, shallow water near the beach, where the guide checks your mask and breathing, then the group swims out over the coral into the channel. The guides pick the route for the conditions on the day and stay with the group the whole time, and pool noodles are offered for extra flotation instead of bulky life jackets. Clear days with gentle wind usually give the best visibility through the channel.
Rarotonga snorkelling tips and best season
Rarotonga's south coast has some of the island's clearest water, and snorkelling is possible all year. May to October is the cooler, drier season with sunny days, while November to April is warmer and wetter; on very windy or rough days the guides may reschedule for safety.
To enjoy the passage, you must be able to swim and feel comfortable in open water. Ages 12 to 65 are a guide rather than a strict rule; if you are outside that range, tell us about your fitness and swimming ability. Bring swimwear, a towel and reef-safe sunscreen, and plan to arrive a few minutes early to be fitted with gear. Eat a light meal beforehand and drink water, as the sun is strong.
Itinerary
- Check-in on the beachArrive at the beach at Avaavaroa Passage 5 minutes before the start and meet your guides.
- Gear fitting and briefingGet fitted with fins, reef shoes, mask and snorkel, and hear the safety and wildlife rules, about 15 minutes.
- Check swim in shallow waterPractise in calm shallow water while the guide makes sure everyone is comfortable.
- Guided snorkel in the passageSwim over living coral into the channel and look for green turtles and reef fish, about 1 hour in the water.
- Back to the beachSwim back with the guides and finish on the beach, about 2 hours after check-in.
What's included
- Experienced snorkel guides who stay with the group
- Fins, reef shoes, mask and snorkel
- Pool noodles for extra flotation
- Gear fitting and a check swim in shallow water
- About 1 hour snorkelling in Avaavaroa Passage
Not included
- Transfers (can be arranged at extra cost)
- Towel
- Underwater photos are not guaranteed
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Think twice if
- You need hotel pickup — you meet at the meeting point
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- Non-swimmers
- Wheelchair users (the beach is accessible, the snorkelling is not)
Meeting point
Meet the guides on the beach at Avaavaroa Passage on the south coast of Rarotonga, right on the main road and the round-island bus route. Please check in 5 minutes before the start time. There are no direct transfers on this tour, though transport can be arranged at extra cost; we send you directions and a map link after booking.
Important information
- You must be able to swim; this is not suitable for non-swimmers
- Ages 12 to 65 are a guide; contact us if you are outside this range
- Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a waterproof camera
- Check in 5 minutes before the start time
- Never touch or feed turtles; stay at least 3 metres away
- If the sea is too rough to swim safely, the tour is rescheduled or refunded
- Turtle sightings are highly likely but not guaranteed
- There are no boats on this tour; it starts and ends on the beach
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared guided snorkel in a small group with experienced local guides.
How long does it take?
About two hours in total, including about one hour in the water.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. You meet on the beach at Avaavaroa Passage, which is on the round-island bus route; transport can be arranged at extra cost.
What is included?
Guides, fins, reef shoes, mask and snorkel, pool noodles for flotation, a briefing and about one hour of guided snorkelling.
Is the price per person or per group?
It is priced per person. The booking panel on this page shows the current price of each option for your date.
Will I definitely see turtles?
Sightings are highly likely because green turtles feed and rest in the passage, but they are wild animals, so it is never guaranteed.
Is it suitable for children or reduced mobility?
It suits confident swimmers roughly 12 to 65 in good health. It is not suitable for non-swimmers or wheelchair users.
Are life jackets provided?
The guides use pool noodles for extra flotation, because life jackets can be too buoyant in the wind.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, a towel, sunscreen and a waterproof camera. Snorkel gear and reef shoes are provided.
What happens in bad weather?
If the sea is too rough to swim safely, you can reschedule or receive a full refund.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose your date and option in the booking panel on this page and send the request; our team confirms on WhatsApp within minutes with all the details.