Diving in Rarotonga

Best Time to Dive in Rarotonga

The warmest water temperatures in Rarotonga occur in January, averaging 26.5°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 26.5°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

• January: 26.5°C (air: 24.8°C)
• February: 26.5°C (air: 25.2°C)
• March: 26.5°C (air: 25.5°C)
• April: 26.5°C (air: 25.0°C)
• May: 26.5°C (air: 24.2°C)
• June: 26.5°C (air: 22.8°C)
• July: 26.5°C (air: 22.3°C)
• August: 26.5°C (air: 21.7°C)
• September: 26.5°C (air: 22.0°C)
• October: 26.5°C (air: 22.1°C)
• November: 26.5°C (air: 22.6°C)
• December: 26.5°C (air: 24.0°C)

Marine Life in Rarotonga

Home to 143 recorded species including 102 reef fish, 14 hard corals, 10 sea snails & nudibranchs, 7 sea cucumbers, 2 sea urchins, 2 starfish.

Dive Site Difficulty in Rarotonga

Rarotonga has 1 beginner, 1 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for divers of all levels.

Recommended Packing List for Rarotonga

Based on average water temperature of 26.5°C.

• Shorty or Rashguard - warm 26°C water needs minimal exposure protection
• Mask - essential for every dive
• Fins
• BCD - buoyancy compensator
• Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
• Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
• Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
• Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Rarotonga

• Suwarrow National Park - National Park (IUCN Category II)
• Marae Moana - Marine Park (IUCN Category VI)
• Takutea Wildlife Sanctuary - Nature Reserve (IUCN Category IV)

Getting to Rarotonga - Nearest Airports

• Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), Avarua - 1 km away, approx 17 min travel time