Rarotonga, Cook Islands

    Aroa Rā’ui

    Best months: Jan–May

    Why dive here

    With 134+ marine species recorded in the area - including humpback whales and pufferfish - Aroa Rā’ui offers some of Rarotonga's richest reef diving. Water ranges 24-28°C, warmest February, March, April.

    Best timeJan–May
    WetsuitA 3mm shorty or thin full wetsuit
    Marine lifeHumpback Whales and Pufferfish · 134+ species recorded
    Water24-28°C · warmest February, March, April
    CharacterReef dive

    Aroa Rā’ui is one of those spots we always point people to, especially if they’re just getting their fins wet or want a relaxed afternoon in the shallows. Forget the big boats and deep drops for a moment. Here, you’re straight off the beach, wading into calm, clear water that rarely nudges past 6m. It's a fantastic place to just float and watch. We’ve seen Clown Butterflyfish weaving through the Staghorn coral, their yellows and blacks really popping against the blue. Schools of Gold-lined Seabream drift past, almost hypnotically. Look closely among the sand patches for the Black Sea Cucumbers, or if you’re lucky, a Granular Frog Shell. Our favorite find here has to be the Argus Grouper, often just chilling under a coral head. Visibility usually hovers around 10m, which feels ample when you're this close to the action. It's not a deep, dramatic dive, but a gentle, intimate peek into the lagoon’s smaller inhabitants. Perfect for honing buoyancy or just enjoying an easy, colorful drift.

    Today05:1317:4112h 28m daylightGolden hour 17:12

    Nearest Dive Centres to Aroa Rā’ui

    Dive shops near Aroa Rā’ui

    View all dive centres in Rarotonga

    Reviews for Aroa Rā’ui

    Sign in to write a review

    Conditions

    Ocean conditions, forecast and tides for Aroa Rā’ui

    Aroa Rā’ui Ocean Conditions

    Monthly averages for Aroa Rā’ui, sourced from Open-Meteo marine data - nearest station: Open-Meteo marine grid (-21.2, -159.82) (1km away)

    ExcellentGreatGoodFairPoor★Best monthsThis month

    October Averages

    Sea Temperature

    24°C

    76°F · Range: 23.3–26°C

    Air Temperature

    22°C

    72°F

    Wind Speed

    9.54 m/s

    18.5 knots

    Atmospheric Pressure

    1016.5 hPa

    Based on 4 years of monitoring data · Data sources: Open-Meteo marine data

    Plan & book

    Ways to dive Rarotonga, from day trips to liveaboards.

    Day trips & courses

    via GetYourGuide

    Guided dives, courses and snorkel trips with instant booking.

    Find dive trips in Rarotonga

    Places to stay

    via Booking.com

    Hotels and dive resorts near Rarotonga.

    Search stays in Rarotonga

    Dive insurance

    Most travel insurance excludes or limits scuba. Check what you need before you go.

    Dive insurance explained

    Partner links: we may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. How we make money

    Where to Stay near Aroa Rā’ui

    Prices from Booking.com. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

    Back to Rarotonga