Muri Lagoon cruise: Snorkeling BBQ lunch glass-bottom boat

Glass-bottom views, snorkeling in clear water, and a fire-cooked lunch on a motu

A half-day lagoon cruise on Muri Beach in Rarotonga combines a glass-bottom boat tour of the marine reserve, snorkeling with tropical fish and giant clams, and a buffet BBQ lunch cooked over an open fire on Motu Koromiri. The tour runs four hours from an 11am departure, includes snorkeling equipment, and features live cultural performances—a stringband, coconut climbing and husking, and pareu tying. Arrive 30 minutes early; bring your own towels and any alcohol you want to drink.

Step-by-step itinerary

Muri Lagoon cruise and BBQ lunch

• Arrive at Muri Beach
• Welcome with Cook Island drumming
• Board glass bottom boat
• Cruise to marine reserve
• Snorkel with tropical fish and giant clams
• View marine life through glass bottom
• Enjoy fresh fish BBQ lunch
• Watch coconut tree climbing and husking show
• See pareu tying demonstration
• Listen to NSA stringband on Motu Koromiri

The Experience

You arrive at Muri Beach and get welcomed with Cook Islands drumming before boarding the glass-bottom boat at 11am. The boat heads out to the marine reserve, where you can watch giant clams and tropical fish move through the water without getting wet—the hull does the work. When you're ready to actually get in, snorkeling gear is provided and the water is clear enough to see what you're swimming toward: the same fish and clams you watched from above, plus Charlie, a moray eel the crew knows by name.

The boat stops at Motu Koromiri, a small island where lunch is cooked over an open fire. The buffet is fresh fish, and it comes with the cultural side of the lagoon—a stringband playing, someone climbing a coconut tree, a demonstration of how to husk one, and how to tie a pareu. You eat, watch, and sit in the shade between swims if you want another go in the water.

The whole thing is four hours from start to finish. Snorkeling equipment is included, so you don't pack your own; towels are not, so bring one. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can sit on an adult's lap or use a specialized seat. If you want alcohol, bring it—the tour doesn't provide it, but you're welcome to. Public transport runs near Muri Beach if you need it to get there.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• buffet BBQ lunch cooked over an open fire on Motu Koromiri.
• glass-bottom boat tour of the marine reserve.
• live stringband music, coconut tree climbing and husking demonstration, and pareu tying show.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportInfant seats availablePets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Captain Tama's Lagoon Cruizes

Is this one for you?The glass-bottom boat means you get the marine reserve without deciding whether to snorkel—you see it first, then choose to get in the water or stay dry. The four-hour window fits a free afternoon without eating your whole day, and the fresh fish lunch and cultural performances turn a boat ride into something more than just a swim.

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Top questions

What's it like snorkeling in Muri Lagoon?

The water is clear enough to see giant clams on the bottom and tropical fish moving through. Snorkeling gear is provided, and the crew knows the marine life—they can point out Charlie the moray eel and other residents. You get multiple chances to get in the water during the four-hour tour.

Can I see the marine reserve without snorkeling?

Yes. The glass-bottom boat lets you watch the reserve from inside the hull without getting wet. You can stay on the boat the whole time if you prefer, or snorkel at Motu Koromiri when the group stops for lunch.

What time does the cruise leave Muri Beach?

The boat departs at 11am. You should arrive 30 minutes early to board and get settled.

Is the BBQ lunch included in the price?

Yes. A buffet lunch cooked over an open fire is included, along with snorkeling equipment. Bring your own towels and any alcohol you want to drink.

Can I bring young children or infants?

Yes. Infants can sit on an adult's lap, or specialized infant seats are available. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels. Infant meals are not included, so bring food if your child needs it.

Is the boat wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The boat and transportation options are wheelchair accessible. Service animals are allowed on board.