Rarotonga: Sea Scooter Turtle Swim & Eco Marine Tour

Summary

Swim with turtles in Rarotonga’s reefs using sea scooters guided by locals

You’ll glide through Rarotonga’s reefs with a sea scooter beside local guides, swimming close to turtles and tropical fish while learning about marine life and conservation efforts. All equipment is included, plus your booking helps fund local turtle protection projects. Expect moments of silence underwater—and maybe a laugh or two on the surface.

What’s the experience like?

We slipped off the sand and into the water just as the sky was still sorting itself out — that soft Cook Islands light, you know? Our guide, Tama, handed me the sea scooter and grinned like he knew I’d be nervous (he was right). I squeezed the trigger and felt this gentle pull, almost like being towed by a friendly current. The reef came up fast — all those shifting blues and sudden bursts of yellow fish — and then there it was: a green turtle gliding past, so close I could see the little flecks on its shell. You’re not supposed to touch them (Tama reminded us), but honestly, just drifting alongside felt kind of… enough.

I didn’t expect how quiet it would get underwater except for my own breathing and the soft whir of the sea scooter. At one point, Tama pointed out an eagle ray below us — its wings moving slow and wide, like it had nowhere to be. He told us about Te Ara O Te Onu, the local turtle conservation group they support here; apparently five percent of what we paid goes straight to them. I liked knowing that. There was a moment when I tried to ask how to say “turtle” in Cook Islands Māori — pretty sure I butchered it because Tama laughed and then said it for me twice (I still can’t pronounce it right).

The salt stuck to my lips after we surfaced and my arms felt lighter than air from floating so long. We talked about reef health while drying off — Tama showed us some coral fragments in his hand, explaining what they’re doing to protect them for future generations. It made me think about how fragile everything is out here. The tour includes all your gear (mask, fins, everything), so you don’t have to worry if you’ve never done this before. I still think about that first glimpse of the turtle’s eye looking back at me — there’s something quietly wild about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Swim with sea turtles using scooters

• Meet experienced tour team
• Receive safety briefing
• Use eco-friendly sea scooters
• Snorkel with two sea turtle species
• Observe marine life and coral reefs
• Learn about conservation efforts

Top questions

How do I book the Rarotonga sea scooter turtle swim?

You need to contact Ariki Adventures at least 5 days before your preferred date to confirm your tour time and starting location.

Is snorkeling experience required for this tour?

No prior snorkeling experience is needed; suitable for all physical fitness levels.

What equipment is provided on the sea scooter turtle tour?

The tour includes a sea scooter, mask, snorkel, and fins for each guest.

Are hotel pickups included in this Rarotonga marine tour?

No mention of hotel pickup; guests meet at a specified starting location confirmed after booking.

How does this tour support turtle conservation?

Five percent of your fee goes directly to Te Ara O Te Onu—the Cook Islands Sea Turtle Conservation Society.

Can you touch the turtles during the swim?

No touching is allowed; you observe turtles closely but only with your eyes as part of sustainable tourism practices.

What marine life might I see besides turtles?

You may encounter eagle rays, moray eels, trevally, and many species of tropical fish along with coral reefs.

Is this Rarotonga turtle adventure eco-friendly?

Yes; Ariki Adventures won eco-tourism awards in 2020 for their sustainable practices and safety focus.

What’s included

Your day includes use of an eco-friendly sea scooter plus mask, snorkel, and fins—all provided by professional guides who lead you through Rarotonga’s reefs while sharing stories about local marine life and conservation efforts. Five percent of your booking supports Cook Islands turtle protection projects before you head home salty-haired but smiling.