South Pacific Journey. Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Sliversea, Silver Cloud 28 April 2025

July 26, 2025

South Pacific Journey. Aitutaki, Cook Islands. Sliversea, Silver Cloud 28 April 2025

Aitutaki, Cook Islands – A Paradise with a Twist

28 April 2025

Waking up this morning, I marvelled at the view before us: Aitutaki, a slice of paradise in the heart of the Cook Islands. Often described as an "almost atoll," the island is encircled by a vast coral lagoon, with a scattering of smaller islets (motus) dotting the turquoise waters. It’s a place straight out of a dream, but it came with a few surprises along the way.

I had been looking forward to snorkelling in the lagoon — the area is renowned for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Lonely Planet labels it 'The worlds most beautiful island' and states it on of the worlds "Top Snorkelling Spots" in the world, famous for its giant clams 🦪. It was one of those experiences I had imagined for years, so the excitement was real.

Our day began with the ‘Lagoon Cruise and Beach Break’ tour, where we were scheduled to disembark at 08.00. As we stepped onto the dock, we were welcomed by local dancers, swaying to the rhythm of the island’s traditional music. We were handed refreshing fresh coconuts 🥥 and swiftly whisked away to a small speedboat moored next to the pier.

Snorkelling in the Lagoon: A Thrilling Challenge

Once in the lagoon, we anchored and were handed snorkelling gear. It was time to explore the underwater world. But the current was stronger than I expected — much stronger 🌊. Even though the water was shallow in some areas, the current was so fierce that you couldn’t walk against it. At one point, two people were swept far out into the lagoon and had to be rescued by the crew. I was struggling myself, feeling the current drag me away from the boat. The Captain, noticing my difficulties, tossed me a ‘pool noodle’ to pull me back to safety.

As the crew worked to ensure everyone’s safety, it became apparent that the snorkelling conditions were not ideal. Even seasoned swimmers were having a hard time fighting the currents. After a brief discussion, the decision was made to abandon the snorkelling portion of the tour. My husband, however, did manage to catch a glimpse of a few giant clams and a Moon Fish before we headed to calmer waters 🐟.

Honeymoon Island & One Foot Island

Next, we headed to Honeymoon Island for a quick stop. Picture-perfect beaches, crystal-clear water, and the kind of isolation that makes you feel like you’ve discovered your own private piece of the world.

But the real highlight came when we made our way to One Foot Island. Here, lunch was served, and the rest of the afternoon was spent enjoying the peaceful, shallow waters and basking in the sun ☀️.

For those who were ready, a shuttle boat took us back across the lagoon to the pier, where we boarded the Zodiac to return to the ship. We made it onto the last boat, a bittersweet moment as we left behind this incredible place. Despite the initial challenges with the currents, it was an unforgettable experience.

An Unexpected Invitation

Back on the ship, we received a rather unexpected invitation from the ship's doctor to join him for dinner at La Terrazza. This threw us off a bit. Why us? And why now? The timing felt off, and we weren’t sure if it was the kind of evening we were up for. But out of politeness, we agreed to join him.

The meal at La Terrazza was definitely an improvement on our last visit, as the menu changes every four days, but the conversation was at times quite awkward. There was a sense of forced politeness, and at times, the whole dinner felt a bit unnatural. Nonetheless, it was an experience we won’t soon forget — for better or for worse!

Travel Tips for Aitutaki

Snorkelling: The lagoon is stunning, the currents are not usually an issue - so our captain said! So it’s always good to check with the crew about conditions before diving in 🏖️.
What to Bring: Don’t forget water shoes if you plan on getting into the lagoon or exploring the beaches. The sand can be sharp, and the currents can make it tricky to walk.
Best Time to Visit: The dry season (May to October) is typically the best time to visit Aitutaki, as the weather is more stable and the seas calmer 🌞.
Local Experiences: Take time to explore the motus (small islands) around Aitutaki. They are quieter and offer perfect spots for relaxation or picnics .
Stay Flexible: Sometimes things don’t go as planned, but the beauty of Aitutaki is that even the unexpected moments — like strong currents — only add to the adventure 🌺.

In the end, Aitutaki was every bit as beautiful as I had imagined. Currents and awkward dinners aside, it was a day of unforgettable memories and one that I won’t soon forget. If you’re ever in the Cook Islands, Aitutaki should definitely be on your bucket list — it’s a true paradise, with a few surprises thrown in.