Frequently Asked Questions

For our Rarotonga Turtle Tour, we prioritize swimming ability over age considerations. As a general guideline, participants typically range from 12 to 60 years old.

To fully enjoy our tour, we recommend a moderate level of swimming ability and fitness. While our minimum age requirement is set at 12 years old, we assess individual abilities rather than just the numbers. If you are confident that the individuals you are booking for can successfully complete our 25m shallow water snorkeling test without assistance before progressing to deeper waters, we are open to accepting guests outside the usual age range.

Now, quick heads-up: we don't have life jackets or personal flotation devices available. And if you're someone who relies on one of these at all times in the water, this might not be the best snorkeling experience for you.

But hey, no need to worry! Our awesome team of lifeguards and guides are all set with rescue tubes and they'll be right there by your side, making sure you're safe and sound throughout your whole adventure.

Well, if you're always needing a floatation device to stay afloat, snorkeling might not be the best choice for you. It's all about enjoying the underwater world, and being comfortable without constant support from a floatation device can really enhance the experience.

We're right on the beach at Avaavaroa passage, on the sunny Southside of Rarotonga.

If you're ever unsure about our exact location, just look us up on Google Maps—we're right there! Plus, we're conveniently placed along the main road bus route, making it a breeze to swing by and say hello!

We do not offer transfers, but there is convenient car parking available for rental vehicles just across the road Our location is on the main road bus route. For only $5 you can jump on the anti-clockwise 15 mins from Arorangi or the clockwise 10 mins from Muri. The bus timetable can be found here.

Our snorkelling experiences operate Monday to Saturday on a variable low-tide schedule, plus our cruise ship tour on Sundays when a ship docks. To see availability during your stay click here

All you need to pack is your swimwear and a towel. We supply coconut oil for a natural sun protector and insulator, reef shoes, fins, snorkel & mask, and a drinking coconut replenishment. Onsite, we have parking and security boxes to store your belongings while out in the ocean. If you are prone to getting cold bringing a rash top can be a good idea!

Our tour duration is two hours. On arrival we will get you to come sign in with one of our team members who will get you fitted with reef shoes, fins and a mask and snorkel. We will then ask you to head down to the beach for an introduction to our snorkeling spot and a briefing on how the tour will commence when we are in the water. After exploring the beauty of the passage for an “island hour” we will make our way back to the beach to share some coconuts and local recommendations.

We have coconut oil available on arrival that is a natural protector and insulator. We ask that if using sunscreen you please check to ensure it is reef safe. That means it does not include chemicals such as Oxybenzone and Octinoxate which are damaging to the reef and contribute to coral bleaching and coral reproduction as well as being harmful to our marine life.

Photos may occasionally be taken but are NOT guaranteed. Guests are welcome to bring their own underwater cameras. 📸✨

For shared tours, complimentary photos may occasionally be taken, but they are not guaranteed. Our guides' primary focus is always the safety and wellbeing of all guests in the water.

If capturing special memories is important to you, we recommend booking a private tour. This allows our guides to provide a more personalized experience and dedicate more time to helping you and your family capture those unforgettable moments.

After booking your tour, you can expect to receive a prompt email confirmation packed with all the essential details you'll need to make the most of your experience. This includes vital information like the tour date, starting time, and meeting point, so be sure to give it a thorough read-through.

To ensure you have ample time to settle in and get ready for your adventure, we recommend arriving a comfortable 10-15 minutes ahead of your scheduled appointment. This extra time not only allows for any unforeseen delays but also sets the tone for a relaxed and enjoyable outing.

We have security boxes to store your belongings in while we are out in the ocean.

Yes. Whether you booked on our website, on Tripadvisor or on GetYourGuide, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before your tour start time (Rarotonga time). If you cancel within 24 hours or don't turn up, we can't offer a refund.

Please cancel or change your booking through Tripadvisor (Viator) or GetYourGuide directly. Both offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before your tour. If you booked on our website, contact us at kiaorana@snorkelcookislands.com.

Of course! Date changes are free up to 24 hours before, depending on availability. We run Monday to Saturday, timed to low tide.

Your safety comes first. If we cancel because of weather or ocean conditions, you can choose a free move to another session or a full refund.

Let us know as soon as you can. We allow a 15-minute grace period. Tours run to the tide, so after that we can't hold the group, and missing the start counts as a no-show.

No. Every tour starts and finishes on the beach at Avaavaroa Passage, and there's no boat or sea scooter.