Destination: Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Introduction
Aitutaki is widely regarded as one of the most beautiful atolls in the world — a volcanic island surrounded by a breathtaking triangular lagoon of extraordinary turquoise colours dotted with uninhabited motu sandbars. The lagoon has been described as paradise by almost every traveller who has seen it, and for good reason. Access for deeper-draft yachts is challenging, but those who can enter are rewarded magnificently.
GPS Coordinates
18° 52' 0.120"S 159° 46' 59.880"W
18 52 0.120S 159 46 59.880W
Protected Anchorages
The lagoon entrance is extremely shallow — typically 1.5–2 m at low water in the main entrance channel, dredged periodically. Vessels drawing more than 1.5 m cannot enter the lagoon. Inside, the lagoon is shallow (1–4 m) with a hard sand and coral bottom. Small-draft vessels anchor off Arutanga village on the western coast of the main island, in 2–4 m over sand. The best anchorages for capable vessels are along the eastern side of the lagoon near the sandspit motus.
Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts
No customs on Aitutaki — clear in Rarotonga first. A gendarmerie equivalent (police) can stamp logbooks in Arutanga.
Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity
- No yacht club or marina. Very limited facilities in Arutanga — basic provisioning, fuel by arrangement. The island is best visited in a shoal-draft vessel or via lagoon tour from Rarotonga by air.
Renowned Attractions
- One Foot Island (Tapuaetai) — the postcard motu of the south Pacific, white sand with crystal water on all sides
- Aitutaki Lagoon cruise — snorkelling tour of the lagoon visiting the motus and sandspits
- Coral Gardens snorkelling — outstanding coral in clear lagoon water
- Marae Orongo archaeological site — ancient Polynesian ceremonial site on the main island
- Sunset dinner on a private motu — organized by local operators, an unforgettable experience
Currency and Exchange Rate
Currency: New Zealand Dollar
Exchange Rate to USD
Nearby Yachting Destinations
Summary
Aitutaki's lagoon is simply one of the most beautiful places on Earth — for sailors with a shoal-draft vessel, entering this turquoise paradise is one of the great privileges of Pacific cruising; for others, a visit by air from Rarotonga is equally rewarding.