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3 Days In Aitutaki

ByAvichai Ben-Tzur Published on Updated on

Day 3: Aitutaki Lagoon Tour

You haven’t really seen Aitutaki until you’ve made it to the far reaches of the lagoon. A great way to do so is by joining The Vaka Cruise for a day that you’ll never forget.

One Foot Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands boat

After a welcome drink aboard the large catamaran, you’ll set sail to the first of three islands on this full-day tour. Akaiami Island is a dream of an island, the kind of place you won’t mind being stranded on for a while. The island served as a stopover on the legendary TEAL Coral Route that flew from Auckland to Tahiti In the 1950s. Seaplanes would land in the blue waters for a quick refuel, as lucky passengers got to spend some time wandering around the island – just like you. These days, all that’s left is a crumbling jetty.

Akaiami Island Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands tropical beachAkaiami Island tropical Beach Aitutaki Cook IslandsAkaiami Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook IslandsAkaiami Island Aitutaki couple in tropical waterAkaiami Island Aitutaki Lagoon water colorAkaiami Island Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands beachAkaiami Island Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands coconut shellAkaiami Island Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands lagoon color

Your next stop will be on Motu Rakau, a tiny island with a wild beach and lots of magnificent birds nesting in the tropical forest. After a quick stop, it’s back on the boat for a short cruise to the coral garden. Put your snorkeling gear on and be prepared to explore a reef with the bluest of waters.

Motu Rakau Aitutaki Lagoon Cook IslandsSandy dune in Motu Rakau tropical island AitutakiMotu Rakau Aitutaki Cook IslandsMotu Rakau Aitutaki Lagoon Cook Islands tropical beachMotu Rakau Bird in Aitatki cook islands

Snorkeling in Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands

Back on the boat, it’s time for lunch. A delicious BBQ buffet is prepared by the crew, with a ton of selection and plenty to go around for seconds. You’re then off to the final stop on this magical day and perhaps the highlight of your entire Aitutaki visit.

The Vaka Lagoon Cruise Aitutaki Cook Islands - BBQ lunch buffetThe Vaka Cruise Aitutaki Lagoon buffet lunchThe Vaka Lagoon Cruise Aitutaki Cook Islands - relaxingThe Vaka Lagoon Cruise Aitutaki Cook Islands - tanning

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As the boat nears One Foot Island, you’ll be simply lost for words. In fact, if you don’t have your sunglasses on, you might even get blinded by the intense azure waters and white sand floating. What a dream!

One Foot Island Aitutaki Lagoon - boat on beachOne Foot Island Aitutaki Lagoon - tropical beachOne Foot Island Aitutaki Lagoon -walking on waterOne Foot Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands walking out of lagoonOne Foot Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands swimming and plam treesOne Foot Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands catamaran

One Foot Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands

One foot island aitutaki lagoon cook islands best tropical beach

You’ll have ample time to explore One Foot Island, hit the beach, go for a snorkel, and of course – stamp your passport to prove you made it to paradise!  

One Foot Island Aitutaki lagoon Cook Islands passport stamp

Do not miss the chance to explore the Aitutaki lagoon, as anything else you see will be dwarfed by its striking beauty. Your tour departs at 10 am and returns at 5 pm, so use the rest of your last day in Aitutaki for some relaxation and stargazing.

What’s Next?

This sample 3 days in Aitutaki itinerary will give you a good taste of the island while offering a mix of relaxation and activities. If you want to do some scuba diving, add an extra day. Here are a few more resources to help make sense of your visit to the Cook Islands and to Aitutaki.

COOK ISLANDS TRAVEL GUIDE - WIDE THUMBNAIL
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