Silversea Expedition Cruises À RAROTONGA ISLAND

Experience the beauty of the Muri Lagoon from above-and-below sea level during this picturesque, half-day snorkelling excursion via glass-bottom boat.

Avatiu, Muri Lagoon, Glass-Bottom Boat-Ride, Coral Heads, Tropical Fish and Marine Life

Depart the pier for the short drive to the Muri Lagoon. Upon arrival, embark your awaiting glass-bottom boat for the cruise to a marine reserve and snorkel spot in the Muri Lagoon. En route, marvel at the underwater views of the lagoon's prolific marine life, including the rainbow-coloured, tropical fish as they glide around intricate coral heads, whilst your guides share stories, myths and legends of the coconut tree.

Swimming, Snorkelling, Coral Beds, Tropical Fish, Starfish, Moray Eels, Koromiri Island, Motu Walk

At the snorkelling spot, look for the tropical fish, starfish, resident moray eels and other marine life that inhabit the coral beds. From the Snorkel area cruise back across Muri Lagoon to Koromiri Island, for a short, guided stroll through the motu a Coconut Tree Climbing and husking performance followed by light fruit refreshments then relax and soak up the tropical sun, and/or go swimming and snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters.

Afterward, embark the boat, for the short ride back across the lagoon. Upon arrival, re-board your bus and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 191 yards (about 175 metres), at times over uneven, natural and sandy surfaces, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach, embark/disembark the boat and manoeuvre in/out of the boat. This tour is recommended for guests who are in good physical condition, and can swim in water too deep to stand. This tour is not suitable for pregnant guests, guest with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests prone to seasickness, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear a swimsuit under a cover-up with beach or water shoes, and bring sun protection, a towel and bottled water from the ship. Guests are invited to bring their own snorkelling equipment. Snorkelling equipment is provided; wetsuits are available for rental. Waterproof cameras are highly recommended; GoPro cameras are available for rental. The boat is covered, and has a water-access ladder. There are no restrooms or changing facilities on board the boat. Although frequently encountered on this type of tour, fish and marine life sightings are not guaranteed. Guests may not snorkel if they have consumed alcohol. A signed waiver is required to participate on this tour. Operation of this tour is subject to weather conditions. The tour sequence may vary.

Explore the unique culture, traditions and beauty of Rarotonga through the eyes of a traditional medicine man during this memorable eco-tour.

Avarua Township & Pa's Residence

Depart the pier with your guide, Pa, a renowned local medicine man, for a narrated sightseeing drive to his residence on the eastern side of the island. En route, Pa takes you through Avarua Township and discusses the history of the area whilst passing by old Colonial churches, plantations and graveyards. Upon arrival at Pa's residence, he leads you on a guided tour of his residence and gardens. View the medicinal plants, learn about their health benefits and observe a demonstration of medicinal solutions using a variety of natural remedies.

Nature Hike

Join Pa for a guided nature hike into the lush interior. Along the way, Pa introduces you to the many varieties of local flora and fauna as taught to him by his grandmother, and passed down from generation-to-generation. He also explores their medicinal uses, the history of Polynesia and spiritual beliefs of his people. Return to Pa's residence for in season tropical fruit and listen to his life stories as he demonstrates the use of medicinal plants for healing and sample his various medicine juices.

The tour concludes with a short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of activity and walking for approximately 104 yards (about 95 metres), at times over uneven surfaces, with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the coach. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility or those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, insect repellant, sunscreen and a hat are recommended. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Experience a side of Rarotonga not typically seen by most visitors to the island during this picturesque, off-road sightseeing excursion.

Avatiu Valley

Depart the pier in a Jeep with your guide for the scenic drive up towards the Avatiu Valley. En route, receive your safety and tour briefing, and take in stunning vistas of the terrain valleys, lush, tropical lagoons, inland villages and secluded areas. At a height of approximately 984 feet (about 300 metres) above sea level, a breath-taking panoramic views of the rainforest unfolds.

Island Sightseeing & Wigmore's Waterfall

Next, traverse the rugged, steep back roads, and stop off at the top of a hill for more stunning views. From here, ride back down the hill towards the west side of the island. En route, travel inland to Wigmore's Waterfall and stop for photos before making a comfort stop at Papaaroa Beach.

Avana & Maraes

Your drive continues on towards Seven Rocks and the vaka-canoe departure point. Afterward, proceed for a photo stop at Avana, then turn inland to Arai Te Tonga. Here, see and learn about 'maraes', and take in spectacular views of your surroundings.

Following your visit, re-board your coach and commence the scenic, approximately 35-minute drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of off-road travel and a moderate amount of walking over bumpy, uneven terrain, with four steps to negotiate to get on/off the jeep. This tour is not suitable for guests requiring a wheelchair, those with back and/or neck problems, limited mobility or pregnant women. Lightweight, comfortable clothing, sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes, sunscreen and hat are recommended.

Discover the culture, history and traditions of Rarotonga during this scenic and informative, half-day island excursion.

Avatiu, Avarua Town, Museum, Cultural Centre, Cook Islands Christian Church, Arai Te Tonga Marae

Depart the pier for a leisurely, approximately 21-mile (about 33.8-kilometre) drive that completely encircles Rarotonga, a volcanic island paradise abounding with lush vegetation, rugged, tropical terrain and breath-taking panoramic viewpoints. Your tour begins with a drive through Avarua Town, the central business district of Rarotonga. Along the way, pass by the Museum, Cultural Centre and Cook Islands Christian Church, built in 1842 of coral and limestone. Afterward, a photo stop is made Arai Te Tonga Marae, Ara Metua (Road of Toi), a historical back road built in 1050.

Ngatangiia Harbour, Muri Lagoon, Coconut Demonstration, Cultural Dance Performance

Next, visits are made to the Ngatangiia Harbour, the departure point of the Polynesian migration to New Zealand in 1350., and the crystal-clear Muri Lagoon. This stretch of beach is a popular tourism spot, and the Muri Lagoon is ideal for sailing and soft water sports. Upon arrival, enjoy a coconut demonstration followed by refreshments and a cultural dance performance.

Coastal and Inland Roads, Lush Flora, Fruit Plantations, Black Rock

Following your visit, re-board your bus and continue driving along the winding roads that traverse the coastal and inland areas. En route, pass by lush vegetation and fruit plantations whilst your guides share stories and legends of the Cook Islands. Following a photo stop at Black Rock, re-board your coach for a short drive back to the pier.

Embrace the exquisite natural beauty of Rarotonga during this unforgettable flight-seeing adventure.

Depart the pier for the brief transfer to the airport. After checking-in at the Air Rarotonga airport counter, receive your safety and tour instructions before boarding your aircraft, a high-winged Cessna 172.

Next, begin your fully-narrated, 30-minute flight-seeing excursion. Marvel at spectacular panoramic views of volcanic cliff-faces, fly through valleys and see remote villages, and take wonderful aerial photographs of the island.

Following your flight-seeing tour, return to the airport and re-board your vehicle for the brief drive back to the pier.

Explore the conservation efforts on the island of Rarotonga during this panoramic excursion to the Takitumu Conservation Reserve.

Avatiu, Coastal Road, Takitumu Conservation Reserve, Nature Trek.

Depart the pier for the short drive along the scenic coastal road of Rarotonga en route to the Takitumu Conservation Reserve. Upon arrival, begin your approximately 1.24-mile-long (about two-kilometre-long) nature trek through the Takitumu Conservation Reserve.

Kakerori Flycatcher, Conservation Efforts

This tour has been instrumental in spreading the word about the conservation efforts involving the indigenous Kakerori flycatcher, a bird found only on Rarotonga. Over the years, the bird's numbers have dwindled as a result of an increase in the number of natural predators. Your visit, along with those of many others, provides the landowners with the funds needed to conduct research into various ways of preserving these birds and their environment.

Medicinal Plants, Harvesting Methods

The Takitumum Conservation Reserve is also a tropical rainforest, with many types of medicinal plants. During your nature trek, examine the methods utilised in the harvesting of these plants. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your bus and commence the short drive back to the pier.

Please note: This tour involves an extensive amount of walking for approximately 0.93 miles-1.24 miles (about 1.5 - 2 kilometres), at times over uneven, natural, and slippery surfaces and inclines, with a few steps to negotiate to get on/off the bus. This tour is recommended for guests in good physical condition. This tour is not suitable for children, pregnant guests, guests with neck and/or back problems, guests with heart and/or respiratory conditions, guests with a fear of heights, guests with limited mobility, and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear lightweight, comfortable clothing with flat, closed-toe and sturdy hiking shoes, and bring sun protection, insect repellent, binoculars and bottled water from the ship. Space on this tour is very limited; we suggest you book in advance to avoid disappointment.