Silversea Expedition Cruises A AITUTAKI

Explore the churches, maraes, local villages, Ootu Bay, Aitutaki Lagoon, and other beautiful and historic sites during this scenic sightseeing excursion.

Aitutaki, Nikaupara, CICC Church, Reureu Village, Vainamu Well

Depart the pier for the short drive south towards Nikaupara, and past the CICC Church, one of the first churches on this island to be built by the missionaries. This old limestone church is over 100 years old, and lavishly-decorated. During a brief stop here, you can take photos inside the building. Leaving the church, re-board your coach for a drive past the village of Reureu and onto the coastal road leading to the Vainamu District. Your narrated drive continues with a drive past the freshwater well of Vainamu, where the old people used to do wash their clothes and do their bathing in the early days of the island. This well doubled as a social meeting-place; the men used to search for their brides here, too.

Limestone Churches, Tautu Wharf, Aitutaki Lagoon, Inland Villages, Are Karioi, Copra Plantations

Next, your sightseeing drive passes limestone churches towards Tautu. After a photo stop is made at the old Tautu Wharf for a beautiful view of the Aitutaki Lagoon, head to the village of Vaipae through its entrance, a huge banyan tree growing over the road and forming an alcove. From here, proceed for a stop at the ancient ceremonial marae of Are Karioi before reaching the inland village of Tautu. Your route continues along the coastal road of the Vaipeka District and past the old Copra Plantations, the only quarry on the island where volcanic rock is quarried for road maintenance and building requirements.

Ootu Bay, Photo and Refreshment Stop, Aitutaki Village Hotel, Amuri Village

Drive on towards Ootu Bay, where the ancient warrior chief, Ru, first landed on Aitutaki approximately 900 year ago. This scenic viewpoint offers beautiful panoramic views of the island, and those wanting to buy refreshments can do so from the beach restaurant at the Aitutaki Village Hotel. Following a photo and refreshment stop here, commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier via Amuri Village.

Discover the undersea beauty of the exquisite Aitutaki Lagoon during this panoramic snorkelling excursion at the Motu Maina Sandbar.

Boat-Ride, Aitutaki Lagoon, Motu Maina Sandbar

Following a short transfer from the ship to the tender pier, embark your awaiting boat for the short ride to the Aitutaki Lagoon, a deep blue lagoon considered to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Part Volcanic and part atoll, the island's geographical structure makes this lagoon unique. Upon arrival, proceed to your snorkelling spot, the Motu Maina Sandbar, affectionately-known as 'Honeymoon Island'. After receiving your snorkelling and safety instructions, don your snorkelling gear (guests are required to bring their own mask, snorkel, fins and safety vest) and begin your guided snorkelling session.

Snorkelling, Coral Heads, Tropical Fish, Giant Clams, Fish-Feeding Demonstration

This is a good area for new or beginner snorkelers, as your boats anchors over a shallow sand bar and enables guests to stand in approximately 3.3 feet (about one metre) of water before snorkelling in depths of approximately 9.8 feet (about three metres) nearby. Along the way, marvel at the large coral heads, tropical fish and giant clams surrounding this crystal-clear lagoon, and see a fish-feeding demonstration.

Tropical Birds, Nesting Ground

In addition to your snorkelling session, you may opt to visit one of many motus (islets) where the tavake (red-tailed tropical birds) nest. At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat for the short ride back to the pier, then tender back to the ship.

Discover the history and island of Aitutaki in a unique new way during this fun-filled and exciting, half-day sightseeing excursion via Jeep.

Arutanga Town, Nikaupara Village, Vainamu Well

Depart the pier aboard your Jeep for the scenic drive past Arutanga Town, and towards the village of Nikaupara. Your first stop is at the freshwater well of Vainamu, where the old people used to do wash their clothes and do their bathing in the early days of the island. This well doubled as a social meeting-place; the men used to search for their brides here, too.

Are Mango, Poake o Rae, Are Karioi, Tautu Village

Next, continue along towards the inland village of Tautu. En route pass the marae (ancient sacred grounds) of Are Mango, where ancient rituals and sacrifices were performed, and Poake o Rae. Here, your guide explains the legend of Rae, a great warrior of Aitutaki, and how our warriors would defend the island from attack with the help of supernatural beings. At the ancient ceremonial marae of Are Karioi, learn about its tradition of attracting men and women from all over Polynesia to experience the music and drums played here.

Plantations, Pirake, World War ll Bunker Remains, Maunga Pu, Breath-Taking Island Views

Following a short drive through plantations, head towards Pirake, the second-highest point on the island. Upon arrival, visit the remains of a World War II bunker built by the Americans stationed here during the war. Leaving Pirake, a short, but exhilarating drive takes you to Maunga Pu, the highest point on Aitutaki. Upon arrival, enjoy breath-taking, 360-degreee views of the island. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Experience the color, rhythms and rituals of a lively island festival, as you arrive on the sandy shores of the utterly unspoiled Cook Islands. A spectacular South Pacific paradise of intense color and heavenly seascapes, there is a lot to celebrate here. Enjoy festivities showcasing the local dance, culture and heritage, try the island's freshly prepared dishes while also relishing time to soak in the stunning surroundings. The gleaming white sands and glowing azure seas are the idyllic setting for this day of island celebrations, on what's said to be the 'most beautiful lagoon in the world'.

Experience the scenic splendour of Aitutaki during this picturesque, half-day lagoon cruise with snorkelling and a beach barbecue.

Boat-Ride, Aitutaki Lagoon, Motu Maina Sandbar

Following a short transfer from the ship to the tender pier, embark your awaiting boat for the short ride to the Aitutaki Lagoon, a deep blue lagoon considered to be one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Part volcanic and part atoll, the island's geographical structure makes this lagoon unique. Upon arrival, proceed to your snorkelling spot, the Motu Maina Sandbar, affectionately-known as 'Honeymoon Island'. After receiving your snorkelling and safety instructions, don your snorkelling gear (guests are required to bring their own mask, snorkel, fins and safety vest) and begin your guided snorkelling session.

Snorkelling, Coral Heads, Tropical Fish, Giant Clams, Fish-Feeding Demonstration

This is a good area for new or beginner snorkelers, as your boats anchors over a shallow sand bar and enables guests to stand in approximately 3.3 feet (about one metre) of water before snorkelling in depths of approximately 9.8 feet (about three metres) nearby. Along the way, marvel at the large coral heads, tropical fish and giant clams surrounding this crystal-clear lagoon, and see a fish-feeding demonstration.

One-Foot Island, Barbecue Lunch, Islet Stroll Tropical Birds, Nesting Ground, Reef Snorkelling

Leaving the sandbar, embark your boat for the ride to One-Foot Island. Upon arrival, proceed for a barbecue lunch with refreshments on the beach. After lunch, you may opt to take a stroll on one of the many motus (islets) where the tavake (red-tailed tropical birds) nest, or, if you prefer to snorkel again, be taken to a snorkelling spot near the reef. At the conclusion of your visit, embark the boat and commence the short ride back to the pier, then tender back to the ship.