Forested volcanic peaks of Rarotonga, including the rock spire known as the Needle, seen from the sea

Rarotonga (Cook Islands) Shore Excursions

Top-rated port tours for cruise passengers, with live prices and reviews.

Top-Rated Rarotonga Shore Excursions

Ships anchor off Avarua, the main town, and tender passengers in when the sea allows. A single road rings the island, the shallow Muri Lagoon on the southeast coast is ideal for snorkeling and paddling, and a cross-island trail climbs past the Needle, a spire of volcanic rock.

More top-rated tours in Rarotonga

Viator

Half-Day Muri Lagoon BBQ Lunch Cruise including Snorkeling

★ 4.9 (1,905 reviews) · 4 hr

From$66

See details & book

Viator

Eco Friendly Sea Scooter Turtle Tour in Rarotonga

★ 5 (685 reviews) · 1.5 hr

From$104

See details & book

Viator

Swim With The Turtles Rarotonga

★ 4.8 (632 reviews) · 2 hr

From$44

See details & book

Viator

Ariki Adventures: Premium Sea Scooter Turtle Adventure

★ 4.9 (570 reviews) · 2 hr

From$109

See details & book

Viator

Private Turtle Snorkel in Rarotonga with Photographer

★ 4.8 (197 reviews) · 2 hr

From$357

See details & book

Viator

4-Hour Rarotonga Going Troppo Nightlife Tour

★ 4.2 (165 reviews) · 4 hr

From$54

See details & book

Viator

'Explore' Rarotonga Guided Bike Tour with Lunch and Swim

★ 4.8 (74 reviews) · 5 hr

From$86

See details & book

Viator

Private Turtle and Ray Tour Rarotonga

★ 4.6 (57 reviews) · 2 hr

From$167

See details & book

Viator

Swim with Turtles Rarotonga - Guided Turtle Tour

★ 5 (32 reviews) · 1.5 hr

From$86

See details & book

Tours, prices and reviews from Viator, a Tripadvisor company — prices are per person, from, and were checked November 1, 2026. Discount Shore Activities may earn a commission when you book, at no extra cost to you. Always allow a generous buffer to be back on board before all-aboard time.

Want a custom Rarotonga port day?

Tell us your ship, dates, ports and interests. A cruise specialist can arrange private or small-group port days with pier pick-up and a prompt return to your ship.

Request a custom shore plan »

Still choosing a cruise? Get up to 5 free cruise quotes »

More Fiji, Vanuatu & the Southwest Pacific Ports

Lautoka (Fiji)12 top-rated shore excursionsLautoka shore excursions »

Suva (Fiji)3 top-rated shore excursionsSuva shore excursions »

Port Vila (Vanuatu)12 top-rated shore excursionsPort Vila shore excursions »

Nouméa (New Caledonia)5 top-rated shore excursionsNouméa shore excursions »

Apia (Samoa)2 top-rated shore excursionsApia shore excursions »

Fiji, Vanuatu & the Southwest Pacific shore excursion guide »