We had a great time on the Raro Reef Sub!
Rarotonga has such stunning views of the ocean from quite literally anywhere around the island but there is something wondersome about being out on the Pacific Ocean and looking back at the island from a sea-perspective.
Read all the details below about our trip on the Raro Reef Sub:
- What will you see?
- Where does it go?
- How long is the tour?
- How much does it cost?
- How is it with children?
- Booking tickets
- What else is there to do in Rarotonga with kids?
What will you see?
There’s plenty to see beyond the reef in Rarotonga but it’s most likely on the Raro Reef Sub that you’ll see:
- Giant trevally
- Tropical fish
- Stingrays/eagle rays
- Turtles
- Eels
- Humpback whales (during whale season)
We saw lots of beautifully-coloured tropical fish swimming in the coral gardens near the shipwreck and many, many Giant Trevally.
Big-fish-wise, if you are lucky enough to be here in whale season from August to November you might spot the incredible humpback whales that frequent the waters here at this time.
But if not, there is plenty of other marine life to see (and even some seriously impressive sized fish to see before even leaving the wharf!).
Where abouts in Rarotonga does it go?
The Rarotonga Reef Sub departs from Avatiu Harbour and heads out from the port area to the right of the harbour mouth.
Not too far out you will see ‘The Boiler’ as it is referred to by locals. This is in fact part of the infamous Maitai shipwreck.
The Reef Sub takes you around the shipwreck looking at the remains and all of the fish and marine life in the area.
How much does it cost to go on the Raro reef sub?
- Adults: $69 NZ
- Children 3-15 years: $39 NZ
- 2yrs and under: FREE
Making a booking
Bookings are essential and especially in the tourist season it is worth calling ahead before you want to go out.
- It’s easy to make a booking by email or phone (ask your accommodation to give them a call on +682 55 901).
Or you can pop down to the harbour and have a chat and try your luck for a later departure…
How long is the Reef Sub tour?
The Raro Reef Sub tour is ideal for a family adventure on the water without being too long.
The tour lasts between 1 and ¼ hours and 1 and ½ hours.
How often does the Reef Sub Tour go out?
Raro Reef Sub tours are offered:
- Sunday to Friday leaving Avatiu Harbour at 9am, 11am, 2pm and 4pm (weather permitting).
Find the Raro Reef Sub
You will find the Raro Reef Sub at Avatiu Harbour, just 5 minutes walk (to the west) from the central Punanga Nui Markets.
How is it with children?
Our kids loved the Raro Reef Sub! I was slightly anxious they might feel seasick down below deck in the submarine part of the vessel.
But they loved it and didn’t want to come up!
The boat feels safe as it travels slowly and has enough seats for the passengers it takes.
There are plenty of handrails to hold onto and the kids enjoyed climbing up and down the ladder to check out the submarine views below.
What else is there to do in Rarotonga with kids?
There are plenty of activities to do and treats to eat in Rarotonga with kids.
Some of our favourite tours we can personally recommend since living here include:
- Find the best swimming beaches: It’s no huge surprise that this tropical island has some seriously fantastic swimming beaches. But in case you are wondering which side of the island to check out first, read our guide to Rarotonga’s best swimming beaches here.
- A reef or ridge walk with Ariimoana: Amazing local tours and opportunity to learn about life in Rarotonga from local guides, Kura and Jacopo.  If you haven’t already read these blog posts and checked out their tours; go and look now!Â
- Hike to the Needle: The Cross Island walk is Rarotonga’s most famous hike. Explore the inland jungle and rivers with some seriously rewarding ocean views.
- Rongohiva Speed Boat: Another great water activity that’s lots of fun and in the right season even brings the chance of seeing whales from beyond the reef.
- Te Vara Nui Cultural Show:Â An impressive taste of local Cook Island culture with performances, dancing, music and a buffet dinner.Â
- Muri Night Markets: A fun and tasty way to spend the evening in Rarotonga.  (I recommend trying a soursop ice-cream from Be Fruitful!).Â
Read more about the Cook Islands
- Reef walk in Rarotonga with Ariimoana Walkabouts.
- The Needle: A guide to Rarotonga’s famous Cross Island walk.
- Moving to Rarotonga: Everything you need to know.
- Raemaru Mountain: The easiest hike on Rarotonga?
- 20 AWESOME things to do in Rarotonga with kids.
- How many have you tried? 20 unique fruits of Rarotonga.
