Scuba diving locations in Cook Islands:

The main diving islands of Rarotonga and Aitutaki are so mainly because they have the most dive centres. Canyons, caves, and varieties of coral including plate, shelving, mushrooms and brain, and a multitude of colourful tropical fish.

When to scuba dive in Cook Islands:

Water temperature is around 23°C from April to November, and hits 30°C between December and March. If you visit from July to October, there is the possibility of seeing humpback whales.

Local standards for gear:

The best scuba diving spots in Cook Islands:

• In north Rarotonga, the M. V. Mataora, once a Tongan cargo vessel, was purchased in 1990 for $1 by Dive Rarotonga. This is a great place to search out those rarer oscillated lionfish.
• In Rarotonga's east, the Matavera Drop-Off begins in a shallow reef area full of fish life. At the drop off you may be able to see some of the local shark population sleeping on the slopes.
• The Sand River is a 'river' of sand which slopes progressively downwards to a steep drop off with coral nooks and crannies either side.
• The Ngatangiia Swimthroughs contain the Ngatangiia Drop-Off, a beautifully scenic dive with lots of coral bommies creating interesting formations to swim around and explore.
  
• The Papua Canyon lets you play around a stunning natural opening in the reef with a chance of seeing eagle rays swim over the sand below. There is a strong current at the entrance to the passage.

The best spots to snorkel in Cook Islands:

In the lagoon of Aitutaki, the crystal clear waters teem with a wealth of marine life and coral. Since the entire lagoon is a sunken volcano, you can easily snorkel off Aitutaki’s coast to discover a whole new world underwater.

Fun scuba Facts:

• The northern group of islands of Manihiki and Penrhyn produce black pearls, among the rarest in the world, but other colours are also produced in Rarotonga.
• The wreck of the M. V. Mataora, once a Tongan cargo vessel, was purchased in 1990 for $1 by Dive Rarotonga.

Country data:

Administrative details

• Currency: New Zealand dollar (NZD)
• Population: is about 20,000 (2006)
• Time Zone: (GMT-10)
• Main languages spoken: English, Cook Islands Maori ## Diveable overseas territories:

Cook Islands diving federations:

Local diving laws and regulations (and PADI-equivalent certifications):