If you are looking for an awesome trip, consider the Cook Islands.

The Cook Islands are made up of 15 islands in the heart of the South Pacific and spread over an area the size of India, with a population of 11,400. Three of the most popular islands are Rarotonga, Manihiki and Aitutaki. These unique and friendly Polynesians have their own language and government and enjoy a vigorous and diverse culture with significant differences between each island. Despite some 100,000 visitors a year to the capital island Rarotonga, the Cooks are largely unspoiled by tourism. They offer a rare opportunity for people from the cities of the world to experience a different type of vacation. There are no high-rise hotels and very little hype. Ideal for travelers seeking more than the usual clichés associated with the South Seas, each island has its unique qualities and offers the visitor a special experience. There are a wide variety of things to do while visiting the islands, including snorkel/scuba diving, horseback tours, fishing (both deep sea and saltwater fly and light tackle sports fishing), guided walking tours in the mountains, mountain bike tours, local dance and drum lessons and so much more. How about a little shopping for some black pearls?

According to many, Manihiki is the most beautiful of the Cook Islands.  It comprises 40 tiny islets encircling a lagoon 2.5 miles wide.  This completely enclosed body of water is the source of the island's greatest asset - black pearls.  (Pictured lower right)

FISHING

Deep sea game fishing is a specialty in Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Both enjoy the advantage of immediate access. There is no tedious journey to the fishing grounds, once out of the harbor the fishing begins. Big fish of many species are abundant. The currents, reefs and submarine topography supply ideal conditions for wahoo, barracuda. dolphin fish, yellowfin and skipjack tuna, sailfish and marlin. The Cook Island record for marlin is 616 lb. Aitutaki's magnificent 12,500-acre lagoon is particularly suitable for fly, lures or bait for world class bonefish, trevally, cod, snapper and other reef fish. It holds the world all-tackle record for Hump Head Maori Wrasse, set in October 1989. Both Rarotonga and Aitutaki have game fishing clubs at which visitors are made very welcome

DIVING

Many divers say that Rarotonga and Aitutaki are some of the best scuba diving locations they have ever come across. The year-round warm water with temperatures of between 23º and 30º, the easy accessibility and the circular shape of the island of Rarotonga allows divers to go out in virtually any weather to take advantage of shelter from rough wave action. There is a huge variety of coral and splendid visibility of 100 to 200 feet. There is a wide range of diving sites including caves, wrecks and simple submarine terrain for beginners such as sand rivers.

Dive photos courtesy of Dive Rarotonga www.diverarotonga.com

A few of the most popular dive sites are the Ngatangiia Swimthroughs, the Matavera Drop-Off, the Mataora Wreck, the Papua Canyon, the Sand River and the Koromiri Coral Garden. The abundant reef life among 73 types of live coral features hundreds of fish species, a bonanza for underwater photographers. Experts rate the reef drop-off as the highlight for divers off Rarotonga. This begins at about 100 feet and plunges down to 12,000 feet -- Rarotonga is an extinct volcano.Scuba beginners can choose three-hour dives to introduce them to the sport. Students can select different types of certification. Training is available on Rarotonga and Aitutaki. All the dive companies have equipment for hire but it is wise to bring one's own snorkels, masks and fins.

ARE YOUREADY FOR AN AWESOME TRIP? STOP IN AND LET US BOOK IT FOR YOU.

Photo from cookislanddivers.com