Aroa Beach Tours and Activities

Aro\'a Beach showing a sandy beach as well as a couple
Aroa Beach
Aro\'a Beach featuring signage
Aro\'a Beach featuring a beach
Aroa Beach showing a beach


Leave the bustle of the modern world behind and lounge on stretches of powdery white sand with the transparent Pacific Ocean at your fingertips.

Enjoy the freedom and serenity of the pristine Aroa Beach. Relax under swaying coconut trees, float on the currents, read a favorite book or swing in a hammock for hours. This tropical shoreline is a world-class scuba and snorkeling destination where multi-colored marine creatures provide mesmerizing underwater photo opportunities with every turn.

Relax in a beach bungalow, wake to a tropical fruit smoothie and a cup of coffee made from Cook Island-grown beans before exploring Rarotonga’s spectacular natural scenery.

The warm waters and astonishing underwater visibility make scuba diving and snorkeling a favored activity. Put on snorkeling gear and float along on the currents. See schools of tropical fish just feet from the shore, dive through shipwrecks, swim in troughs and scuba dive in caves, canyons and passages. Spot turtles, reef sharks, eagle rays, humpback whales, starpuffer fish, barracudas and much more. If you have never dived before, this is a great spot to get your scuba certification with a local instructor.

Sail, windsurf or kayak on the lagoon, fish with a rod or pole to catch the evening meal or lounge on the shore to enhance your tan.

Explore the thick jungle behind the palm-fringed beach to see the tropical plants and wildlife.

Walk barefoot along the beach at sunset, smell the gardenia scent of the tiare bushes and spot native birds as they dart about catching insects in the last rays of day. Afterward, settle into a beach bar with cocktail in hand and dine on a platter of fresh seafood while enjoying live Polynesian music.

With year-round warm weather and crystal clear water, Aroa Beach is an idyllic tropical destination. It is located in southwestern Rarotonga, a 10-minute drive from the airport. Get around easily using the local bus that makes a regular 45-minute trip around the island. Car, scooter and bicycle rentals are also available.

Plan a trip to see Aroa Beach

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Kia Orana Villas and Spa
Te Vakaroa Villas
Reflections On Rarotonga

Tours & day trips

See all 15 activities

Water activities

See all 4 activities

Adventure & outdoor

See all 3 activities

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Aroa Beach

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach Marine Reserve, Arorangi, Ara Tapu Rd, Rarotonga
The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium
Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only

Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only

4 out of 5
Aroa Beach & Marine Reserve, Rarotonga
Sanctuary Rarotonga-On the beach - Adults Only
Lagoon Breeze Villas

Lagoon Breeze Villas

3 out of 5
Aroa Beach, Beach Road, Arorangi, Rarotonga
Lagoon Breeze Villas
Whitehouse Apartments Rarotonga

Whitehouse Apartments Rarotonga

3.5 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
Whitehouse Apartments Rarotonga
Aroa Kainga Bungalows

Aroa Kainga Bungalows

3 out of 5
Onemaru Road, Rarotonga
Aroa Kainga Bungalows
The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments

The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments

3 out of 5
Avarua, Rarotonga
The Black Pearl Beach Side Apartments
Beautiful private home close to stunning lagoon

Beautiful private home close to stunning lagoon

Aroa Beach
Beautiful private home close to stunning lagoon
Aroa Beachside Resort

Aroa Beachside Resort

3.5 out of 5
Arorangi, Rarotonga
Aroa Beachside Resort
Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape

Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape

3.5 out of 5
Ara Tapu Road, Vaimaanga Titikaveka, Rarotonga
Rarotonga Daydreamer Escape
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Aroa Beach

Aroa Beach in Rarotonga is a paradise for water enthusiasts, offering excellent tide swimming and some of the best snorkeling experiences in the Cook Islands. Dive into vibrant underwater adventures, exploring coral reefs and diverse marine life. The beach is home to snorkelling resorts that cater to both beginners and experienced snorkelers, ensuring an unforgettable aquatic experience in this tropical haven.

Shopping

Punanga Nui Market, located 6.4km from Aroa Beach, offers a vibrant public market experience. For unique finds, check out the Beachcomber Pearl Market, 8.0km away. If you're up for a drive, Muri Night Markets, also 8.0km distant, provide a lively shopping atmosphere with local flavours.

Recreation

Enjoy a fun-filled day at Cocoputt, a mini-golf course just 483m from Aroa Beach, perfect for families and adventure seekers. For golf enthusiasts, Rarotonga Golf Club, located 4.8km away, offers a scenic outdoor experience, while the National Stadium, 6.4km away, hosts various sporting events.

Adventure

The Wreck of the Matai, located 8.0km from Aroa Beach, offers an exhilarating underwater experience. Dive into vibrant marine life and explore the fascinating wreckage, perfect for thrill-seekers and snorkelers alike, all while soaking in the stunning beauty of the Cook Islands.

Find the best attractions near Aroa Beach

While visiting Aroa Beach in Rarotonga, enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty with nearby attractions like the Aroa Lagoonarium and Vaimaanga Beach, just 3 km away. This area is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking adventure or romance, with opportunities to explore stunning waterfalls, nature reserves, and mountains. Aroa Beach itself offers a serene escape, making it an ideal base for your Cook Islands adventure.

  • Puaikura Beach: Located only 1.6km from Aroa Beach, Puaikura Beach offers a laid-back atmosphere with its stunning sandy shores and crystal-clear waters. It's perfect for sunbathing, swimming, and soaking up the tropical vibes.
  • Wigmore's Waterfall: About 3.2km away, Wigmore's Waterfall is a picturesque spot known for its romantic setting and adventurous trails. The soothing sound of cascading water, surrounded by lush greenery, makes it a great place for a peaceful hike or a refreshing swim.
  • Te Rua Manga: Also located 3.2km from Aroa Beach, Te Rua Manga is a majestic mountain that promises adventure and breathtaking views. Hiking to the summit rewards you with panoramic scenery of the island's lush landscapes and ocean vistas.

Best time to go to Aroa Beach

Visitor numbers around Aroa Beach is generally unchanged in popularity throughout the year. The best time to visit Aroa Beach can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Aroa Beach falls in March, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly cloudy with moderate rain. The coolest average temperature around Aroa Beach falls in August, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January79.3°F (26.3°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February80.1°F (26.7°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March80.4°F (26.9°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly Low
April79.2°F (26.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
May77.4°F (25.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June75.2°F (24.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighAverage
July74.1°F (23.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly HighSlightly High
August73.0°F (22.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
September73.9°F (23.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowSlightly High
October74.3°F (23.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage
November75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December77.9°F (25.5°C)Moderate RainMostly CloudySlightly LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Aroa Beach

Aroa Beach in Rarotonga is a budget-friendly destination with free entry and nearby attractions like Muri Beach and Black Rock. For the best savings, visit between January to March, when accommodation prices drop. Booking about a month in advance can help secure lower rates, and checking last-minute deals on Expedia may yield additional discounts. Fridays are often the cheapest days to stay, while Tuesdays are pricier. Consider package deals that combine hotels and flights for extra savings, and use Expedia's search tool to filter options based on your budget and preferences.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Aroa Beach are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to April, July and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Booking a hotel around Aroa Beach about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Aroa Beach is Friday. The most expensive day to stay around Aroa Beach is Tuesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and chosen type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals, simply adjust the price filter to sort from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can enjoy significant savings by combining your Aroa Beach hotel reservation with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.