Archives: Destinations

Love diving? Of course you do! That’s why you’re reading this blog. You want to find the best places to go scuba diving on the breath-taking Cook Islands in the South Pacific. With the information pollution online today, making the right choices can seem impossible. That’s why we at Asian Paradises have done the homework for you. So, let’s take a look at the best places to dive in the Cook Islands, according to our careful research!

The Cook Islands is a dreamy location set against a cinematic background. It’s love at first sight for divers from all around the world who travel here for some peace, quiet, and of course, epic underwater action. But – before booking a dive, there are a couple of facts you should know about. The island is circled by gorgeous coral reefs, underneath which you’ll find deep oceanic bliss.

The 15 Cook Islands cover around 93 square miles, spread across 850,000 square miles of sea. Naturally, there are plenty of opportunities to make unforgettable memories under the sea!

Rarotonga is the area’s primary activity centre, with a range of dive centres and resorts. Apart from various airports, restaurants, and accommodation opportunities for every budget, you’ll also find easy and beginner-friendly diving excursions in and around Rarotonga.

Seeing as the island is nestled within a protected lagoon, you’re safe to explore the ocean freely. Currents can be swift at the passes, so some experience may be required. Rarotonga is home to around 40 dive sites, with numerous drop-offs, caves, famous shipwrecks, and exquisite coral gardens that have to be seen to be believed.

Aitutaki is another popular diving location on the Cook Islands, with a stunning reef profile in the lagoon and at the passes. Divers come here to enjoy a more relaxing and intimate diving experience. Aitutaki is the less-visited diving area of the Islands, but it’s not one to be missed.

With the chance to encounter spectacular humpback whales passing by during autumn and summer, avid divers can’t visit this part of the world without checking Aitutaki off their bucket list. From rare sharks to eagle rays, oceanic manta rays, barracuda, snappers, and fusiliers, you’ll be blessed with must-see sights when diving in the Cook Islands. You’re guaranteed a colourful adventure with a visual feast of every colour under the rainbow!

The Best Sites to Dive in the Cook Islands

The Mataora: A popular wreck sunk especially for divers in 1990 as a stunning artificial reef. This 45m ship has weathered its fair share of tropical cyclones, and today lies at around 18m below sea level.

Black Rock: Massive coral plates and delicately hued walls give divers a warm welcome. Explore all the creatures Aitutaki has to offer, from green turtles to fish, bass, and more.

Edna’s Anchor: Divers from all around the world love to explore this sandy reef sitting at 22m. A dynamic drop-off plummets to over 65m, bringing you up close and personal with cute reef characters you won’t believe exist in real life.

Bluewater Diving: Diving in crystal-clear blue waters like these feels like a dream come true. You’ll explore deep off-shore waters peppered with Fish Aggregating Devices (FADs). These floating objects are deeply-anchored, attracting various fish big and small.

Avaavaroa Passage: Perfect for the more experienced diver, this adventure course of strong elements and endless excitement is the perfect place to spot white tip reef sharks. If you’re lucky, you might even encounter the odd grey reef shark from April to August – a magnificent sight to behold. You’ll also likely catch eagle rays, massive morays, and turtles cruising along.

Training

If you lack prior experience, we strongly recommend you take an underwater course to prepare you for everything you’ll be seeing and doing underwater in the Cook Islands. If you’re considering capturing some ocean snaps, consider an underwater photography course online. Both ideas will be well worth your time and money, so you can embark on this exciting adventure with confidence.

When to Go

While the Islands are blessed with an abundance of sunshine all year round, the rainy season is from November to March – even though these months have some of the hottest days of the year. Be sure to check the weather forecasts before booking your trip! Rest assured that you’re almost guaranteed great visibility in the Cook Islands, as well as incredible water temperatures of 24-27ºC. With an average air temperature of 27ºC throughout the year, the Cook Islands really are like a slice of paradise on Earth.

Where to Stay

Asian Paradises has partnered with the Cook Island’s most luxurious and super-friendly hotels offering the personal touch to guests from all over the world. If you’re considering booking a diving trip for a few days and are looking for the best places to stay, here are our personal favourites:

Aitutaki

Pacific Resort Aitutaki

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

Rarotonga

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

Sunset Resort

Sanctuary Rarotonga on the Beach

Royale Takitumu

Palm Grove

Pacific Resort Rarotonga

Muri Beach Club Hotel

Moana Sands Lagoon Resort

Moana Sands Beachfront Hotel & Villa

Little Polynesian Resort

Lagoon Breeze Villas

Crown Beach Resort

Club Raro

Aro’a Beachside Inn

Now that you know the best places to explore the ocean in the Cook Islands, it’s time to get booking! Asian Paradises is the only Australian travel publication to have maintained such high service standards. We dig deep to source the best hotels to partner with on your behalf. Oh, and best of all, we don’t take commission from bookings, meaning our clients save big time!

When you book your diving excursions through Asian Paradises, you won’t be treated like a number on booking-websites-that-shall-not-be-named. We greet our guests, old and new, like personal friends, taking pride in introducing you to our trusted hotel partners and tour operators. These people are also dear friends of ours.

Excited to join the Asian Paradises inner-circle? Make your first booking today!

A place where time stands still so you can enjoy an unparalleled experience. Formed of 15 islands and atolls scattered over two million square kilometres off the Pacific Ocean, you’ll find the Cook Islands in the Polynesian triangle, so named due to its connecting points of Hawaii, New Zealand and the Easter Island.

When you visit the Cook Islands you’ll want to make sure you check out the two main hubs; Rarotonga and Aitutaki. Rarotonga International Airport is where you’ll touch down and begin to be blown away by the mesmerising natural beauty around you. Where one minute you’re admiring sparkling white beaches and aquamarine lagoons and the next it’s lush green fields and vast mountainous peaks. Put the wind in your sails with endless experiences to choose from, diving deep underwater or delving further into the lush tropical landscape.

Avarua is the main town on Rarotonga and the capital of the Cook Islands. This is where you’ll find a great selection of shops, cafes and restaurants and a laid-back vibe that is quite contagious. You’ll also find the main market Punanga Nui Market as well as the island’s twin harbours and a host of cultural sights to explore.

Sister island to Rarotonga, Aitutaki is the Cook Islands’ answer to your romantic dreams. Translating to “a little paradise”, you’ll have access to one of the most beautiful lagoons and begin to understand why this destination has proved so popular with honeymooners. Trust us, you won’t get sick of these tranquil surroundings.

Aitutaki Lagoon Private Island Resort

Pay a visit to the more remote northern Cook Islands, Manihiki, Rakahanga and Tongareva, the very places where the treasured Avaiki pearl lies. Translating to ‘spiritual homeland’, there is a story of rich heritage and determination etched into every Avaiki pearl which is why these islands are well worth exploring.

The Cook Islands offer more than just their heavenly aesthetic you’ll find plenty of activities and experiences to craft your ideal itinerary. Snorkel and kayak in the crystal clear waters, go hiking in the dense rainforests of Rarotonga, hire a moped to explore the islands, or try a spot of whale-watching off the coast of the warm South Pacific waters. Lagoon cruises are a great choice on your visit to the Cook Islands and are available on two of the world’s most beautiful lagoons, Muri Lagoon on Rarotonga and the world famous Aitutaki Lagoon.To fully experience the beauty and enchantment of Aitutaki, there’s no better way than taking a 6 hour Vaka cruise along the lagoons where you’ll be treated to breathtaking views and a relaxing atmosphere. If water activities are your thing, the Cook Islands are perfect. Whatever kind of holiday you desire, the Cook Islands has it all.

The Rarotongan Beach Resort & Lagoonarium

From first-class hotels and resorts to backpacker accommodation and even family friendly resorts and self-catering villas and bungalows, the Cook Islands offer stunning stays for every kind of budget. All of the major inhabited islands can be reached by flying Air Rarotonga and there are more than three daily flights between the main hubs, Rarotonga and Aitutaki.

Food in The Cook Islands

Many Cook Islands restaurants offer international and local cuisine all over the islands. Cultural attractions at Te Vara Nui and the Highland Paradise also serve up sumptuous buffet fare, alongside traditional cultural dancing.

Ask the friendly locals for their recommendations of the best local diners for goods like eke (marinated octopus), ika mata (fish in coconut sauce) and grilled sweet potato, some of which can be found daily at the Avarua marketplace. Travellers who fancy the local equivalent of a farmers’ market where fresh produce and homemade products by the islanders are on sale should go there for a “Go Local” spread which happens every two weeks.

Nightlife in The Cook Islands

On Friday evenings, join the Night Life Tours that showcase the hottest nightspots in the Cook Islands, where you can enjoy live entertainment. Major hotels often feature an Island Night Show with performances and an umukai or traditional Polynesian feast. Alternatively, head down to Matutu and Cook Islands Breweries for a unique-tasting, locally-made pint or two.

The Fiji archipelago comprises 333 islands, located at the crossroads of the South Pacific. Fiji’s main and largest island is Viti Levu, the next largest is Vanua Levu, and together they make up 85 percent of the country’s total land area, of which a little over a third of Fiji’s islands are inhabited.

All the islands have picturesque coastlines, tall coconut palms nodding over still waters of brilliant turquoise, lagoons fringed by coral reefs and soft white sandy beaches.

Capital and major centres
Fiji’s capital city, Suva, is located on the south-east corner of Viti Levu, although most visitors have their first taste of Fiji via the international airport at Nadi, one of the other major towns on the western coast of Viti Levu. From there it is only a quick hop to one of the offshore island resorts, or less than an hour of flying time to Vanua Levu or Taveuni, the second and third largest islands. Nearby are the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands that offer picture-postcard beautiful lagoons and beaches. The old capital of Levuka on Ovalau Island has been carefully preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The people
Fiji is the ‘hub’ of the South Pacific, a melting pot of both the Polynesian and Melanesian races. The nation comprises of many different races and people. From 1879 to 1916, under British Colonial rule, Indians came as indentured labourers to work on the sugarcane plantations. After the indentured system was abolished, many Indians stayed on as independent farmers and businessmen. The principal language is English, however, Fijian, Hindustani, Chinese and other Pacific Island languages are spoken. Most of the population is bilingual.

Nature
Fiji’s larger islands are volcanic while smaller islands are limestone or sand cays. Coral reefs and lagoons abound. High mountain ridges in the centre of the two main islands manipulate rainfall leaving regions with marked vegetation. The rain-drenched eastern regions are carpeted in thick, vine-covered forest while the drier, western regions showcase rolling grasslands and pine-covered hinterland. Typical coastal trees like coconuts and pandanus hug the coastal regions of every island.

Fiji’s unique land fauna includes native bats, birds, lizards and frogs. There are no large predators, and the islands are free of all serious plant and animal pests and diseases that plague other countries and endeavours to remain that way. Preserving the beautiful environment is an exercise that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forests takes very seriously, strictly regulating the importation of any matter that may affect the country’s plant and animal life.

The sights
A striking feature in Nadi is the Sri Siva Subramaniya Hindu temple at the southern end of town. This is the largest Hindu temple in the southern hemisphere and the traditional Dravidian architecture is rarely seen outside of India. Natadola Beach is one of the most outstanding swimming beaches on the main island of Viti Levu and only a 45-minute drive south of Nadi. A trip to the Sawa-i-Lau Caves in the Yasawas is one of the ‘must-do’ activities for travellers.

A trip to Fiji’s most picturesque village, Navala Village in the Nausori Highlands is a trip back in time. On the banks of the Ba River against the stunning backdrop of the Ba Highlands, the villagers of Navala still live in traditional thatched roof bures. Enquire with the various sightseeing tour companies that operate out of Nadi to find out more.

On the road from Nadi to Suva are the Sigatoka Sand Dunes, Kula Wild Adventure Park and rafting Navua Gorge near Pacific Harbour. In the capital city of Suva, the Fiji Museum in the historical Thurston Gardens stands right next to Government House with its colourful guards dressed in red tunics and white sulus. Founded much earlier than other Pacific Island museums, this national museum is unrivalled in the islands for the extent of its collection of anthropological and historical material.

Savusavu – on the island of Vanua Levu – is home to the unusual attractions of the Nakama thermal springs and Namale blowholes. Wasali Nature Reserve is an untouched rainforest with hiking trails leading to spectacular views.

Where to stay
Accommodation is prolific and there’s something for every budget from luxury hotels, boutique resorts and villas to Fijian bures with modern facilities, cottages, lodges, townhouses and apartments. Bures, based on traditional village thatched roof houses, are very popular with tourists as they provide an authentic Fijian atmosphere. The Fijian design incorporated into most hotels helps maintain the exotic ambience of this South Pacific paradise.

Food and entertainment
Most nightclubs, restaurants and cinemas are located in the urban centres such as Nadi, Lautoka, Suva and Savusavu, with most of the larger hotels and resorts providing their own entertainment in the form of Fijian nights that include a lovo (food cooked in an underground oven), sometimes the yaqona ceremony (kava drinking) and always a meke (song and dance).

There’s a good selection of restaurants in the major centres featuring Chinese, Japanese, Indian, French, and European foods. A number of places offer traditional Fijian cuisine that is most often seafood, cooked in lemon or coconut milk and steamed or boiled rather than fried.

Getting around
In Fiji motorists drive on the left side of the road, and overseas or international driving permits are valid for six months. There are a number of rental car agencies, an extensive local bus service on each of the main islands and deluxe coach tours. Taxis are inexpensive and predominantly metered. If you are travelling by public transport (buses & taxis), ensure that you carry local currency and that the taxi meters are turned on before you start your trip. Ferries, helicopters and seaplanes provide transportation between an extensive network of docks and airfields throughout the islands and resorts. Rideshare companies like Uber, Ola or Lyft do not currently operate in Fiji.

Activities
Fiji is renowned for the variety of activities available. Water-based activities include snorkelling and diving spectacular reefs, surfing and SUP on world-class waves like Cloudbreak or Frigates, kayaking to secluded bays, jet ski jaunts, challenging game-fishing and inter-island sailing. Land activities rival their watery counterparts for thrills with skydiving, cross-country cultural treks, canyon whitewater river rafting, river tubing, tree-top ziplining and off-road buggy adventures.

Situated on Viti Levu, the largest of the 333 Fijian islands, Denarau Island is located across a tiny causeway separating the island from the Nadi end of the mainland.

This major tourism complex is a 20-minute drive from Nadi International Airport and includes The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Sheraton Fiji Resort, Sheraton Denarau Villas, Hilton Fiji Beach Resort & Spa, Sofitel Fiji Resort & Spa, Radisson Blu Resort Fiji, Club Wyndham Denarau Island, Golf Terraces, The Palms Denarau, an 18-hole championship golf course, a golf and racquet club, waterpark and a private-berth marina.

The resorts boast ocean frontage, and the Bula Bus island shuttle runs frequent transfers between the resorts and Port Denarau, while golf carts whiz guests around and between the resorts.

Apart from offering a sophisticated hotel and residential experience, Port Denarau, with its shops and growing marina, has become a major marine transit hub for Fijian tourism.

With many of the smaller islands in the archipelago primarily accessible by boat, it is now the main transfer point for the resorts off the coast of Nadi in the Mamanuca and Yasawa Islands.

Port Denarau is the principal departure point for vessels. Departing from the port are water taxis, chartered yachts and catamarans, island day cruises, multi-day island-hopping cruises and brigantines offering sunset dinner cruises.

Sport is big on Denarau with the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club offering a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course. The course has been designed around the island’s extensive waterways. An impressive clubhouse comprising a pro shop and restaurant that overlooks the 9th, 10th and 18th holes. A driving range and adjacent tennis courts extend the club’s facilities. There is a yacht club and development is continuing on Denarau with other major up-market hotels under construction. Port Denarau is a commercial and retail centre, food and beverage outlets, and cultural attractions, making Denarau one of the leading integrated tourism destinations in the South Pacific.

As an island destination, Denarau has a lot to offer tourists and visitors in terms of activities. One of those activities includes water sports, diving, and snorkeling. There are plenty of operators on the island who provide these activities as part of packages or individually. One of the biggest operators for such activities is Adrenalin Watersports. Visitors can also go island hopping through the Mamanuca and Yasawas archipelagos.

But one of the most popular activities here is Golf, since the island is home to an extremely popular 18 hole Golf Course. The course is designed to cater to all kinds of golfers, irrespective of skill level. Combined with a magnificent view of the ocean and the mountains, this Golf Course has one of the most scenic locations on the island.

As for shopping, the Port Denarau Retail and Commercial center is the place to be. From top of the line stores to spas, visitors can find anything here. The center also houses fine dining spots and offers various activities for all age groups.

There are plenty of locations to explore in and around Denarau. For instance, visitors can visit the Garden of the Sleeping Giant located in the nearby city of Nadi. The garden, which once belonged to popular actor Raymond Burr, is a plant lovers delight. It occupies an area of 20 hectares and is home to several exotic varieties of flora, especially the native Fijian orchid, which is one of the major attractions here. The garden is open to visitors from 9 AM to 5 PM and entry is around $10.

Visitors can also hop over to the neighboring islands of Mamanuca and Yasawa, which are famous for their beaches and coral reefs.

Another interesting location, for adults and children alike, is the Fiji Museum. Visitors curious about Fiji’s history will find their curiosity satiated at the museum, as it houses several historical artifacts and exhibits that highlight various aspects of Fiji’s culture and tradition.

Nadi is the gateway to Fiji and sits on the western coast of Viti Levu.

Nadi has a population of more than 71,000. Because of its proximity to the Nadi international airport, it essentially caters for tourists. Facilities include accommodation, restaurants, nightlife, duty free shopping, sightseeing tours and interisland cruises.

Nadi town itself is small in comparison to the capital, Suva, but is still a bustling centre of business with around 20 hotels for all budgets dotted along its undulating coastal fringe, providing holidaymakers with everything they desire. It also acts as a gateway to other Fijian regional destinations.

The starting point for many scenic tours and sporting activities, Nadi is close to Viseisei Village, regarded by most Fijians as the ‘foundation village’ of Fijian heritage and culture. Also close by in Sabeto are mud pools, zip-lining, Rise Beyond the Reef Shed Shop, Aviva Farm and Fiji’s largest privately owned gardens, the Garden of the Sleeping Giant.

Twenty kilometres north of Nadi Airport is the city of Lautoka, which is a major commercial and administrative centre. It is also an important seaport and home of Fiji’s Sugar Corporation, the largest sugar mill and the South Pacific’s largest distilleries. Trekking tours can be arranged to the nearby Koroyanitu National Park with great scenic views along the way.

Driving north past fields of sugarcane and the occasional glimpse of an offshore island, are the towns of Ba and Tavua. In Ba, you can visit the local markets, pick up some handicrafts and fresh seasonal vegetables or take a trip to the picturesque Navala village in the Nausori Highland, the only village in Fiji where the majority of houses are still bures.

This region known as the Suncoast, is a strikingly beautiful stretch of countryside along Viti Levu’s western and northern coast with a cluster of resorts on the peninsula. This land of abundant sunshine, azure skies and dramatic grass-covered peaks is chequered with sugar-cane fields, rural villages and quaint market towns. The offshore islands of Nananu-i-Ra offer great hiking, diving, kiteboarding and windsurfing.

From Nadi you can visit the historical Momi gun site, bunkers and gun emplacements installed to repel a World War II invasion that thankfully never eventuated. Or embark on a cross-island hike with Talanoa Treks – Fiji’s only dedicated hiking company.

There are day cruises to both island and jungle locations and cruise boats depart Port Denarau Marina to the Mamanuca Islands.

If scuba diving is one of your hobbies, why not join one of the schooners departing from the Denarau Marina at 9.30 am daily. You can choose between one- or two-day dive programs. Non-divers are catered for with snorkelling equipment.