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The
diving opportunities in the Cooks are diverse with crystal clear waters (seldom
less than 100m visibility), and water temperatures between 23 and 30
degrees Centigrade. All diving is shore based from boats in the 5.6 to 7
metre size range and most dive sites are a mere ten minutes from your
departure point. There are canyons, caves and varieties of coral -
including plate, shelving, mushrooms and brain, big drop-offs and a
multitude of colourful tropical fish.
While there are no guaranteed
performers such as the rays of Cayman or the mantas of Yap, anything is
possible. The real thrill is not knowing what is around the next corner.
Recreational
diving was established commercially in the Cook Islands in 1973 by Greg Wilson
of Cook Island Divers and there are now four full time dive operators, three in
Rarotonga, the main island and one in Aitutaki. Cook Island Divers in Rarotonga,
and Aitutaki Scuba in Aitutaki both run two separate one tank multilevel dives
each day. Cook Island Divers operates a seven day a week operation, and Aitutaki
Scuba six days, (no Sunday dives) and the newly established Pacific Divers
concentrates mainly on training but also offer whale watching and scenic
cruises. Dive Rarotonga, based in Rarotonga also offers dives most afternoons, (no
morning dives). A limited amount of night diving is available with the two major
operators.
All
three operators have good rental equipment, so bringing your own gear is not
necessary, although masks, fins and snorkels are recommended, as they are rented
only for use on the operator's boats.
Scuba
training is available on both islands with Aitutaki Scuba and Cook Island Divers
offering a choice of CMAS, NAUI or PADI certifications to all levels. Dive
Rarotonga has PADI training available.
For
more general information
on Cook Islands, go to: |
