Amid the golden sun of the South Pacific lies the beautiful, small nation of the Cook Islands, renowned for its paradise-like islands and heartwarming people. The Cook Islands consist of 15 islands, which are then divided into two groups: the Northern Group and the Southern Group. The Northern Group consists mostly of atolls, while the Southern Group consists of volcanic islands.

The biggest island is Rarotonga, which also holds the capital, Avarua, and its major international airport, Rarotonga International Airport. The island is famous for its biking trail and coastal loop road, which is around 32 km long and great for exploring the whole coast of Rarotonga. There are several other activities onshore, such as horseback riding, hiking, and cultural shows, where tourists can join locals in dancing and singing folk songs while sampling traditional dishes.

Its crown jewel, the Aitutaki Lagoon, is one of the largest in the world. The turquoise waters surrounding this fish-hook-shaped atoll are home to unique aquatic species and corals, like giant clams, green turtles, and tupa crabs.

For a more off-the-beaten-path yachting journey, cruise the islands of Atiu, Mauke, or Mangaia. These islands offer a secluded escape, perfect for that castaway-like experience. Atiu has a complex labyrinth of limestone caves called Anatakitaki Cave, which is excellent for spelunking or cave crawling. These caves are also home to one of the rarest birds in the world, the Kopeka bird, known for their echolocation abilities. Mauke Atoll, home to less than 300 people, is fabled and nicknamed the ‘garden island.’ It is also home to several freshwater caves with crystal-clear pools great for swimming. For a unique archaeological exploration, the island of Mangaia holds intricate ancient caves that connect to perched fossilised coral reefs called Makatea. It is the second largest island in the Cook Islands and is said to be the oldest in the Pacific Ocean, aged over 18 million years!

Cook Islands’ remoteness and natural wonders are all yours; explore them now with our luxury charter yachts.