The island of Aitutaki was settled by the legendary Polynesian explorer Ru and his entourage from Raiatea in French Polynesia.
They arrived in the dark in their large ocean going twin hulled vaka at O'otu, the channel at the south end of Aitutaki Airport. Legend has it that next day they embarked on Aitutaki's vast turquoise lagoon revelling in its clear calm waters, feasting on seafood, refreshing themselves with the abundant sweet coconuts available on the motu (small islets) that encircle the lagoon.
Today, visitors to Aitutaki can experience the beauty and the bounty of the lagoon and surrounding waters on our Vaka Day Picnic Cruise. The 21 metre Titi ai Tonga (meaning "wind from the south") is a contemporary vaka styled on the vessels of ancient Polynesian voyagers, but with some modern comforts.
The ‘must do’ day lagoon cruise aboard the 21 meter Polynesian style Vaka Titi ai Tonga.
Every morning at 10am Mondays to Saturdays, the sound of the conch shell signals the departure of the Vaka for six hours of lagoon magic.
There’s snorkeling, swimming and sunbathing to do before tucking into to an Island Barbecued lunch of fresh caught ocean fish served on board and accompanied by a full bar service.
Visit several motu (small islets) and beach comb at One Foot Island before returning past the old TEAL flying boat base. Impromptu entertainment by the crew will have you tying pareu, weaving coconut leaf plates or humming island tunes.
They are always happy to provide snorkeling lessons for first timers.
Fast Facts
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Aitutaki.net
PO Box 79
Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Phone +682 24 885
Fax+682 22 889
