Whale watching is something remember for the rest of your life. And the best thing about whale watching on the Cook Islands is that you can watch these majestic creatures anywhere, no matter which island you are on. During the migration season, from July to October, they travel through the Cook Islands to the warmer waters of the South Pacific to mate, rest, and give birth to their calves. Humpback whales get so close that there is even a chance to see them from the shore.
Some of the best places to watch whales on Rarotonga island are the area called Black Rock and the South Eastern side of the island and the North coast. Other places where you can easily meet these amazing giants are the islands to the south such as Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, and the limestone cliffs of Atiu Island. The territorial waters of the Cook Islands are a real whale sanctuary. You can watch humpback whales playing, flipping, and jumping. Those who want not only to watch but also to find out something new about whales should visit the Whale Education Centre in Avarua. Here you will discover an amazing world of whales and dolphins. Lectures, presentations, videos, visual displays, photographs, and educational activities provide you with new knowledge and awareness about these majestic animals.
Practical info
When is the best time to see whales in Rarotonga & Cook Islands?
Humpback whales are seen migrating through the Cook Islands' waters between July and October for mating, rest, and giving birth to calves, making the best time within these months. These are the times when whale watching is likely to be successful. Show more
Where are the best places to watch whales on Rarotonga island?
In Rarotonga, watching whales from Black Rock, the Southeastern coast, North coast is suggested but there are also other islands to the south of Rarotonga, such as Mitiaro, Mauke, Mangaia, and Atiu Island, offering great whale watching opportunities. Visitors may even see whales from the shore as whales come close to the island during these times. Show more
What types of whales can be seen in the Cook Islands?
Humpback whales are the only type of whale seen in the Cook Islands during their migration when they travel from their Arctic feeding grounds to warmer waters, South Pacific, for calving and breeding. They are spectacular, often breaching, and exhibiting acrobatics making the whale-watching trip unforgettable. Show more
Are there any regulations for whale watching in the Cook Islands?
The Cook Islands have specific regulations protecting both the whales and the whale watchers. Boats and swimmers should maintain a safe distance of 50 and 100 meters, respectively, from the whales. The Cook Islands Whale Sanctuary, which is one of the largest in the world, manages the area of about 1,990,530 sq km, and enforcement is by the Cook Islands Whale Research team, ensuring that regulations are adhered to. Show more
Can whale watchers swim with the whales in Rarotonga & Cook Islands?
No. It is prohibited to swim with whales in the Cook Islands. Swimmers and boats should maintain a safe distance from the whales to not interfere with the whale's natural behavior. Curious whales might approach boats during the whale watching trip, providing an unforgettable experience for visitors. However, swimmers are not allowed to follow the whales; otherwise, this will impede their natural habitat, and the swimmers may be fined for disturbing the whales. Show more
