A turtle tour experience is the #1 activity to do in Rarotonga — and for good reason. Snorkelling with turtles in their natural habitat is something truly special. It’s one of those unforgettable moments that visitors will carry with them long after their holiday ends.

As tourism operators and hosts, we take pride in being part of what makes these memories so magical. And with that pride comes a shared responsibility: to make sure our guests are not only having the best time — but a safe one too.

Unfortunately, there have been growing concerns about a small number of turtle tour operators who are not following proper safety practices. This has led to incidents that put guests at risk and can reflect poorly on all of us.

The good news is, we all have the power to help — simply by keeping guests informed and guiding them toward the right choices.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

1. Talk to your guests

A quick conversation can go a long way. If a guest asks about booking a turtle tour, take a moment to guide them. Here are a few simple talking points you can use:

• “It’s best to book with an operator that follows proper safety rules — here’s a list of the ones we recommend.”
• “Only book tours with guides who carry safety equipment and know how to assess the sea conditions.”
• “The turtles are wild animals, and we want to make sure both the turtles and people are safe — that’s why choosing the right tour matters.”

2. Share the resources

Cook Islands Tourism has created downloadable flyers and posters with easy-to-read safety messages. You can print these for your front desk, guest rooms, or activity boards — or email them to guests before they arrive. Find them at: cookislands.travel/corporate/safety-resources/turtle-tour

3. Direct Guests to Approved List

Make it a habit to refer guests to the list of recommended turtle tour operators on the official site. These operators are committed to best practices and guest safety. It's an easy way to ensure your guests are in good hands.

4. Report any concerns

If you hear of any unsafe activity, please pass the information on to Cook Islands Tourism. For serious incidents or risks to safety, the Police should also be notified, call 999.

Cook Islands Tourism is working closely with government agencies to find long-term solutions that will support safe and sustainable turtle experiences. But in the meantime, the support of the tourism industry is essential.

By helping visitors understand the importance of choosing safe operators, we’re not only protecting them — we’re protecting the turtles, and the integrity of one of our most treasured experiences.

Let’s continue to work together as responsible hosts. With a few simple actions, we can make a big difference. Together, we protect our little paradise. For inquiries and further information, please contact:
Tina Kae, Industry Development Manager
[email protected]