To ensure the highest safety standards for guests and staff, an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) has been developed for tour operators. This MOU outlines best practices for keeping safe while on a turtle tour. We encourage all visitors to choose tour operators who have signed this MOU. Key safety considerations within the MOU include:

• 4:1 Safety Ratio: This crucial requirement ensures a responsible guide-to-guest ratio (1 guide for every 4 guests). Exceeding this ratio significantly increases safety risks, even for experienced swimmers, in these challenging waters.
• No Weekend Tours: This policy reflects a request from the local community and leaders (Aronga Mana). Operators are asked to honour this as a sign of respect. Support tour companies that adhere to this guideline and contribute to preserving community values.

By choosing operators aligned with the MOU, you help foster safer, more respectful experiences for everyone.

It’s essential that all guides have up-to-date water safety training. In the Cook Islands, guides can obtain the Cook Islands Bronze Medallion, an annual certification in water safety. This certification ensures guides are prepared to care for you and respond to emergencies. For your safety:

• Before your tour, ask your guide to show proof of their most recent water safety certification.
• Tours should only operate at low tide.
• If your group is the only one on the water, ask why no other operators are out.
• Safety briefings must be conducted before each tour.
• Risk assessments should be completed prior to every excursion.
• Swimming ability should be assessed, particularly for young children, older adults, or those with limited swimming experience.
• Children under 12 should have a dedicated guide (1:1 ratio) at all times.

When visiting turtles in their natural habitat, protecting their environment is essential to ensure it thrives for future generations. Everyone who takes part in this incredible experience has a responsibility to follow best practices and minimise their impact.

• Do not touch turtles. Turtles are wild animals and must be treated with care and respect. Always keep a minimum distance of 3 meters to avoid causing stress or harm.
• Avoid contact with coral. Coral is fragile and essential to marine ecosystems. Do not touch, stand on, or walk across coral, and be mindful of your fins to prevent accidental damage. This is the turtles' home – let’s protect it.
• No feeding the wildlife. Feeding turtles or any other marine life can disrupt their natural behaviors and diet. Let them forage as they naturally would.
• Use reef-safe sunscreen. Choose sunscreens that are free of harmful chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can damage coral and marine life.