Muri Beach

On southeast Rarotonga, find some of the island’s best snorkeling at the idyllic Muri Beach. Lounge on powdery sand, explore exquisite marine life, discover Polynesian culture and heritage and see the sights of Rarotonga Island.

Stay in a beachfront villa and wake up to the sound of gently lapping waves and tropical birds. Enjoy a breakfast of fresh fruit before slipping into the warm waters of the lagoon for a morning swim. Walk barefoot along the beach and look toward the four motu (islets) on the water. Relax under a coconut tree with a favorite book or wade in Muri’s blue-green lagoon.

Scuba dive or snorkel over the magnificent coral reef and see the renowned marine life, living coral and tropical fish. At the north end of the beach is Avana Point, one of the few deep-water passages into Rarotonga. This is where the Maori set sail for New Zealand in their ocean-going wakas during the Great Migration in the 1400s.

Put on walking shoes and hike across the island through lush jungle. Spot native birds and tropical butterflies. Fishing is a popular activity with deep sea and fly fishing tours as well as fishing using traditional Cook Islands techniques. Catch wahoo, yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi, barracuda, snapper and many other varieties.

Shopping opportunities are always easy to reach on Rarotonga. Browse arts and crafts, tropical fruits and vegetables as well as favorite culinary cuisines at Avarua Wharf's daily Punanga Nui Market. Nearby is a collection of contemporary and traditional arts and crafts at the Beachcomber Pearl Market and Gallery where you can also find the famed black island pearls.

Stop at the historic Ngatangiia Cook Islands Christian Church. Enjoy an evening meal on a beach or have a cocktail while watching Polynesian dance and musical performances.

Get from Muri Beach to other parts of Rarotonga easily with a car, scooter or bicycle rental. A local bus regularly makes the 45-minute trip around the island.