Location: Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Recommended by Tasha Amy of Backpackers Wanderlust
How do I know it’s ethical?
By participating in a turtle experience with a company that has high morals and is at the forefront of eco-tourism will ensure you have an ethical adventure.
They will not alter the animal’s behaviour by offering food to entice it, nor encourage anyone to touch the turtles. Instead, you will visit their home at the Rutaki Passage, a 30-metre trench running from the shoreline to the deep blue. It is not safe to swim here without a guide due to the strong currents. Therefore, it is not overcrowded like many animal tourism experiences in other countries.
You will also be advised to not touch any wildlife, to approach a turtle at a slow speed, and respect its personal space if it chooses to swim away.
The company that I will recommend a bit further down also supports Te Ara O Te Onu which is the Cook Islands Turtle Society, and is actually the only tour operator in the country to do so. A portion of your money will go towards their ongoing mission to look after the turtle population in the Cook Islands.
Description of the Experience
No doubt one of the best things to do in Rarotonga, and the most memorable for me is the Turtle Sea Scooter Safari. This is run by Ariki Adventures who have created an awesome tour for animal lovers and those wanting a special turtle experience.
As the Sea Scooter Safari is held in Rutaki Passage the timing of the tours change daily depending on the tides. Though you will meet at their shop for a safety briefing and the do’s and don’ts before a 5 minute drive to the beach. On the shoreline, you will receive a demonstration of the sea scooters and ensure everyone is correctly geared up. Next it is time to plunge into the water.
You can either choose to dive down or swim along the surface with your sea scooter, more than anything it is just there to help you with the currents. Of course, seeing turtles is never guaranteed, but we were lucky enough to spot about 6 during my experience. This is on top of eagle rays and reef sharks, overall making for an awesome time.
I also want to say the safety aspect of the Turtle Sea Scooter Safari Ariki Adventures run really stood out to me. They had one guide per 4 swimmers, as well as another guide following on a paddle board with extra equipment and life rings.
Company/ Cost:
I booked this tour with Ariki Adventures. You can book online but look carefully at what time you are booking for as this changes daily. They also do not operate on weekends. The price of this tour is $161 NZD or $90 USD. This includes all equipment, snorkelling gear, and safety gear if required.
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This is one post on a series of ethical animal tourism posts by travel content creators. The experiences cover all seven continents and a variety of animals. Ensure that your animal experience is an ethical one.
Learn More About Ethical Animal Tourism
10 Questions to Ask to Ensure the Encounter is Ethical?
