The Cook Islands are small, isolated islands in the South Pacific Ocean, located far from major land masses like Australia and Mexico. But there’s plenty of good reasons to visit them!

Among the top reasons shared by big travel blogs are the stunning beaches of Rarotonga and Aitutaki. These islands offer fantastic opportunities to swim, fish, explore the seabed, and go paddling. With just about 2,000 inhabitants, Aitutaki is one of the main tourist destinations in the Cook Islands and might just be one of the most remote islands in the South Pacific.

Aitutaki is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef, lush motu (islets), and beautiful palm-lined beaches. The island boasts spectacular views of both the ocean and its inner lagoon. You can enjoy various activities, especially those related to the sea like snorkeling and beach volleyball. The island also features a small church, the oldest in the archipelago, several large fig trees, and a small island called Tapuaetai, which is part of the Aitutaki atoll.

Tapuaetai stands out among the many islets because it was named the best beach in Oceania by an Australian magazine in 2008. This accolade has made it a popular spot for tours that offer breathtaking views of the lagoon. The island has a small airport with flights to Rarotonga, a 45-minute journey offered three or four times daily by Air Rarotonga.