Experiences

CONNECT WITH THE OCEAN

Turtle & Whale Hub offers a growing collection of ocean, wildlife, photography and island experiences in the Cook Islands.

Our experiences are designed to encourage curiosity, creativity and a deeper connection with the Moana — inviting people to slow down, look closer (using all senses) and discover the life that exists beneath the surface.

We believe the ocean is about more than seeing a turtle or whale. It is about understanding the environment they call home and appreciating the many living things and natural processes that make that environment possible.

SEE THE OCEAN WITH NEW EYES. KEEP THE CURIOSITY OF A CHILD.

Children often approach the world with a wonderful sense of curiosity. They notice the small things, ask questions and become fascinated by what others might overlook.

We want to encourage adults to rediscover that same feeling — and give children the freedom to keep exploring it.

A turtle resting on the reef or a whale surfacing in the distance can be unforgettable. But there is so much more to discover: the movement of coral, changing light, underwater textures and the relationships between marine life and its habitat.

Our experiences invite you to explore the whole environment, not just search for one particular animal.

Because when we understand the places wildlife call home, we develop a deeper appreciation for why those places matter and why they deserve our care.

CURRENT EXPERIENCES

PRIVATE OCEAN & LAGOON EXPERIENCES

Explore Rarotonga’s marine environment through a private, flexible experience shaped around your interests, comfort level and group.

Slow down, look closer and discover the life that exists beneath the surface—from coral and reef fish to turtles and other marine life.

Depending on the conditions and your interests, your experience may include:

  • Lagoon and reef exploration

  • Snorkelling with turtles, rays and abundant marine life

  • Exploring caves or shipwrecks

  • Discovering hidden gems, particularly for confident swimmers

  • Photography opportunities

  • During whale season, the possibility of encountering whales in the water, when conditions allow

We aim to avoid crowded commercial encounters and create a more peaceful experience where you can enjoy the ocean without unnecessary disturbance to marine life.

All snorkelling equipment is provided.

Complimentary photography

All experiences include complimentary family or couple portraits for approximately 15 minutes before the tour. You are welcome to invite additional family members to join these photographs at no extra cost.

Pricing

NZ$600 for up to 3 people. Additional guests are NZ$150 per person.

FAMILY & COUPLE PHOTOGRAPHY

Rarotonga provides a beautiful setting for relaxed, natural photographs with the people you love.

Family and couples’ sessions can take place on the beach, with the mountains and palm trees surrounding you, or in the water where conditions are suitable.

Sessions are designed to capture genuine connection, movement and meaningful moments rather than overly posed photographs.

Photographs may include:

  • Beach portraits

  • Family photographs

  • Couples and anniversary sessions

  • Candid moments

  • Water and split-water photographs, where suitable

  • Drone photography, where suitable

  • A relaxed combination of land and water images

Choose from a shorter session or a one-hour experience, with professionally edited photographs delivered in an online gallery.

30-MINUTE PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

NZ$380

A shorter session focused on capturing beautiful portraits and natural moments, with the option to include water photographs where suitable.

1-HOUR PHOTOGRAPHY SESSION

NZ$580

More time for a relaxed variety of beach portraits, palm-tree photographs and water images, with the flexibility to include more than one nearby location where suitable.

WHALE EXPERIENCES

LEARN ABOUT THE OCEAN’S GENTLE GIANTS.

Seasonal whale experiences are being developed with a focus on respectful observation, education and a deeper understanding of the marine environment.

These experiences will be about more than seeing a whale. They will explore the animals, their behaviours, their habitats and the wider ocean systems that make these encounters meaningful.

MORE INFORMATION COMING SOON.

OUR APPROACH TO WILDLIFE

RESPECT COMES FIRST.

Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the wellbeing of marine life comes before photography or personal expectations.

We do not chase, touch, feed or disturb animals for photographs. Experiences are adapted to weather, sea conditions, wildlife behaviour and the needs of the environment.

Our hope is that visitors leave not only with beautiful memories, but with a greater sense of curiosity, understanding and respect for our moana.