We arrive on Aitutaki at Resort Tava’e and gather for a welcome meeting. This is followed by a relaxing acclimatisation swim off the resort’s own beachfront – your first introduction to the lagoon’s shielded waters. Then we will have a group dinner and discuss plans for the week ahead.

This morning, we travel by van to the main wharf, hop into our support boat and head out into the Lagoon for our first proper swim. Where better to start than by exploring a shipwreck and clam farm? During our swim, you will be introduced to Aitutaki’s vibrant surrounds and protected waters, following sandy slopes and searching for marine life, like giant clams.

For lunch, we enjoy a picnic on uninhabited One Foot Island and then continue on for afternoon swims, exploring local tropical waters in the company of the lagoon’s undersea residents.

Today, weather permitting, we head outside the lagoon for some exciting open water swims. In the morning, we swim in depths where pistol shrimp (or ‘snapping shrimp’) thrive – you can hear them underwater as we pass over coral mounds and seasonal sea moss that is irresistible to grazing turtles. You will have plenty of time to explore a more remote reef system before we return for lunch on the boat.

In the afternoon, we seek out another outer reef, where we will have an opportunity to look for turtles, which are known to frequent these depths.

We wake up early for a return to the lagoon, visiting the south-eastern reaches where sunlight flickers in the shallow water and a vast, shielded playground awaits us.

For lunch, we enjoy a picnic on the white sand beach of One Foot Island – a veritable ‘picnic in paradise’ - before we head back to the resort and spend an evening on the island, indulging in delicious local food and some Polynesian dancing too.

Today we head from Moturakau to Rapota, swimming between colourful ‘motus’ in shallows where turtles graze below. Some of the popular ‘Survivor’ series were filmed here, so you know it’s a good setting for an adventure.

After our swim, we head back to shore for a cafe lunch and then embark on some afternoon exploration, which involves us tracking wildlife and following a maze of purplish coral.

This morning, we start our last full day by exploring a new reef formation and sand bank (visible at low tide), swimming along a drop-off, with varying depths. The water clarity and interplay with sunlight is magic and this is truly a unique swim you will never forget.

At lunch, we find another perfect beach to stop for our picnic before we spend the afternoon at an outer reef in the Pacific, looking for any elusive wildlife we haven’t yet seen.

Our farewell swim is enjoyed a short distance off the hotel beachfront. Then we convene for breakfast and mourn the end of our time in paradise together.

We have given this trip a ‘Moderate’ grading. Most swimmers comfortable in the open water will be able to take part and enjoy one of these trips.

Swimming Distances

*Please note that these swims are an example of what may take place during your trip and should be used as a guide only. Actual swim locations and distances will vary according to local weather and swim conditions.

Swimming Conditions

Swimming in the open water is a fantastic experience, however you should be aware that certain marine life such as jellyfish, plankton, sea lice, sea urchins and coral could be present during the swims and may cause some discomfort. In all cases we will work on reducing your contact with these creatures and that any interactions are managed safely. If you suffer from anaphylaxis, please consult the office prior to booking.

*Please note that these temperatures are indicative and should be used as a guide only.

Walking Conditions

While there aren’t any significant planned walks, any walks that we do undertake will take place on recognised paths and tracks, however there may be cases where we walk along trails or other unsealed surfaces, and care should be taken in these areas.

Weather Caveat

For safety reasons, we rely on decent weather conditions when carrying out our swims. Therefore, open water swimming holidays require a certain degree of on-trip flexibility which can result in changes to the planned itinerary. These changes often add a touch of uniqueness to your trip and will be communicated to you by your SwimTrek guides as quickly as possible.

Group Size

This trip has a maximum group size of 15. The group will be split into a maximum of two groups, based on speed, with each group being accompanied by their own safety vessel/escort.

Boat Support

Boat support on this trip includes three support vessels, piloted by local skippers and your SwimTrek guides. Please note that this boat support is subject to change without notice and cannot be guaranteed.

Equipment Checklist

For your basic, essential packing list, please visit our Packing List page on the website

As SwimTrekkers come from all over the world, and join our swimming holidays in numerous destinations, we don't currently offer flights as part of our SwimTrek packages. We do however want to do as much as we can to ensure that our guests get the best deals when travelling to one of our trips so check out SwimTrek's tips to help you get the best deals for your flights page on the website.

The easiest way to get to Resort Tava’e is to fly into Rarotonga and take an internal flight to Aitutaki. You will then be able to book a transfer to the hotel.

Flight from Rarotonga to Aitutaki

You can book your internal flights and transfer directly to your hotel through our partners at Turama travel travel@islandhopper.co.ck. Alternatively, you can book flights directly through Air Rarotonga.

From the airport to your hotel

The easiest way to get to Resort Tava’e is to organise a transfer through our partners at Turama Pacific Travel who can organise all of your travel for you (travel@islandhopper.co.ck).

Return transfer

Please reverse the above order of travel for your return journey. You may wish to organise a night in Rarotonga on your return journey, again our partners at Turama can assist you in organising this.

Food and Drink

All breakfasts and lunches are included on your trip. Breakfast in your hotel is a daily continental breakfast and caters to all dietary requirements.

Lunches will mostly be taken on one of the smaller islands, and all dietary requirements can be catered for.

One dinner is included in your trip price, and other dinners will be at your own expense.

Please be aware that this is an island, and therefore access to some foods may be limited. If you require any specific foods, please ensure you bring these with you.

For more information, please visit our food and drink page on the website.

For more information on any of the following sections please visit the Travel Advice page of our website.

Money, Extra Expenses and Tipping

You should bring extra money with you to cover such items as transfers, entertainment, excursion day lunch and dinners, souvenirs, etc. The local currency is New Zealand Dollars (NZD).

In some countries tipping (gratuities) is not part of the culture - in others it has become an expected norm. We believe that tipping is entirely at your discretion. If you have been provided with excellent service, it may be something you wish to do. Your SwimTrek Guides can advise on local norms for service providers like boat crew, waiters, or taxis. Nothing is expected for your SwimTrek Guides, but many groups like to present something to the Guides at the end of the trip.

Responsible Travel

SwimTrek is conscious of the importance of protecting the world’s natural wonders. We are acutely aware of our responsibility to not only take care of the natural environments which we are lucky enough to explore, but also to educate our guests about the importance of conservation efforts and responsible tourism. It’s for this reason that we have worked so closely with our partners to ensure that our trips are conducted in the most responsible and sustainable way possible, working tirelessly to minimise the impact of our presence on local marine life and the natural habitat.

For more information, please visit our Responsible Travel page on the website.

Passports and Visas

Citizens of all nationalities can visit the Cook Islands visa-free for up to 31 days. Travellers from countries including Australia, the UK, US, Canada, New Zealand, and all EU countries can easily enter with a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and sufficient funds.

Please note that visa regulations are subject to change and it is important that you check your own visa requirements prior to travel.

Travel Insurance

We consider comprehensive travel insurance to be essential, and we strongly recommend that you purchase insurance which includes, but is not limited to, cover for illness, accident, emergency repatriation, ambulance, air ambulance, helicopter rescue services, cancellation, lost luggage and delays. Your travel insurance should also cover you for open water swimming and any other activity listed in your trip itinerary (including races and competitions, where applicable). Please read your policy details carefully and remember to take them with you on your trip for your own reference.

For further information, please visit our Travel Insurance page on the website.

Health Information and Recommended Vaccinations

Here at SwimTrek, we pride ourselves on our focus on safety and the well-being of all our guests. As we operate in some beautiful and remote locations medical facilities are not always easily accessible. SwimTrek Guides, and many staff working for our local partners, are first aid trained. However, we ask that you read our Travel Health page to ensure that you are informed about general Travel and Swim Health precautions.

Travel Plugs & Electricity

Wi-Fi is available throughout the hotel.

For a useful source of information on the different electrical outlets, electrical plugs, and electric sockets, please visit www.worldstandards.eu.