Important Information
To enjoy the Private Snorkeling — and safely — it’s important to come prepared and understand what to expect along the way
✅ Route Overview. Your journey begins at Ariimoana’s base, where all of our private tours set off. From here, you’ll step onto the golden sand that lines the lagoon, a peaceful gateway to the vibrant marine world that awaits. For the Passage Snorkeling Tours you’ll take a short walk along the beach, feeling the sand beneath your feet as you make your way toward the reef. As you go, the lagoon opens up and the water deepens in color — until suddenly, you’re face to face with the spectacular blue of the passage, where the ocean breathes in rhythm with the reef. For the Lagoon Snorkeling Tour, there’s no walk needed — just enough time to slip on your fins, adjust your mask, and you’re ready to glide into the water. Within moments, you’re surrounded by coral gardens, darting fish, and the peaceful stillness of the lagoon. Whichever route you choose, you’ll be guided by local experts who know the reef’s rhythms, ensuring a safe, respectful, and unforgettable experience.
✅ Physical Requirements. To fully enjoy your Private Snorkeling Tour, participants should feel comfortable swimming in open water and using basic snorkeling gear such as a mask, snorkel, and fins. For safety reasons, this tour is not recommended for individuals with a fear of open water, significant discomfort with wearing a mask, or medical conditions that affect breathing, balance, or cause disorientation. The Papua Passage Tour is best suited for experienced snorkelers, as it may involve deeper sections, shifting currents, and changing visibility. The Lagoon Snorkeling Tour, on the other hand, takes place in calm, shallow water and is ideal for less experienced swimmers or those seeking a more relaxed encounter with the reef. All snorkeling equipment is provided, and your guide will assist you in getting comfortable before entering the water. Your well-being is our priority: our team will stay close by throughout the experience, offering support, adjusting to your comfort level, and ensuring a safe, respectful, and rewarding connection with the reef and its marine life. All snorkeling equipment is provided, and your guide will assist you in getting comfortable before entering the water. Your well-being is our priority: our team will stay close by throughout the experience, offering support, adjusting to your comfort level, and ensuring a safe, respectful, and rewarding connection with the reef and its marine life.
✅ Important Advice. Please keep in mind that all tours are weather-dependent. If heavy rain or unsafe conditions are forecast, the walk will be postponed or rescheduled to ensure everyone’s safety — your well-being is always our top priority. In addition, the Papua tours take place only at low tide, when the passages are safely accessible and the lagoon is at its calmest. Rarotonga’s climate is typically hot and humid, so staying properly hydrated is essential. To prepare your body for the tour, we recommend avoiding alcohol beforehand and bringing at least one litre of water. Remember to sip regularly throughout the tour to stay cool, energized, and comfortable from beginning to end.
✅ What to Bring. We also recommend bringing a change of clothes for after the tour. An open shower facility is available at the Ariimoana Base, so you can rinse off and refresh before heading on with your day. While you’re in the water, we’ll already be thinking about the memories: our team captures raw photos during the experience, so you can focus on enjoying the moment without worrying about gear. However, if you’re a photography enthusiast or wish to take your own shots, you’re welcome to bring your own underwater camera or GoPro — just make sure it’s securely attached and rated for saltwater use. As always, our goal is to ensure a safe, respectful, and enriching experience for every guest, from start to finish.
Ariimoana Walkabouts 