Jacopo
Jacopo Dozzo, originally from Italy, has taken a unique path that led him to settle in Rarotonga, in the Cook Islands. His story is a great example of how determination and openness to change can turn a dream into reality.
He grew up between the Niguarda district in Milan and Pezzolo, a small mountain village in the Bergamo valleys. Always curious and adventurous, in 2012 Jacopo moved to New Zealand to study tourism. During that time, he visited the Cook Islands for the first time and was immediately captivated by the natural beauty and local culture. After completing his studies, he returned to Rarotonga with a one-way ticket, ready to build a new life there.
In his early years on the island, Jacopo worked for Turama Pacific Travel Group, one of the main tourism operators in the Cook Islands. This role gave him close insight into the local tourism industry and hands-on experience with the Pacific’s natural environment. It was during this period that his passion for marine biology and the study of tropical vegetation truly blossomed, fueled by a deep desire to understand and protect the environment around him.
Over time, this passion grew into a concrete project: together with his partner Kura, Jacopo founded Ariimoana Walkabouts, an eco-tourism venture offering guided tours through Rarotonga’s pristine nature. Their tours take visitors along forest trails, hidden gardens, and coral reefs, blending cultural storytelling with scientific observation for a truly unique experience.
Today, Jacopo is an active member of the local community, proudly serving as a volunteer firefighter, a role he cherishes deeply. Through his blog, Jacopo’s Island Way, he shares personal reflections, travel stories, and cultural insights, giving readers an authentic and passionate glimpse into life on this remote corner of the world.
Ariimoana Walkabouts 