Rarotonga is one of the premier destinations in the entire South Pacific, and many travelers find that this beautiful location is even more gorgeous than highly-touted Tahiti. Until recently, Rarotonga was seen as too remote to be a bona fide tourist destination, but in recent years the tourists have flocked to this island paradise. The Cook Islands are made up of fifteen small nations, with Rarotonga leading the pack in terms of size and population. The fishing off the coast of Rarotonga is incredible, and local fisherman claim to have landed some of the largest tuna and marlin anywhere. Outdoor sports are quite popular on the island; from golf to hiking to tennis, Rarotonga has it all. Typically the dining, sports engagements, and nightlife are about half as expensive as the islands in French Polynesia and the rest of the South Pacific, so get ready to have some fun! You can either do twice as much for the same amount of money, or do everything that you would do in Tahiti and spend half what you would there. Speaking of the dining and nightlife, it is tremendous on this spectacular island, with magnificent eateries and splendid stores everywhere. The Rarotonga Lagoon is a magnificent sight, and whether snorkeling or enjoying a relaxing swim, this place truly puts you at peace. The whole island has an air of harmonious joy, and everything you do you will do with a smile. The lagoon is ideal for exploring, but it is too shallow for scuba diving. Don't be alarmed, because the scuba diving expeditions outside the Rarotonga reef are glorious, and you will be hard-pressed to find more daring diving adventures anywhere.

The mountains and lagoons of Rarotonga are miraculous, and before missionaries arrived here in 1823, the island was a series of swampy habitats and dense valleys. These days, fruit trees and colorful crops light up the island, and everywhere you look, your eyes and heart will be more than satisfied. The climate here is pleasant all year long, and in the winter the temperatures drop to a delightful 75-degree range.