The turtles were beautiful but the tour is a rip off
We were really disappointed with this tour. For $620NZD, we felt it was very overpriced.
We arrived at the departure point as instructed and were greeted by a teenage boy - "Are you here for the 1:30 tour?" and that was it. No welcome, no introduction, nothing.
We were given fins and masks before heading out. On foot. We spent half an hour walking out to the passage, over rocks and many sand banks. I was exhausted before we even started snorkelling. I also didn't like that there was no way of carrying any personal belongings with us - I am a type 1 diabetic and had to leave my glucose sensor behind. Every other tour we've ever done has been by boat, and there is no mention of the lengthy walk anywhere on the website so we had no idea about this before booking.
Once we got to the passage, we had limited time to snorkel. My partner and I would have liked to have swum around, talked, and snorkelled at our leisure, but we were repeatedly told by one of the teenage guys, to keep up with the other teenage guy because we were getting carried away by very strong and dangerous currents. Even though we saw quite a few rays and some beautiful turtles including two very large ones, I didn't enjoy myself much as I was too busy focusing on not getting swept away. My partner and I are both strong swimmers and struggled with how strong it was. One of the boys who was out with us even said "lucky it's just the two of you" - meaning they knew full well that had there been a bigger group, they would have been in all sorts of trouble safety-wise.
We ended up heading back in early. Even though I didn't ask him to, one of the boys got me onto the paddleboard he'd brought out and pulled me back in - and this is the only reason I'm giving two stars instead of one. I could have walked back, but it was an even longer walk back to shore than it was going out.
When we got back, the two guides who we were informed were two teenagers from the local high school ("weekend staff") just left us because they had another "tour" to attend. We were given some freshly cut paw paw (I learned I don't like paw paw) and that was it - we weren't even offered water.
We were told that our photos would be uploaded and sent to us "within a few days" - five days later and we still haven't received any photos. Two days prior, we'd done another private tour (on a boat) that included transfers, a knowledgeable guide who actually introduced himself and spoke to us, all equipment, photos taken, the choice to spend our time as we wished, a beautiful afternoon tea, and unlimited bottled water/soft drink. That tour was $140 less than this.
I wouldn't book this again. A lot of improvement is needed, and we got ripped off.
事業者からの返答
Kia Orana,
Thank you for taking the time to provide such detailed feedback. We’re genuinely disappointed to hear that your private tour did not meet your expectations, particularly given the level of service we expect our private guests to receive.
We would like to clarify that our turtle experience is intentionally a shore-entry snorkeling tour rather than a boat tour. Avaavaroa Passage is a natural ocean environment, and access can involve walking across the shallow lagoon and reef depending on the tide. However, your feedback makes it clear that we need to ensure this is communicated more prominently before guests book, particularly for anyone with medical, mobility or personal-item requirements.
We are also concerned by your comments regarding the welcome and communication from the guides. Regardless of a team member’s age, every guest should receive a professional introduction, clear safety briefing and attentive service. A private tour should provide particularly close attention, and we will be addressing this feedback directly with our team.
Regarding the currents, conditions at Avaavaroa can change throughout the day. Our guides’ responsibility is to keep guests together and respond when conditions require it. Using the paddleboard to assist you back was an appropriate safety measure. However, we understand that having to concentrate on the current meant the experience was not the relaxed private snorkel you had expected.
We also take your comments regarding your Type 1 diabetes seriously. Had our team been aware that you needed immediate access to essential medical equipment, this should have been discussed with you before entering the water so an appropriate plan could be made.
Finally, our underwater photography is complimentary and is not guaranteed, as the guides’ first responsibility is guest safety and we photograph wildlife only when it can be done without disturbing the turtles. That said, if you were specifically told your photographs would be available within a few days, we understand why you expected to receive them and why the delay has been frustrating.
You have raised several useful points about the overall private-tour experience — including the initial welcome, pre-tour information, refreshments, communication and the level of service after returning to shore. We are reviewing these areas with our team.
We’re pleased you were able to see several rays and beautiful turtles, but we recognise from your review that the overall experience did not meet the standard you expected from a NZ$620 private tour. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to learn from your experience and improve.
Kia manuia,
Snorkel Cook Islands
N
Natedogg12
August 22, 2026
Unbelievable experience
Today's tour with the turtles was amazing even though it was cloudy the whole experience was 1st class. Josh and his team are so professional and experienced and had so much knowledge of the area. The respect they have for the turtles and the environment is truly special. To Josh bro you are the man and your Dad is a crack up also and your kids so cool (Jackson was a handful) bro keep doing what u do cos you are an inspiration to us all. Nga mihi from the MacDonald Whanau 22/08/26.
事業者からの返答
Thank you!! We’re so happy you enjoyed the turtles and the whole experience, even with the clouds hanging around. Your words about the team and the respect for the ocean really mean a lot.
Much love to the MacDonald Whanau! 🐢🩵
4
46fionay
May 27, 2026
Average
My partner was sick and could not attend, no refund allowed. Little to no support out there, you are left on your own and it is very busy with many groups, I asked one of our ‘guides’ where our group was and he didn’t know. So many boats and seadoos that visibility very poor. Bit of a disappointing experience to be honest.
事業者からの返答
We’re sorry to hear that you left disappointed, as this doesn’t sound like the experience we aim to provide for our guests.
Our team is usually very hands-on in the water, with guides positioned throughout the group to help with safety, directions, and support when needed. We also don’t use boats or sea scooters during our tours, as protecting the reef and marine life is very important to us. All of our tours are swim-based and eco-friendly.
We also noticed this review was left under our private tour listing, however we’re unable to find your name in our private tour guest records, so at the moment we’re not fully sure if you joined one of our tours.
Regarding refunds, we do have our cancellation and refund policy clearly stated in our FAQs and booking terms. If you did join us, please reach out directly so we can properly look into this and address your concerns.
D
DayTrip46931594744
April 10, 2026
70th birthday celebrations
Had a wonderful time exploring Rarotonga for 1 week for my 70th birthday with family and friends. Stayed at Moana Oasis Villa, which was lovely, and private. Had beautiful weather while there. Couldn't have asked for a better place to celebrate.
1人が参考になったと回答
事業者からの返答
Thank you so much for celebrating such a special milestone with us! It’s wonderful to hear you had a fantastic 70th birthday surrounded by family and friends. We’re so glad you enjoyed your stay at Moana Villa and that the weather and setting made it even more memorable. Wishing you many more beautiful celebrations ahead! 🎉
K
kimmS5034SC
February 6, 2026
Turtle tour
We loved the family vibe. We saw lots of turtles and are looking forward to the photos . Thank you a real trip to remember !
1人が参考になったと回答
事業者からの返答
Thank you Kim! 🤿 We’re so glad you enjoyed the family vibe and had the chance to see lots of turtles. 🐢
We hope the photos help keep those memories alive, and we’d love to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon! 🌊
T
Tour26124901536
February 4, 2026
Amazing
The guys were awesome as. Friendly and made us feel comfortable and took some awesome pictures and videos definitely use them again.
事業者からの返答
Thank you for your review! 🤿🐢 We’re glad you had a blast and captured some great memories. Can’t wait to have you back for more adventure fun soon!
T
Tinebabel
February 1, 2026
Unique experience
The experience is unique.
We were the first in the water and saw a lot of turtles. The animals are so calm and trusting (if you radiate peace yourself).
The large groups exude unrest, which is why we decided to go on a private tour.
We went with Charlotte and it was so much fun. We were able to take our time to observe the beautiful animals and to have around us where there were not the crowds of tourists.
We recommend everyone to travel in smaller groups.
Thank you Charlotte and Josh for the experience!
事業者からの返答
Vielen Dank für Ihre Bewertung! 🤿 Wir freuen uns sehr, dass Sie das Erlebnis mit Charlotte und Josh so genossen haben und viele Schildkröten beobachten konnten. 🐢
Schön, dass Ihnen die private Tour Ruhe und Zeit zum Entdecken bot. Wir würden uns freuen, Sie bald wieder bei uns willkommen zu heißen! 🌊
T
Trail33113651325
January 24, 2026
Excellence and professionalism
Highlight of our family trip. All round excellence and professionalism. Josh, Charlotte and the team are so friendly, real and welcoming. The tour was worth every dollar spent. Special memories created! Thank-you. Manaaki Atua.
事業者からの返答
Thank you for your kind words! 🤿 It’s wonderful to hear your family enjoyed the tour, felt safe, and appreciated the friendly, genuine approach of our team. We’d love to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences soon!
1
132sheldonn
January 15, 2026
Fantastic turtle tour with Snorkel Cook Islands
Thank you Josh and Charlotte for an amazing day. Thanks also to puku and aunty. We loved doing the turtle tour with you guys. Apart from the experience, you guys are amazing hosts, so kind, polite and welcoming. You kept us safe and happy and we go back home content with our decision to do this. Thanks again for the memories and all the very best to you and your beautiful family.
事業者からの返答
Thank you for sharing your experience! 🤿
We’re thrilled you enjoyed the tour and felt welcomed by the team. Your kind words about our hospitality and care mean a lot, and we’re so glad the day left you with lasting memories. 🌊
C
Christine_B
January 14, 2026
Highly recommended
The experience was fantastic.
We were the first in the water, the turtles swam directly with us.
Charlotte is great.
事業者からの返答
Es ist fantastisch zu hören, dass ihr ein so magisches Erlebnis hattet! 🤿
Wir freuen uns, dass Charlotte euren Tag so besonders gemacht hat und die Begegnung mit den Schildkröten unvergesslich war.
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