Tuesday, June 27, 2006

Diving in Crystal Clear Water at Cook Islands

View of Cook Islands
The diving opportunities in the Cooks are diverse with crystal clear waters (seldom less than 100m visibility), and water temperatures between 23 and 30 degrees Centigrade.

All diving is shore based from boats in the 5.6 to 7 metre size range and most dive sites are a mere ten minutes from your departure point. There are canyons, caves and varieties of coral - including plate, shelving, mushrooms and brain, big drop-offs and a multitude of colourful tropical fish.

While there are no guaranteed performers such as the rays of Cayman or the mantas of Yap, anything is possible. The real thrill is not knowing what is around the next corner.

Recreational diving was established commercially in the Cook Islands in 1973 by Greg Wilson of Cook Island Divers and there are now four full time dive operators, three in Rarotonga, the main island and one in Aitutaki.

Cook Island Divers in Rarotonga, and Aitutaki Scuba in Aitutaki both run two separate one tank multilevel dives each day. Cook Island Divers operates a seven day a week operation, and Aitutaki Scuba six days, (no Sunday dives) and the newly established Pacific Divers concentrates mainly on training but also offer whale watching and scenic cruises.

Sunset View at Cook Islands

Dive Rarotonga, based in Rarotonga also offers dives most afternoons, (no morning dives). A limited amount of night diving is available with the two major operators.

All three operators have good rental equipment, so bringing your own gear is not necessary, although masks, fins and snorkels are recommended, as they are rented only for use on the operator's boats.

Scuba training is available on both islands with Aitutaki Scuba and Cook Island Divers offering a choice of CMAS, NAUI or PADI certifications to all levels. Dive Rarotonga has PADI training available.

Original Info: pacificislandtravel.com

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