Cook Islands · CK

Tikioki Beach

Tikioki Beach sits on Rarotonga's south-east coast at Titikaveka, and for many travellers it is the single best place on the island to snorkel straight off the sand. Protected as a marine reserve under the traditional Cook Islands practice of ra'ui, the lagoon here is wider than most of the coast, the coral heads are larger, and the fish have grown used to people. The water stays calm and sheltered from breaking waves, so even nervous swimmers and small children can wade out and find themselves surrounded by colour. Locals often call it the "Fruits of Rarotonga" spot after the well-known juice bar on the road opposite the beach, where there is a public car park and easy access down to the shore. Entry is free and you need no boat: put your mask on at the water's edge and the reef life begins within a couple of metres.