After missing our ukulele lessons and while doing more exploring and shopping we stumbled across Kai & Co next to the market so had lunch here. The place has a relaxing vibe. If you’re struggling with a Thursday morning hangover this is the place to go. We had the best tasting beef burger and fries it was so delicious, the brioche bun is amazing. Super friendly staff and service is with a smile.
Next it was next door to the Avatiu Harbour for the Raro Reef Sub. As we were sitting on the sub waiting for others Mich (still hungover and now seasick feeling nauseas decided to get off and wait on shore.
So I was off to explore the captivating marine life and historical remnants while enjoying a leisurely cruise from Avatiu Harbour with friendly and knowledgeable hosts who provide insightful local information. Fantastic underwater viewing experience with large windows, allowing great visibility of marine life, including giant trevally, tropical fish, stingrays, shipwrecks, and occasionally turtles.
Within two minutes of motoring, the Giant Trevally were alongside the boat and putting on quite a show! These fish are insanely huge and so fast. The view on deck and from the sub is equally as good in totally different ways. Seeing massive fish like this in their natural environment – from an underwater vantage point is something I’ll never forget. But up on deck the crew had a bucket of scraps that were whipping those big fish into quite a frenzy, I totally didn’t know where to look first!
We headed for the site of the 100 year old shipwreck – RMS Maitai. Not too far out you will see ‘The Boiler’ as it is referred to by locals. The Reef Sub takes you around the shipwreck looking at the remains and all of the fish and marine life in the area. We saw lots of beautifully-coloured tropical fish swimming in the coral gardens near the shipwreck and many, many Giant Trevally.
After hearing the history of the shipwreck we were told about the interesting history of Trader Jacks which is located on the waterfront at Avarua Habour. Opened for business in 1986 by a kiwi named Jack Cooper who did not know the weather patterns in the Cook Islands, but wanted a bar with ocean views. Three cyclones have wiped out Trader Jacks, the last, Meena in February 2005, costing him a good million bucks.
The first to hit was Cyclone Sally in early January 1987, just seven months after opening. Not only was it an absolute total disaster, but it would be the last insurance pay out he would ever get, and that took a good year and a half to come through. Cyclone Pam in December 1997 was the second major hurricane to hit Trader Jacks. That cyclone costing him around $80,000 to repair. The third and most devastating cyclone of all to hit Traders Jack was Meena in February 2005. Rarotonga had five that season but Meena was by far the worst, sending waves through Avarua and wiping many businesses out completely. There was just nothing left of Trader Jacks but a pile of rubble and a few poles sticking out of the foreshore. Slowly, he rebuilt the business back up. Sadly Jack died in 2022 aged 76 years old.
So, Raro Reef Sub is pretty much a good experience for those with young families or for those who want a leisurely, relaxed cruise on the water. I wouldn’t worry too much about sea sickness as she’s a pretty stable boat (I think Mich would’ve been fine!), plus you’re really close to shore the whole time so you’re not getting buffeted around in the open water. At 90 minutes, I found this tour the perfect amount of time to maintain your attention span.
Raro Reef Sub is a lovely relaxed outing in a smaller group which makes the whole experience more personal, peaceful and informative. A very special way to see Rarotonga. I had a good time on the Raro Reef Sub! A bit overpriced at $79 I think it was worth $50.
Be captivated and charmed by the Cook Islands only semi-submersible tour. Soak in the amazing island views from the observation deck, or venture below deck into an underwater wonderland, full of incredible sea life, coral, and an astonishing century-old shipwreck. Tours last between 1 and 1/4 hours and 1 and 1/2 hours. Suitable for all ages and stages. Tours are subject to weather conditions and will go out every day that the “weather Gods” allow.
Commonly seen marine creatures are: Giant trevally, Tropical Fish, Turtles, Stingrays, Eels and Humpback whales (during whale season).
Our tours are offered Sunday to Friday and last 1.5 hours. Tours leave at 11am and 2pm. Price is $79 per adult and $49 per child (3-16 years). Bookings are essential and can be made by email, phone call or pop down to the harbour at least 10 minutes prior to departure and try your luck. Charters are also available for up to 16 people.
You will find Raro Reef Sub at Avatiu Harbour, just 5 minutes walk (west) from the Punanga Nui Markets.