City break in Aitutaki Island. Active leisure ideas for Aitutaki Island - attractions, recreation and nightlife

Active tourists would especially like Aitutaki Island. There is a great number of opportunities for your fascinating pastime so you definitely won’t be bored here. As an example, you can book a short excursion to Takutea which is not far from Aitutaki and designed as a wildlife sanctuary. But remember that one is only able to get there in fine weather. The island has always been uninhabited so you can now see pure jungles with lots of tropics birds’ nests. For instance, red-tailed tropicbirds, red-footed boobies, great frigatebirds, sternas, and western reef herons still inhabit the island. Not far from Takutea, there are few large reefs on the surface and that is why it’s the ideal place for snorkelling and diving.

You can reach the island from Bounty Bay. The two-three-days excursion includes not just a trip from one point to another and back but also diving in the island’s water area, meals, and also provides tents. Aitutaki Island is literally surrounded by dozens of small islands such as Takutea. You can get to some of these islands, for instance, Moturakau, in a group of tourists. However, it would be easier to just rent a boat or a runabout in case you know how to steer it. Still, don’t forget that reefs here a very close to the surface in the local waters, so it’s quite risky to sail anywhere on your own.

The atoll in the Aitutaki and its adjacent islands’ water areas make it absolutely perfect for snorkellers and divers. You can see hundreds of tropical fish, rays, turtles, starfish, and other inhabitants of the reef here. Multiple solitary bays are the best for snorkelling. However, keep in mind that not the whole Aitutaki’s cost is covered with sand as it might seem at first glance. Like, many local bays are covered with layers of coral pieces, so, in case you’d like sunbath there, then it’s better to use a hard mat. On the other hand, it’s actually really secluded. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

And divers would like the place as well. Apart from breath-taking beauty of the reefs, here one can also see dolphins and turtles which are not that afraid of people. And, if you’re lucky enough, you might get a chance to see whales too. Moreover, if you don’t have a divers' license but extremely want to dive, don’t worry. There are several diving schools here on Aitutaki Island where beginners will learn all the peculiarities of this skill. And you can book a diving trip to the point you’ve got interested in as well as rent equipment if you need it there too. The island will always be a perfect destination for those who like sea kayaking, want to learn surfing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, or water-ski.

Tourists who are highly fond of sea fishing should really appreciate the rich diversity of local underwater species. You can, for example, fish alone from the coast or gather together with friends and rent a runabout and go to the open sea. You can find all the equipment you need in the town port.

If you’d rather simply to relax and enjoy the sun, you can go to Takauroa Beach or Ootu Beach or just to any small bay near the harbour. There are also rather a lot of wild beaches where you can get on a boat by sea with a guide. Nobody would disturb you there, so you can freely enjoy clear water and bright sun.

A romantic type will like the local botanic garden where one can see several hundreds of tropical plants from all over Polynesia. If you’re keen on calm walks, then Aitutaki Island is the right place for you too. A two-hours-hike to the pike of Mount Maungapu is definitely worth it. The track goes through amazingly pretty landscapes and then you’ll enjoy a wonderful view of the neighbouring islands on the top. If don’t really want to make it on your feet, you can drive the one-hour way by car or by bike. In addition, there are lots of tropical birds in the local forests who are not much afraid of people and even let to take a look at them. If you prefer underground landscapes, you should visit the Three Grottos Caves. You can get there by sea or by the cave (where you can see not only stalactites and stalagmites but also find thousands of swiftlets’ nests) which is located in the central part of the island.