Leg 3 — Southern Cook Islands: Aitutaki Lagoon Expedition
Sail Beyond the Horizon. Discover Aitutaki.
Rarotonga → Aitutaki → Rarotonga | May 13–19, 2027
7 Days | Approximately 280 Nautical Miles | Maximum 6 Expedition Members
Single Berth: $5,900 per person | Shared Berth: $5,400 per person
Imagine sailing north from the lush volcanic mountains of Rarotonga toward one of the most spectacular lagoons in the South Pacific.
Aitutaki is renowned for its brilliant turquoise waters, palm-covered motus, white-sand beaches, and extraordinary marine life.
This seven-day expedition combines the adventure of sailing between remote Polynesian islands with opportunities to discover a destination that many travelers only dream of visiting.
You'll experience life aboard Koru, develop practical sailing skills, and discover why the Southern Cook Islands are among the Pacific's most extraordinary destinations.
or
The Passage: Sailing to Aitutaki
Our adventure begins in Rarotonga, the cultural heart of the Cook Islands, surrounded by lush green mountains and beautiful coral reefs.
From here, we'll sail approximately 140 nautical miles north toward Aitutaki, crossing open Pacific waters as an active expedition crew.
Depending on weather and sailing conditions, our passages may include overnight sailing, providing opportunities to participate in watch rotations, navigation, and sail handling under the stars.
The southeast trade winds can make the outbound and return journeys quite different, giving us opportunities to experience changing sailing conditions and practice real-world seamanship.
As Aitutaki approaches, its low coral reef and brilliant lagoon emerge from the surrounding ocean—a remarkable contrast to the mountainous landscape of Rarotonga.
Our return passage south brings us back to Rarotonga, completing an unforgettable sailing adventure through the Southern Cook Islands.
What You'll Experience and Learn
Every Koru expedition is hands-on. You'll be an active participant aboard our 50-foot performance sailing catamaran, with opportunities to develop skills in:
Inter-island passagemaking and watchstanding
Sail handling, reefing, and trade-wind sailing
Weather interpretation and passage planning
Celestial navigation and electronic navigation
Reef awareness and safe island approaches
Vessel systems, seamanship, and offshore safety
You'll share in the daily responsibilities of life aboard, developing confidence and experience as part of a small sailing crew.
With a maximum of six expedition members, there's ample opportunity for individual instruction and meaningful participation.
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability.
[Download the Detailed Expedition Brief]
Aitutaki: Discover the Lagoon
The centerpiece of this expedition is the opportunity to discover Aitutaki's extraordinary lagoon.
Surrounded by a protective coral reef, the lagoon stretches across miles of luminous turquoise water, dotted with small palm-covered islands and beautiful white-sand beaches.
Depending on weather, safe access, and available time, we may arrange a locally guided lagoon excursion, exploring spectacular coral gardens, snorkeling among tropical fish and giant clams, or visiting one of Aitutaki's beautiful motus.
There may also be opportunities to explore local villages, learn about Cook Islands traditions, and experience the relaxed rhythms of life on this remarkable island.
Aitutaki's reef and narrow access channels require careful planning. Our ability to land, explore the lagoon, or arrange activities will depend on sea conditions and suitable local arrangements.
As always, the ocean determines our schedule, and safe navigation takes priority over any particular destination activity.
Expedition Details & Pricing
Departure: Rarotonga, Cook Islands (RAR) — May 13, 2027
Arrival: Rarotonga, Cook Islands (RAR) — May 19, 2027
Duration: 7 days
Distance: Approximately 280 nautical miles round-trip
Mandatory Safety Briefing: May 12 at 6:00 PM local time
Embarkation / Disembarkation: 10:00 AM local time
Single Berth — $5,900 per person
Your own berth, with no requirement to share with another expedition member.
Shared Berth — $5,400 per person
Two expedition members sharing one double berth save $500 each, a combined savings of $1,000 ($10,800 total).
Each expedition member receives one complimentary ASA course, subject to eligibility and availability.
A $1,000 refundable deposit per person secures your berth, subject to our reservation and cancellation terms.
Ready to Discover Aitutaki?
Whether you're developing your sailing skills, looking for a unique island adventure, or simply dreaming of exploring one of the world's most beautiful lagoons, we'd love to explore whether this expedition is right for you.
Koru expeditions are personal, participatory adventures built around learning, exploration, and meaningful connections.
