• #2.Swimming with sea turtles and giant clams.

Don’t forget your snorkeling gear. In the Cook Islands, you’re always just a few steps away from the coral reef. Diving with sea turtles is a must do!

• #3. It’s whale watching season.

From July to October, The Cook Islands ’s coastline sees the return of the majestic whales to calve and nurse their young. It’s a special experience, and Rarotonga has a lot more to offer, the he Cook Islands are a top-notch destination at any time of year.

• #4. You can kiss under the stars.

There really is nothing better in life than a kiss under a star-spangled sky...

• #5. The beaches are beautiful.

Whether you’re looking for the ultimate tanning spot, or to swim in a beach that no-one else knows about, The Cook Islands has some of the world’s best beaches. The long stretch of sand at Aroa beach is one of our favorites.

• #6. You can take the kids.

It might be a long flight, but The Cook Islands are brilliant for kids. There’s a lot of fun activities, from beach-combing to beach swing, to keep them entertained; and you can lagoon cruise in the muri area.

• #7. A quick flight can bring you to this place.

Rarotonga’s little sister Aitutaki is just a 40 minute flight , she has one of the prettiest lagoon in the world. It’s very easy to get here, are you ready to see a world treasure?

• #8. The Culture is fascinating.

The Cook Islands has a long and varied history that many overlook. Visit the National Museum in Rarotonga to brush up on your knowledge, and chat with locals is a poignant experience.

• #9.Amazing sunset.

Put it on your bucket list, make it the number one reason to visit Rarotonga if you are a romantic at heart… Savor the view of the sun setting over the Pacific – an image that will stay with you forever.

• #10. The hiking is excellent.

If walking is your thing, head to Rarotonga, and hike along forested trails and up craggy peaks. Every side of the island is beautiful, mysterious, and raw.

• # 11. It’s got some of the best scenery in the world.

If you visit The Cook Islands, I strongly recommend getting out to the countryside. Whether you drive or take a bus tour, you will be wowed by the beauty of the mountains and coast. There are some beautiful and isolated spots, definitely worth your best photography.

• # 12. A thing of absolute beauty: “Te Manga”.

Join locals on a walk to the top of the top of the island lookout. Your reward is 360-degree views over Rarotonga! There are many walking trails offering gentle to steep ascents, including a track "the cross island walk" which starts near town on the the northern part of the island and finish in the southern side.

• # 13. Delicious Food.

When eating your way through The Cook Islands, you will discover some interesting flavors mixes and a sometimes daring balance of sweet and savory. I’m sure that for a lot of travellers, food is one of the main reasons to visit Rarotonga!

• # 14. Cook Islanders love to dance and play with fire.

Cook Islanders love to singing and dance. While women elegantly swing their hips to get you into ‘island time’, men use their hands, chests and feet, to provide a unique soundtrack.

• # 15. A Photographer’s Heaven.

There are many reasons to visit the Cook Islands but with all its colours, beautiful scenery and genuine life scenes, this country has plenty to offer keen photographers. People can be quite camera shy so you have to assess whether photography is appropriate. But if landscape photography is your thing, a trip to the Cook Islands is thrilling, as there are plenty of breathtaking views to be taken.

• # 16. The Hospitality.

In The Cook Islands, the combination of friendly people and a fine art of living results in a high standard of hospitality. From private villas to restaurants, Cook Islanders have a genuine interest in making sure that their guests (paying or not) are comfortable. Whenever you are invited to someone’s home, food will be served, and it’s a nice ritual to enjoy. I also love that locals always plant fruits , and they’re probably going to be the best fresh fruits you will taste in your life!

• # 17. Friendly People.

The Cook Islands people are generally hospitable, friendly and welcoming. They can also be camera-shy and private so you have to approach them politely and gently. You can have some lovely experiences meeting people, Cook Islanders are easy to talk to and love making small talk, so it’s easy to learn more about the country and the culture through relaxed conversation. In your interactions with people, you should always be polite, patient and humorous.

• # 18. Hit the Surf .

The Southern side have a 200-metre righthander said to be one of the most perfect wave in the world. The wave wraps around the reef and is surfable when the conditions come together. Other excellent surf spots include Golfcourse, Raro, or Rutaki with another great righthander. Booghouse Surf Camp and Rainbow Villas , with its 2 beach view villas limits guests to 6 at a time, resulting in a relaxed, uncrowded surf experience.

• # 19. A World of Colours.

The thing that strikes me most about The Cook Islands is how vivid the colours are. Indeed, there is colour in everything: nature, food, clothing, art… Colour is a proud statement in everything and is rarely understated. For me, the best combination of colour synonymous with The Cook Islands is the blue sky, the white sand and the green/orange coconut trees. The sunlight and the tropical flowers colours will create some beautiful visual memories. One of the best places to be dazzled by colours is Punanga Nui Market… Shopping in Rarotonga is plentiful and a fun experience.

• # 20. The Cook Islands are safe.

The Cook Islands are a very safe place for travellers and common sense is all you really need to ensure a safe and happy holiday.

• # 21. It’s an Adventure!

Rarotonga is exotic, mysterious, beguiling… It is a destination filled with new tastes and smells, exciting shopping and delicious food experiences. You are a million miles from home and the language or cultural differences can be no barrier to having a great time. Diving in the ocean or riding a scooter around the island, and you’re in dreamland… Enjoy the novelty and the complete change of scenery.

Now that you have 20 excellent reasons why you should visit The Cook Islands, you can start planning! Don’t forget to check out our post on "What To Pack For Rarotonga | Cook Islands"