Aroa Marine Reserve is a shallow reef site located at the southwest tip of Rarotonga. The area consists of a protected lagoon with an average depth of 2 metres, ranging between 1 and 3 metres. Entry is via the shore, making it suitable for beginners. Conditions include mild currents and visibility typically between 5 and 10 metres. Water temperatures fluctuate between 24C and 28C throughout the year. Hazards at this site include surf, sharp coral, sea urchins, and variable visibility. Facilities available at the location include parking, a cafe, and a dive shop. Guided tours are also available for those wishing to explore the reserve.

Rutaki Drop Off is located on the outer edge of the reef off the Avarua and Western Coast of Rarotonga. The site features a wall that descends into deep water, with divers typically exploring the 18 to 30 metre range. Access is strictly by boat to avoid the surf and shore break. Divers should expect moderate currents that can accelerate with little warning, requiring strong buoyancy control. Visibility generally ranges from 10 to 30 metres. Due to the depth and potential for currents, this site is suited for intermediate divers. Always brief with your skipper regarding the pick-up plan before descending.

Rutaki Passage is a high-energy drift and wall dive located on the reef of Rarotonga. The site features depths ranging from 10 to 19 metres, with an average depth of 18 metres. Divers must be prepared for strong currents and surge, as the passage funnels water through the reef. Visibility typically fluctuates between 10 and 15 metres. Access is strictly by boat, and the site is reserved for advanced divers with experience in drift diving. Hazards include rip currents, boat traffic, and sharp coral formations. Maintaining precise buoyancy control is essential to navigate the caves and swim-throughs safely while avoiding contact with the reef structure.

Papua Passage is a dynamic site featuring a combination of reef, wall, and cavern topography. Located off the western coast of Rarotonga, the site is defined by strong currents that facilitate drift diving. Divers can explore depths ranging from 8 to 22 metres, with an average depth of 17 metres. Visibility is variable, spanning 15 to 60 metres. Due to the strong currents and the presence of a cavern, this site is suited for intermediate divers. Access is by boat only, and divers must be aware of boat traffic at the surface. Water temperatures range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year.

Papua Drop Off, located off the western coast of Rarotonga, features a diverse topography comprising a reef, a vertical wall, and a cave. The wall descends to 40 metres, with recreational diving typically focused on the upper sections between 10 and 18 metres. The site includes an overhead environment within the cave, requiring precise buoyancy control and awareness. Access is by boat only. While currents are generally mild, they can strengthen, necessitating close proximity to your guide. Water temperatures range from 24 to 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Divers should verify current conditions with their operator before departure, as visibility is variable.

Arorangi Passage on the western coast of Rarotonga offers a demanding mix of drift, cave, and reef diving. Situated at depths between 12 and 18 metres, the site requires boat access and is suited for advanced divers capable of managing strong, unpredictable currents. The topography includes an overhead cave environment, necessitating precise buoyancy control. Visibility can reach 24 metres, though it varies. Due to active boat traffic, the use of an SMB is essential. Night diving is permitted with careful planning. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, butterflyfish, unicornfish, triggerfish, pufferfish, angelfish, moray eels, and grouper.

Arorangi Drop Off is a boat-access wall and drift site located on the reef edge of the Avarua and Western Coast. The topography features a drop-off where the reef descends into open water, with depths typically ranging from 18 to 30 metres. Visibility reaches up to 24 metres. Divers should be prepared for strong currents that can shift quickly. The site is suitable for intermediate divers and also supports night diving. Hazards include sharp coral, stonefish, and lionfish. Species recorded around this area include wrasses, Pacific Orange-spine Unicornfish, Lagoon Triggerfish, pufferfish, Threadfin Butterflyfish, Emperor Angelfish, Giant Moray, Turkey Moray, Lunartail Grouper, Spotfin Lionfish, Lemonpeel Angelfish, Bluespine Unicornfish, Speckled Butterflyfish, and Flagtail Triggerfish.

Avaavaroa Passage is a high-energy shore dive located off the Muri and Eastern Coast of Rarotonga. This site features a complex topography of reef, wall, canyon, and drop-off structures reaching depths of 26 metres. Divers experience visibility ranging from 18 to 26 metres. Due to strong currents and the potential for down currents, this site is reserved for advanced divers with strong buoyancy control. Entry is made from the shore through surf and shore break over sharp coral and rock. Water temperatures remain between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Divers should time their entry with an incoming tide to manage the shore break.