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.

Sunset Lava Tubes in the Avarua and Western Coast region of Rarotonga offers a unique dive through a network of volcanic passages. These formations range from 5 to 18 metres in depth, with an average of 12 metres. The site requires boat access and is suitable for beginners, though the overhead environment necessitates careful navigation. Visibility is excellent, ranging from 10 to 60 metres. Water temperatures remain stable between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. Divers should be mindful of sharp coral and rock edges, surge, and the overhead environment. Guided tours are recommended to navigate the tubes effectively and manage the mild currents present at this location.

The FV Maritime Reefer is a shipwreck located off the coast of Avarua and Western Coast, Rarotonga. The vessel rests at a maximum depth of 26 metres, making it accessible for beginner divers. Access is by boat, and divers should be aware of mild currents, potential entanglement hazards, and sharp edges on the structure. Visibility varies significantly, so local conditions should be checked before departure. Marine life observed at the site includes wrasses, giant moray, palenose parrotfish, speckled butterflyfish, elongate clam, moorish idol, lagoon triggerfish, pacific orange-spine unicornfish, rock cod, freckled hawkfish, bluestreak cleaner wrasse, fourspot butterflyfish, pennant bannerfish, and vagabond butterflyfish.

Blackrock is a shore-entry reef and cave site located on the western coast of Rarotonga. Divers explore depths ranging from 3 to 16 metres, with visibility typically between 16 and 40 metres. The site features a cave system alongside the reef, suitable for beginners. Water temperatures remain between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. While currents are generally mild, divers must navigate a shore break and potential surge during entry. Marine life recorded here includes Giant Moray, wrasses, Pennant Bannerfish, Vagabond Butterflyfish, Palenose Parrotfish, Fourspot Butterflyfish, Pacific Orange-spine Unicornfish, Elongate Clam, Moorish Idol, Freckled Hawkfish, Rock Cod, Lagoon Triggerfish, Bluestreak Cleaner Wrasse, and Speckled Butterflyfish. Night diving is also available.

Aroa Rā’ui is a shallow reef site located on the western coast of Rarotonga, ideal for beginners. Divers explore depths between 1 and 3 metres, with visibility ranging from 10 to 30 metres. The site features mild currents, making it suitable for those building confidence. Marine life includes very common wrasses, alongside uncommon species such as Lagoon Triggerfish, Moorish Idols, Pufferfish, and various butterflyfish and unicornfish. Rarer sightings include Emperor Angelfish and Giant Moray. Shore access is available, though caution is required regarding sharp coral and sea urchins. Facilities include parking, equipment rental, and guided tours. Night diving is permitted at this location.

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.

Runway is a reef dive located off the Avarua and Western Coast of Rarotonga. The site features a maximum depth of 21 metres, with the reef structure typically explored between 10 and 21 metres. Divers experience mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres, making it suitable for beginners. Access is by boat, with typical dive times around 45 minutes. Water temperatures remain consistent between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. Hazards include sharp coral and rocks, as well as potential boat traffic in the area. Jellyfish may also be present in these waters.

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.