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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Avaavaroa Drop Off is a wall and drift dive located 300 metres off the Muri and Eastern Coast of Rarotonga. The reef structure features a vertical face that drops from 18 metres to beyond 40 metres. This site is strictly for advanced divers due to the strong currents, variable visibility reaching up to 26 metres, and the requirement for boat entry. Divers must manage significant surf at the entry point and maintain precise buoyancy control while navigating the wall. Water temperatures range from 24C to 28C throughout the year. Given the challenging conditions and potential for hard currents, timing dives around slack water is recommended to ensure a manageable experience.

Queens Reef, located off the Muri and Eastern Coast of Rarotonga, features a combination of reef and drop-off topography. Divers typically explore depths between 18 and 25 metres, with an average depth of 22 metres. The site is suitable for beginners, offering mild currents and visibility ranging from 15 to 30 metres. Water temperatures remain between 24 and 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year. As this is a boat-only site, divers must arrange transport with a local operator. Typical dive times are approximately 45 minutes. Divers should remain aware of boat traffic at the surface and monitor their position relative to the reef due to variable currents.