MOTUS WE VISIT
The Vaka cruise calls into several Motu, small islands dotting the reef surrounding Aitutaki’s turquoise lagoon.
We usually visit the following Motu:
Akaiami
Moturakau
Tapuaetai (One Foot Island)
LIKE PEARLS
ON A
STRAND
GET TO KNOW US
AKAIAMI
The long sickle shaped beach of Motu Akaiami invites for a refreshing swim and this is usually our first port of call where you can disembark.
A small coral jetty is a reminder of Aitutaki once being a stopover on the famed Coral Route where giant Solent Flying Boats would land in Aitutaki’s Lagoon, their often celebrity passengers stopping on Akaiami for refreshments and Aitutakian hospitality whilst their Flying Boat was refueled at anchor in the Lagoon.
Keep your ears open for the sound of conch shell which signals our Vaka’s departure towards the next Motu.
Moturakau is one of two islands of volcanic origin that sit inside Aitutaki’s Lagoon with Motu Rapota the other one sitting right across for it. Aitutakian’s and Rarotongans have their own legends how these islands came to be so different from the others and our Tourguides will be happy to relate these legends.
The volcanic soil nurtures a vegetation of Tamanu (Mahagony) and other trees that also make this island an important nesting site for several bird species.
Black Rocks contrast richly with the white sand and the vistas from all shores are exceptional.
MOTU
RAKAU
TAPUAETAI
(ONE FOOT ISLAND)
If you ever dreamt of a paradise desert island in the South Pacific – this is most likely the closest you can get to it.
Coconut palms swaying over a white sandy beach fringing a channel between two islands, crystal clear water you can dive into from the beach and a large sand bar you can walk to.
Our Vaka anchors here for longer so you can beach comb, swim and snorkel to your heart’s content.
Keep your ears open for the sound of conch shell which signals our Vaka’s departure back to the Airport at around 3:00 pm
Visit 3 most beautiful motu (little islands) with powdery white sand or crashed white sands: Akaiami, Motu Rakau and the famed One Foot island.
Spend some beautiful time far from the hustle and bustle cruising aboard our Vaka the big wide turquoise of one of the world’s most beautiful lagoon. Soak up the sun and the peace and amazing views of the lagoon and soft bright white beaches, pristine nature in its best.
Our local crew is not only very knowledgeable and can give you a perfect introduction to the island’s history, local culture and legends, they are also true entertainers at heart. They will make you laugh to tears with their jokes, sarong tying and coconut husking show and general cheeky, fun loving island attitude. You can learn from them and laugh with them and when you eat, re;ax and wind down after all your adventures they will string some sweet local tunes on their ukuleles.