Whales in Winter here in Raro
Humpback Whales in Rarotonga
Humpback whales migrate through the waters of the Cook Islands and Rarotonga, making the islands a popular destination for whale-watching enthusiasts. Rarotonga offers a prime location for observing these magnificent creatures during their annual migration.
Humpback whales are known for their impressive acrobatic displays, including breaching, tail slapping, and fin waving. They migrate long distances each year, travelling from their feeding grounds in the colder waters of Antarctica to their breeding and calving areas in warmer tropical waters. The Cook Islands fall within the migration path of Humpback whales, making them a frequent sight in the region during their migration season.
The exact timing of the Humpback whale migration to Rarotonga can vary, but generally, these whales are most commonly observed in the region from around July to October. During this period, you have a good chance of witnessing these magnificent creatures as they pass through the Cook Islands' waters.
If you are snorkelling or diving outside the lagoon, you can also hear the amazing whale song that travels clearly through the clear Pacific Ocean. Talk to Simon about safe places where this can be done. Click the link below of a recent underwater video we took that captured the whale communication clearly.
Listen to the Humpback Whale song in Rarotonga (click here for video link)
For more information, visit these sites:
What our previous guests have said
My partner and I had a wonderful time at Muri Retreat! Walking distance from TEM’s, cafes, restaurants, Muri Beach and other memorable experiences! Our
Rosaria Martin | 10th Feb 2024, New Zealand
Exceptional! Amazing group of four apartments with dip pool with great views over the coast from the hill. Simon and Denise has done a first class job to
Keith | 13th Jan 2024, United Kingdom
Was the perfect place to stay. Location is Incredible and the apartments are immaculate. The service by Simon and his team is excellent. We stayed for a week
Eli & Emer | 11th Jan 2024, Australia & Ireland
Our Muri Retreat apartment completely exceeded our expectations. It was equipped with everything one would want and much thought had been applied to its design
David | 28th Dec 2023, Wales
We had an amazing stay at Muri Retreat! Simon and Denise are great hosts who have thought of everything! The apartment was very clean and had all the
Luis | 21st Dec 2023, United Kingdom
A superb place, tucked away off the main road but within walking distance to good food, coffee and essentials. Lovely views from our room on the top floor and
Alison | 4th October 2023, New Zealand & UK
Great place to stay! Tranquil spot with great views (we stayed in an upstairs room with a great deck area). Clean, comfortable, well-equipped rooms with
Carol | 8th September 2023, New Zealand
We felt like our second home in Rarotonga! Host Simon and Hostess Denise are so friendly and sweet. Even their dog Jimmy. We definitely back again. Because of
Sue | 1st September 2023, New Zealand | South Korea | Germany
My Partner & I had an amazing stay set into the forest of Muri. A tropical island retreat like no other. The amenities were amazing and TV and Movie
Marco | 5th August 2023, New Zealand
Great location and fantastic hosts The location was ideal for accessing different parts of the island. A quiet part of the lagoon was a 5-minute walk down the
Ella-Louise | 12th July 2023, New Zealand