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)

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What our previous guests have said
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
5 Star! 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
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
We had an awesome holiday in paradise and Onu fitted our needs perfectly for the 2-week stay where we could witness the local pigeon eating berries right
Mike & Jizzy | 26th May 2023, New Zealand
5 Star. Simon’s place is really nice, tidy and comfortable. The views are amazing and the location peaceful and private. He was super friendly, responded
Julia & Pablo | 25th May 2023, New Zealand | Argentina
The most accommodating and welcoming owners ever. Both Simon and Denise are the friendliest owners that I've ever had. Always checking up on you from the
Souhei Chan | 6th April 2023, New Zealand
5 Star! What an amazing stay - can't wait to be back! Stayed here for our honeymoon and birthday celebrations . What an absolute gem - Thank you Simon
Mr & Mrs Dandekar | 24th March 2023, United Kingdom
I had a great stay of 9 nights with my boyfriend. The new owners Simon and Denise are super friendly and the place was clean, surrounded by nature and a
Cecilia Elizalde | 3rd March 2023, Argentina & NZ