Explore the Best Beaches in Aitutaki
Join me on a journey through Aitutaki's most beautiful beaches and motus, and get ready to be swept away by the unparalleled beauty this South Pacific haven is world famous for! Aitutaki is the crown jewel of the Cook Islands and has a mesmerizing blend of turquoise seas, pristine beaches, and palm-fringed motus. This island is, quite literally, a picture-perfect paradise.
In this guide, I’ll share the best beaches in Aitutaki. From expansive beaches that stretch endlessly to stunning motus that look like postcards to vibrant coral reefs thriving beneath the crystal-clear waters, you’re guaranteed to find paradise in Aitutaki! Whether you seek adventure or serenity, Aitutaki has an incredible beach for everyone.
Aitutaki Main Island Beaches
When it comes to the main island of Aitutaki, there are two beach gems you can't miss. Amuri Beach, with its laid-back vibe and incredible snorkeling on the West Coast, and Ootu Beach, tucked away up north, offering tranquility and a natural pool. Easily accessible by either scooter or car, both will be absolute highlights on your trip to Aitutaki!
Amuri Beach
Amuri Beach, also known as Sunset Beach or West Beach (depending on who you talk to), graces the majority of Aitutaki's western coastline. Spanning over 2 miles, this uninterrupted stretch of white sand begins at the island's northwestern corner and extends past the Pacific Resort.
Despite hosting most of the island's accommodations, the beach still feels like an exclusive retreat. We visited during peak season in August, when temperatures are the coolest, and more often than not, we had the beach to ourselves. My husband and I couldn't help but joke about the seemingly private paradise — where was everyone else?
Lined by swaying palm trees, Amuri Beach has a tranquil blue lagoon, home to thriving reefs and abundant marine life. The lagoon's shallow waters extend pretty far, perfect for effortless snorkeling (ideally during high tide). For those fortunate enough to visit between July and October, humpback whales breach just beyond the reef, a truly stunning sight. Sunsets on Amuri are breathtaking! A delightful surprise at sunset: the island cats emerge to fish at the serene water's edge—a spectacle to behold!
Ootu Beach
Nestled on the northern peninsula, across from the island's small airport, Ootu Beach has excellent west-facing sunset views over the larger expanse of the island. While this part of Aitutaki’s lagoon lacks extensive coral formations, Ootu Beach compensates with powdery, soft white sand. At high tide, the beach narrows, so I recommend a visit during low tide.
One of my favorite features of this beach is the deep "natural swimming pools" adjacent to a sandbar. This contrast between the deep and shallow waters makes Ootu Beach extra photogenic, a photographer's dream, especially in soft morning light.
Tranquility defines Ootu Beach. Despite having a handful of visitor accommodations, my mornings here were serene, untouched by hustle. It's worth noting that the far end of Ootu Beach serves as the morning departure point for some lagoon tours, adding a touch of activity to the otherwise tranquil atmosphere, but in no the beach never felt busy.
Aitutaki Motus Worth Visiting
Now, let's go beyond the shores of the main island of Aitutaki to discover the mesmerizing off-shore motus. These uninhabited islets offer an unforgettable experience that's an absolute must in any Aitutaki itinerary. While getting to these motus requires a little planning, the effort is unquestionably worthwhile. Whether through a private or shared lagoon tour or even hiring a water taxi for a drop-off, these remote paradises are within easy reach, promising an adventure unlike any other during your visit to Aitutaki.
One Foot Island
Well deserving of its international fame, One Foot Island embodies a flawless paradise. Known locally as Tapuaetai, this islet has some of the most captivating aquamarine waters I have ever seen! This says a lot, as I’ve visited nearly 90 islands in my travels! With swaying palm trees casting gentle shadows on pristine white sands bordering a serene lagoon, it's a scene straight out of a dream.
Though photos and videos will try to do it justice, the beauty of One Foot Island must be seen with your own eyes. Taking a dip in the lagoon is an absolute joy, and a short stroll unveils a sandbar just off the shore or leads you around the bend to another untouched beach.
Though all lagoon tours will stop at One Foot Island, you can guarantee yourself a little extra serenity by booking a water taxi to visit and spending a half day here. Oh, and remember your passport! Getting stamped at the famed "One Foot Island Po creates ” creates a one-of-a-kind souvenir.
Pro tip: A current runs from the ocean into the lagoon, making it possible to drift snorkel as you arrive at One Foot Island — no fins required. It’s a unique experience to float effotlressly on the current!
Lagoon Sandbar
Nestled a few minutes by boat offshore from One Foot Island lies a captivating sandbar, accessible only during low tide. Stretching approximately 100 meters in length, this natural wonder offers a unique stop for visitors on water taxis or lagoon tours.
As you step onto the pristine white sands, you'll be greeted by a mesmerizing panoramic view. One side of the sandbar plunges into the vibrant turquoise waters, and the other gently slopes off and remains shallow, allowing you to wade in knee-deep waters for hundreds of feet with views of the Motus beyond. Needless to say, it’s an excellent place for photos as well!
Our guide shared insights into the sandbar's evolution over the years. Once accessible at all tides and even a popular spot for weddings, it has since diminished in size owing to the rise of sea level. However, this enchanting place continues to evoke a sense of being cast away in paradise despite these changes.
Honeymoon Island
Tucked away in the Southwest corner of Aitutaki's lagoon lies Honeymoon Island, a unique islet with a fascinating origin. Originally a sandbar, it has expanded over time thanks to the thouglocals and visitors' and visitors' thoughtful planting of palm trees which allowed the sand to accumulate and the islet to expand. Despite its humble beginnings, Honeymoon Island has become a hotspot for kitesurfing and wing foiling enthusiasts.
Beyond its reputation as a kitesurfing haven, Honeymoon Island remains beautifully pristine. It boasts shallow turquoise waters, sandy bottoms, and a thriving community of red-tail tropic birds. At low tide, you can walk all the way around the island, revealing intimate palm-fringed coves. Honeymoon Island is perfect for a picnic, a secluded lagoon swim, and watching the kiteboarders against Aitutaki's stunning lagoon backdrop.
Motu Maina
Adjacent to Honeymoon Island, Motu Maina is one of the most untouched gems in the Aitutaki lagoon. With gracefully swaying palm trees adorning its relatively large sand cay, it offers a pristine shoreline of undulating powdery white sand, which, in my opinion, rivals the beauty of One Foot Island. This idyllic island beckons you into its crystal-clear turquoise waters, perfect for tranquil relaxation.
While a few island tours choose Motu Maina as a lunch spot, its expansive beaches ensure ample space to enjoy in serene solitude. Whether arriving via water taxi or as part of a lagoon tour, Motu Maina holds a special place in our hearts and stands out as one of Aitutaki's most peaceful motus.
Motu Rakau
Motu Rakau, renowned as the backdrop for TV shows such as Survivor: Cook Islands and Shipwrecked (part of the latter program’s set is still present), is a natural wonder in its own right. This lush motu whose name translates to “wood islet” boasts dense palm and a forest of majestic Mahogany trees, unique among all of the motus. With a long, pristine white sand beach perfect for a lazy stroll on one side and a secluded bay sheltered by volcanic boulders on the other, Motu Rakau provides a great two-for-one. While it's a popular stop on lagoon tours, taking a water taxi and staying behind after the tours depart is my recommendation!
Bon Voyage!
I hope this beach guide has inspired you to visit some of the best beaches Aitutaki has to offer. In my two weeks exploring this breathtaking island, I truly found each beach more beautiful than the last. Aitutaki is a beach hopping heaven where you genuinely can’t go wrong! If you’ve visited, let me know you favorites in the comments below.
