Aroa Marine Reserve: World's Best Snorkeling Spot?

Caroline Morse Teel is the Managing Editor for SmarterTravel Media. Follow her on Instagram @TravelWithCaroline.

Caroline joined Boston-based SmarterTravel in 2011 after living in Ireland, London, and Manhattan. She's traveled to all seven continents, jumped out of planes, and bungeed off bridges in the pursuit of a good story. She loves exploring off-the-beaten path destinations, anything outdoorsy, and all things adventure.

Her stories have also appeared online at USA Today, Business Insider, Huffington Post, Yahoo, Boston.com, TripAdvisor, Buzzfeed, Jetsetter, Oyster, Airfarewatchdog, and others.

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E-mail her at cteel@smartertravel.com.

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Off the sandy white Aroa Beach in the Cook Islands of the South Pacific, the Aroa Lagoon is home to the Aroa Marine Reserve. The reserve is one of the world’s best snorkeling spots, as the turquoise water is clean and clear, and there are no boats to worry about disturbing the marine life (or running over any swimmers).

Strap on a mask and fins here and see brightly covered fish like the Parrot Fish, Angelfish, and Moorish Idols. The area is so safe that you can even go on a special Night Snorkeling expedition. Guides will light the dark lagoon with flashlights, and you can see all of the nocturnal species you missed during daylight.

Where Is it? In the South Pacific’s Cook Islands. Fly to Rarotonga International Airport (check prices).

Where to Stay? At the Rarotongan Beach Resort and Spa, which is right behind the reserve.

Who’s it for? Snorkelers, swimmers, fish fans.

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(Photo: Shutterstock/gmwnz)

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