Cook Islands Freediving, Spearfishing & Whale Swimming Adventure
Cook Islands Freediving, Spearfishing & Whale Swimming Adventure
Salty Pilgrims Freediving
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A WHALE SWIMMING, BUCKET-LIST ADVENTURE TRIP FOR THE WATERPEOPLE
In the South Pacific Paradise Island of Aitutaki
Spend seven nights in the stunning waters of Aitutaki, where you'll have five unforgettable days swimming with humpback whales. Choose your focus—freediving training, a freediving course (Wave 1 or Wave 2), or spearfishing in the pristine coral reefs of the island. Whether you're looking to enhance your freediving skills or chase that fish of a lifetime of spearfishing, this trip offers the freedom to tailor your experience.
The pristine island of Aitutaki totally epitomises the perfect South Pacific tropical island. Aitutaki lagoon is aptly been known as the “most beautiful lagoon in the world”- and we'll be staying right on its beachfront for 7 nights!
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Dates
17th - 24th August 2025
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Location
Aitutaki Island, Cook Islands
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Where to fly into
Fly into Aitutaki Airport (AIT) and make sure you're there anytime before or on Sunday 17th August 2025
The trip ends and check-out is the following Sunday, 24th August
You can book flights easily through Google Flights or Air New Zealand departing Sydney or Auckland. -
Cost of trip
$500 Deposit to secure your spot on the trip
Total Trip Cost:
$4950 fo Double Bed in Twin Share Room (room shared with 1 other person)
$4850 for Single Bed in Twin Share Room (room shared with 1 other person)
$4850 for Shared Double Bed in Private Room (booked with partner or friend) -
Accomodation
We'll be staying in eco-friendly beach huts, right on the lagoon. These rustic beachfront huts provide an authentic island experience, blending seamlessly with the natural surroundings. With direct access to the beach, outdoor showers, small kitchen facilities, and shaded balconies, you'll have everything you need to relax in peace. The room configuration can either be a private room for couples with a double bed, or a shared private room (with 1 other person).
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Weather
August is the Cook Island's dry season and is has the best weather conditions. Not only this, but this is the time when the humpback whale population passes by the island- meaning this is the best chance to swim with humpback whales!
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Food
Food is not included in the price but there are numerous restaraunts on the island to suit all levels of budget and also kitchen facilities in the beach huts to prepare your own food if you would like.
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Freediving Ability
There will be Wave 1 and Wave 2 running during the days! There will be plenty of time for all other activities outside of the courses.
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Molchanovs Freediving Course Levels
Complete your Wave 1 or Wave 2 course. If you have already completed these, you are able to receive depth coaching or spearfish instead.
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Spearfishing
For those with experience spearfishing, explore the reefs an bluewater in search of delicious and prized fish.
You will have the opportunity to spearfish on 3x half day adventures -
Getting around
There are scooters or bicycles to rent and these are the easiest way to get around the island. Alternatively, there are taxi's or you can choose to rent a car.
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Travel Insurance
We highly recommend getting travel insurance ras soon as you place your deposit that covers cancellations due to unforseen circumstances.
Inclusions
✓ 7 nights accommodation at a laidback beachfront hut resort on Aitutaki Lagoon
✓ 5 days of Humpback Whale Swimming- Swim with humpback whales 2.5 hours each day in their natural environment, guided by experienced professionals who ensure safe and respectful encounters.
✓ Complete your Wave 1 or Wave 2 Molchanovs Freediving Course (includes certification), receive depth coaching or go spearfishing with Australia's highest trained freediving and spearfishing instructors.
✓ Option 1: 3x Half-Day Freediving Trips: Explore your body's capabilities with line diving and coral reef freediving.
✓ Option 2: 3x Half-Day Spearfishing Trips: Hunt for your own dinner with reef and bluewater spearfishing excursions.
✓ Freediving workshops focused on improving your depth and bottom time through freediving equalisation, relaxation, breathing and stretching techniques.
✓ Spearfishing workshops designed to make you a better underwater hunter - for the complete beginner to advanced spearos
✓ Train and dive with two of Australia's Highest Trained Freediving and Spearfishing Instructors who hold NSW Spearfishing State Titles / Australian Record Fish and have 20+ years of combined experience. Jordan and Ellie have coached never ever students to now being able to comfotably and safely spearfish at 30m+ and freedive to depths of 45m+.
✓ Photography & Video Package: A professional photo and video package to capture your whale swims, freediving, and spearfishing moments, allowing you to stay present while making unforgettable memories.
✓ Private Boat Trips: Enjoy the privacy and flexibility of having our own boats throughout the trip, allowing for tailored experiences in the water.
✓ Small Group of 8: With a maximum of 8 participants, you’ll receive personalized instruction and attention, ensuring an intimate, immersive experience:
- Spearfishing maximum group size will be 4 guests:1 guide per boat
- Freediving maximum group size will be 4 students:1 instructor per buoy
Why is Aututaki and the Cook Islands so epic?
Aitutaki offers some of the best freediving and spearfishing conditions in the world, with warm, crystal-clear waters and visibility up to 60 meters- providing the perfect environment for divers of all levels to learn, train, or refine their skills. Spearfishing is exceptional, with thriving coral reefs home to a variety of reef and pelagic fish species.
This island is also one of the rare places where you can swim with humpback whales, making for an unforgettable experience. Aitutaki’s remote, peaceful atmosphere and welcoming local community create the ideal setting for this bucket list ocean adventure.
Accomodation
Where we’ll be staying- Aitutaki Island
Imagine a small beautiful beach hut resort plonked right on the front of one of the most beautiful beach lagoons in the world.
There is an array of activities you can get up to in your downtime throughout the week, such as kayaking, snorkelling the lagoon, fishing, riding a bike or scooter around the island. There is also whispers of some lesser known surf spots as well for the die hard surfers keen for some exploration.
The room configuration can either be a private room with an outdoor ensuite bathroom, or a shared private room (with 1 or 2 others) with an outdoor ensuite bathroom.
Freediving Courses
This trip is suitable for every level of freediver from the complete beginner to experienced divers. Every ability level is welcome.
You don’t need any freediving experience to come along
There will be a Wave 1 (Beginner) freediving course and Wave 2 (Intermediate) Course ran by our experienced freediving instructors.
This involves a mixture of theory sessions (fun theory sessions, we promise) static breath hold training in the warm pool, and depth line freediving sessions to get you comfortable with diving deeper!
While there is NO pressure for you to dive deep or pass requirements, our instructors will be spending loads of time with you in and out of the water to make sure you get the most possible out of these courses.
At the end of the week, if you pass all of the requirements, you will come away with an Internationally renowned Molchanovs Wave 1/ Wave 2 Certification.
- If you have never been freediving or done a little snorkelling, you will start in the Wave 1 Course. If things progress well, you can move into the Wave 2 Course.
- If are already diving comfortably to 15m+ or have done your Wave 1 Freediving Course, you will be able to do the Wave 2 Course.
Wave 1 Course Outcomes (Beginner Freediver)
- Dive to depths of 12-20 metres (DYN)
- Achieve breath holds of over 1:30 minutes
- Learn basic freediving theory & how to equalise with the Frenzel Manoeuvre
- Safety skills including a rescue
- Pool skills
Wave 2 Course Outcomes (Advanced Freediver)
- Dive to depths of 24-30 metres (DYN)
- Dive to depths of 15-20 metres without fins (CNF)
- Achieve breath holds of over 2:30 minutes
- How to master equalisation & learn deeper equalisation skills
- Deeper Rescue Drills
- Intermediate Pool skills
Trip FAQ’s
What wetsuit thickness is best?
For freediving or spearfishing we recommend bringing a 3.5mm, 2-piece wetsuit with a hood. A surfing steamer would also do the trick.
For surfing, we would recommend bringing a wetsuit top or rashy for sun protection as the sun in Cook Islands is very strong.
Do I have to bring my own dive weights?
No, we can borrow weights from the operators in Aitutaki.
How do I best travel with dive gear/spearfishing equipment?
It’s easier than you think travelling with dive gear!
We use a Sportube to carry our gear. You can also use a snowboard/surfboard bag and wrap your fins/speargun in towels and clothing to protect them.
You are allowed to travel with spearfishing gear, however you will need to make sure your knife and speargun are in check-in baggage and that your speargun is unloaded with a protective tip on the spear.
What Freediving Course Level can I do?
If you have never done a freediving course, you will start in the Wave 1 Course. If things progress well, you will be able to move into the Wave 2 Course.
If you have done the Wave 1 course (or equivalent with another agency), you will join the Wave 2 Course. OR if you are already diving to depths of 15m + we can complete a crossover so you can begin in the Wave 2 Course.
What if I’ve already completed a freediving course with another agency
No problem! We will cross you over into the Molchanovs Freediving system and slot you into whichever level suits your previous freediving course level and experience.
Cancellation and Refunds Policy?
Unfortunately we can't offer refunds.
If for any reason you have to cancel and let us know at least 90 days before the trip, you’ll be able to transfer the amount you have paid onto any future courses or trips.
If you cancel within 90 days before the trip start date, we cannot refund you and are unable to transfer the amount paid onto a future trip or course. You are able to transfer your ticket onto someone else.
We recommend getting travel cancellation insurance upon booking your spot on the trip, to save you any financial hardships if you need to cancel your trip. You can get travel insurance that covers this.
What if i've never done any Spearfishing before?
We would recommend you to have experience spearfishing if you are to choose the spearfishing half day trips option.
If you are looking to get into spearfishing, there will be an opportunity for you to learn in our spearfishing workshops.
Spearfishing
Spearfishing in the Cook Islands is exceptional due to its clear waters, with visibility often reaching 30-60 meters, making it easier to spot fish. The region's abundant marine life, from colorful reef fish to larger pelagic species like tuna and wahoo, thrives in the untouched ecosystem. The variety of environments, from shallow reefs to deeper bluewater, caters to all levels of spearfishers. Additionally, the remote location and sustainable fishing practices ensure healthy fish stocks, preserving the rich biodiversity that makes spearfishing here so rewarding.willing to put in the hours. Our spearfishing guides will take you to the best spots on the reefs.
If you’re just getting into it, don’t worry- we’ve got you covered and will give you all the techniques and tools so you can safely hunt underwater and there will be an experienced spearfishing guide with you at all times.
Surfing
Want to explore some lesser known, pumping surf spots?
Our instructors are die hard surfers who dream about surfing empty, perfect waves. If you're keen to explore in the hope of scoring, so are they! We will have a rest day during the week and have some free afternoons for you to explore.
Exclusions
Flights
Food and Drink (apart from when we're on the boats or the fish we shoot ourselves)
Accomodation outside of our trip dates
Airport Transfers
Travel Insurance