CoOK ISLANDS SuN
SEE & DO
Giants in the Harbour
25
Whale & Wildlife Centre
According to Stephenie Jansen, owner and skipper of Rarotonga’s popular semi submersible, Raro Reef Sub, one of the breath-taking moments for her passengers is catching a glimpse of the giant fish that frequent Avatiu Harbour.
“T
hey are Giant Trevally and they live up to their name!” said Stephenie. “Giant Trevally (locally known as GTs or Urua) are found throughout the tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific region. The largest (on record) to be caught weighed in at 80 kilograms, although locals here tell of a GT caught off Rarotonga that weighed in at 120 kg (off the record!). The juvenile and female Giant Trevally are silver in colour, with the adult males, black”. The Giant Trevally that visit Avatiu Harbour are enticed by the promise of a free meal. “This occurs regularly when local fisherman return from their fishing expeditions and fillet their fish on the wharf. This process is entertainment in itself – usually accompanied
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ARIKI ADVENTURE
ARIKI ADVENTURE
CH ILLAXIN ON AN...
CH ILLAXIN ON AN...
by lots of fun and tall stories. “Throughout the filleting process, fish scraps are put back in the sea and are gratefully received by the fish around the wharf. This is where things can get interesting. Time to keep hands, feet and go-pros out of the water. Although these fish aren’t dangerous, they’re not very discerning. They don’t eat anything except the fish scraps, but they will have a nibble at a foot or hand if dangled within range during feeding, so beware!” Stephenie said Avatiu Harbour’s Giant Trevally come and go, so there is no guarantees that visitors will see them.
“If, however, you want to be assured of an encounter with these Giants, book a trip on the Reef Sub, as they have a team of up to thirteen Giant Trevally that feed from our boat as we leave the harbour on our marine life eco tours. “Our GTs prefer to hang out at the harbour mouth waiting for us. They are incredible to view from the top deck of the Reef Sub as they charge about after our fish scraps. You can get eyeball to eyeball with our GTs through the underwater windows on the Reef Sub.
ARIKI ADVENTURE
ARIKI ADVENTURE
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“It’s like dinner and a show for the GTs. They seem to really enjoy gazing back at the people. We love showing off the Giant Trevally and educating people about them – they amaze our passengers every day!”
Go on safari
on a sea scooter You may not want to try a scooter on dry land but now you have the opportunity to try out Rarotonga’s newest fun experience, a sea scooter safari tour for the thrill of effortless underwater propulsion and the discovery of Rarotonga’s amazing lagoons.
S
ea Scooters are just plain fun. Gliding through the water at 3-4kms an hour is just dreamy! Muri-based Ariki Adventures run by Kave (KT) and Jules Tamaariki offer four adventure activities on Rarotonga, mountain bike tours, kite boarding lessons, night SUP lagoon tours, and now the sea scooter safari. Jules reminds us that great snorkeling is an all year round in Rarotonga; now all the more fun! “On a sea scooter safari visitors experience the amazing underwater world within the safety of the reef, “ said Jules. “They are led by an experienced marine tour guide. Our scooters are fun and easy
to use so you can relax, float and watch from the surface or dive below for a closer look at the marine life. Everything is provided for a fun day out including mask, snorkel, fins and a powered scooter”. Jules said no snorkeling experience is required, but basic swimming ability is desirable.
Sea Scooters Safaris are suitable for ages nine years and above. Tours run twice daily Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and other times by appointment. Tours are 90 minutes – 30 minutes safety brief and gear fitting, 60min tour). Minimum two people per tour. Enquiries 27 955. “Let the scooters do all the work! “A sea scooter safari saves energy and gets you to places that you may not be able to get to or return from on your own”.
Tours leave 9 & 11 am, 2 & 4 pm Sunday to Friday (conditions dependent) 9am & 4pm tours by special arrangement
MOBILE
+682 55901 +682 55903 LANDLINE
+682 22608
www.raroreefsub.com