Muri Lagoon Rarotonga Cook Islands
Muri Lagoon: A breathtaking turquoise paradise in Rarotonga, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring its serene waters and motus.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds
Muri Lagoon Rarotonga Cook Islands
Best Time
Calm waters, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Muri Lagoon: A breathtaking turquoise paradise in Rarotonga, perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring its serene waters and motus.
"The photos are accurate. The colors are truly as vibrant as they appear!"
Kayak to the Motus
Rent a kayak and paddle to the small islands for a secluded beach experience. :kayak:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the coral and your skin with reef-safe sunscreen. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Muri Lagoon's Turquoise Waters
Muri Beach
A breathtaking expanse of calm, turquoise water dotted with motus (islets). Perfect for swimming and snorkeling.

Snorkeling with Marine Life
Muri Lagoon
Discover vibrant coral reefs and abundant fish species. Keep an eye out for turtles and stingrays!
Motu Exploration
Islets within Muri Lagoon
Kayak or swim to the small islands for secluded beach experiences and stunning lagoon views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Calm Waters
Island Time Essentials
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Kayak to the Motus
Rent a kayak and paddle to the small islands for a secluded beach experience. :kayak:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the coral and your skin with reef-safe sunscreen. :sunwithface:
Early Bird Gets the Calm
Visit Muri Lagoon in the morning for the calmest waters and best snorkeling. :clock1:
Pack a Snorkel Set
While tours offer gear, bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit for hours of exploration. :mask:
Tips
from all over the internet
Kayak to the Motus
Rent a kayak and paddle to the small islands for a secluded beach experience. :kayak:
Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Protect the coral and your skin with reef-safe sunscreen. :sunwithface:
Early Bird Gets the Calm
Visit Muri Lagoon in the morning for the calmest waters and best snorkeling. :clock1:
Pack a Snorkel Set
While tours offer gear, bringing your own ensures a comfortable fit for hours of exploration. :mask:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Muri Lagoon is overwhelmingly praised for its stunning natural beauty, calm turquoise waters, and abundant marine life, making it ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Visitors consistently highlight its picturesque scenery, often noting that photos don't capture its full splendor. While generally a positive experience, some find it can get crowded during peak times, and the popularity means it's a well-established tourist attraction.
"Beautiful and calm beach. Best place to swim. It's a tourist attraction area."
Nesh khalifa
"6/10/2025
Even better than the picture
Even saw turtle and ?stingray when swimming"
Anh thi Hoàng
"One of the best beach in the world ! Sure"
Andrea vivirito
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Muri Lagoon is located on the southeast coast of Rarotonga. From Rarotonga International Airport (RAR), you can take a taxi (approx. 15-20 minutes) or rent a car or scooter to drive yourself. The lagoon is well-signposted and easily accessible by road.
Yes, Rarotonga has a reliable bus service that circles the island. The 'In' bus travels clockwise and the 'Out' bus travels anti-clockwise, both stopping near Muri Lagoon. Check the bus schedules for the most up-to-date timings.
There is decent parking available near the rugby pitch adjacent to Muri Beach. It can get busy during peak times, so arriving earlier in the day is recommended for easier parking.
Many accommodations are located within walking distance of Muri Lagoon, especially those along the Muri beachfront. Check the location of your lodging beforehand to see if it's a convenient stroll.
The main beach area is relatively flat and accessible. However, venturing into the water or exploring the motus might present challenges. It's best to inquire with specific tour operators about accessibility options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to Muri Lagoon and its beaches is generally free for the public. You only pay for optional activities like lagoon tours, kayak rentals, or dining at nearby restaurants.
Muri Lagoon is a natural attraction and is accessible at all hours. However, for activities like snorkeling, swimming, and tours, daylight hours are best. Many businesses operate from morning to late afternoon.
Yes, several companies offer guided lagoon tours. These often include snorkeling, glass-bottom boat rides, and cultural insights. Koka Lagoon Tours is a popular choice mentioned by visitors.
Absolutely! You can rent kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear from various vendors along Muri Beach. This allows you to explore the lagoon at your own pace.
While not guaranteed, many visitors report seeing turtles while snorkeling in Muri Lagoon. It's a natural habitat, so sightings depend on luck and the turtles' movements.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
The best way is to combine swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. Renting a kayak to explore the motus and enjoying a guided lagoon tour offer diverse perspectives of this beautiful area.
You can expect to see a vibrant array of tropical fish, colorful coral formations, and potentially sea turtles and stingrays. The lagoon is a protected marine sanctuary.
Yes, Muri Lagoon is generally very safe for swimming due to its shallow depth and protection from the outer reef. It's ideal for families and less confident swimmers.
The motus are small, uninhabited islets within Muri Lagoon. They are perfect for a short paddle to, offering a sense of seclusion and beautiful views back towards Rarotonga.
The entire lagoon is incredibly photogenic! The turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, and lush motus provide endless opportunities. Sunrise and sunset offer particularly stunning light.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Muri Beach is lined with several restaurants, cafes, and food stalls offering a variety of cuisines, from local island dishes to international fare. The Muri Night Market is also a popular spot for diverse food options.
Many visitors enjoy the food options available right on Muri Beach. The Muri Night Market is highly recommended for sampling local delicacies. Resorts in the area also have excellent dining facilities.
Yes, many eateries around Muri Lagoon offer takeaway options, perfect for a picnic on the beach or enjoying back at your accommodation.
Most restaurants and food stalls are accommodating and offer vegetarian and vegan options. Fresh tropical fruits are also abundant and a delicious choice.
The Muri Night Market is a vibrant evening market where local vendors sell a wide array of delicious food, from traditional island dishes to international favorites. It's a great place to experience local flavors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many resorts in the Muri area are family-friendly and offer amenities like kids' clubs or shallow pools. Packing plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and rash guards is crucial to protect children from the sun. The Muri Night Market is also a great family outing, offering a variety of kid-friendly food options in a lively atmosphere. Remember to bring along some beach toys for extra fun on the sand.
🐠 Snorkelers & Divers
While Muri Lagoon is primarily a snorkeling destination, the surrounding outer reef offers opportunities for more advanced diving. However, for most visitors, the lagoon itself provides more than enough underwater spectacle. Bringing your own snorkel gear ensures a comfortable fit and allows you to maximize your time in the water. Consider joining a guided tour to learn about the marine ecosystem and discover the best hidden spots for spotting unique marine life. Remember to practice responsible snorkeling by not touching coral or disturbing the marine creatures.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Muri Lagoon: Your Aquatic Playground
Snorkeling in Muri Lagoon is a must-do activity. The coral reefs teem with diverse marine life, and many visitors report sightings of colorful fish, sea turtles, and even stingrays. To make the most of your underwater exploration, consider booking a guided lagoon tour. Companies like Koka Lagoon Tours offer fantastic experiences, combining snorkeling with educational commentary and often a delicious island lunch. These tours provide a deeper understanding of the lagoon's ecosystem and ensure you visit the best spots for marine encounters.
For those who prefer to explore independently, renting a kayak or paddleboard is highly recommended. This allows you to navigate the lagoon at your own pace, discover hidden coves, and visit the motus. Remember to pack reef-safe sunscreen to protect both your skin and the delicate marine environment. The clarity of the water and the abundance of life make Muri Lagoon an unforgettable aquatic adventure for all ages.
Getting Around Rarotonga: Island Exploration
Rarotonga also has a reliable public bus service that circles the island in both directions (clockwise 'In' bus and anti-clockwise 'Out' bus). This is a budget-friendly option and a great way to mingle with locals. The buses are frequent enough to make it a viable alternative to self-driving, especially if you plan to stay within a certain area or visit specific attractions. Check the bus timetables, as services can be less frequent on Sundays.
For those staying close to Muri Lagoon, walking or cycling can be pleasant options for short distances. Many resorts and accommodations offer bicycle rentals. Regardless of your chosen mode of transport, always be mindful of the local pace of life and enjoy the scenic journey around this beautiful Pacific island.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit