Aitutaki lies 220 km north of Rarotonga. The atoll measures just 20 square km, yet is the second most-populated island in the Cook Islands next to Rarotonga. As well as the main island, there are 15 small islets within the lagoon.
Arutanga, the main village located on the west side, has the only harbor on the island and is a designated port of entry for the Cook Islands.
The entrance to the pass is narrow (less than 100 ft across) and unmarked, caution is urged before heading in. Cruisers report that both Navionics and C-Map are 300 meters off on placement of the pass. See these useful directions for entering the anchorage here and this cruiser report from 2025
Cruisers report there is a green flashing light at the entrance to the channel that is not shown on charts as well as stakes in gated pairs showing both sides of the channel all the way into the harbour.
Dredging work was carried out during 2024/2025 resulting with a depth of around four metres - fivemetres all the way into the harbour, but exercise caution and stay on the north side of the channel for deeper water. See the following news item for details on the port dredging project.
Channel Dredging Part of new Port Project.
Vessels with a draft less than two meters should be able to enter through the passage without any problems.
Outflowing tidal currents can reach three to four knots, therefore the best time to enter is just before high tide (least current). Good sunlight is essential. If in any doubt, ask someone to guide you in.
Notice for Lagoon users
You are no longer allowed to use your dinghy once anchored inside Aitutaki to venture into the lagoon. The kiteboarding location is not accessible via land. Anyone wanting to kiteboard Aitutaki MUST hire the local tour operator at $40 per person per day to taxi them to the kite island.
18° 51'08"S, 159° 48'32"W
Last updated: September 2025
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