Undoubtedly the best place in the Cook Islands for day cruising is around the fantastic Aitutaki lagoon which is a major attraction of a Cook Islands visit. Highlights include visiting the tiny island motus and their idyllic beaches, walking along sand bars and snorkelling in the turquoise lagoon.

There are a handful of cruise operators offering day trips and charter services from small motorised outboards to the largest vessel, a glamourous wooden carved catamaran, the Titi-ai-Tonga, seating about 40 people.

It is also possible to hire a water taxi, so you have control of where you go and what you do, enabling you to be dropped off on an island with your picnic.