Tikioki Marine Reserve

Tikioki, often called Fruits of Rarotonga after the shop beside it, is a stretch of lagoon on the island's south coast protected under ra'ui, and it is generally rated the best snorkelling on Rarotonga: the lagoon is wider here, the coral heads are larger and the fish are used to people. Entry is straight off the beach. The reef passage at the outer edge carries current and is the limit for most swimmers.

The landscape

• The coral heads - larger bommies than elsewhere in the island's lagoon.
• The fish - populations built up under the ra'ui protection.
• The beach entry - direct access from the shore with no boat needed.
• The wide lagoon - more water between shore and reef than on most of the coast.

When to go

May to October is the drier season with the calmest water. High tide gives the best swimming. Southerly swell stirs the lagoon.

What to expect

The reef passage carries strong current and swimming out to it is dangerous. Coral has suffered from bleaching events. There are no facilities beyond the shop.

Nearby

Aroa is northwest, and Muri is east.