cook islands whale and wildlife centre

Thanks for visiting and helping to spread the word! See you next time.

The wildlife centre has heaps to see and touch. Its not very big so just take your time to read things and have a play. We got vouchers as we did the reefsub earlier in the day. Was worth checking it out.

Situated on the Back Road of town, it was worth going too. It was near lunchtime when we arrived, so we tried their toasted sandwiches and a nice cold drink before entering. We were pleasantly surprised with the amount on display. There were sections on Nan Hauser, who is a Whale Biologist and Principal Investigator of the Cook Islands Whale research project, Whale Conservation, Whale Hunting. I enjoyed reading about the pioneering work Jacques Cousteau undertook with his work in creating the SCUBA. There are also items that have been brought up for the various shipwrecks that have perished over time including the visible SS Maitai which sits on a sandbank in the lagoon opposite town. There are displays on the different species sharks, whales, of course, shellfish, and turtles. For those that are brave enough there is a tank to touch some of the local sea creatures. We spent ages in there and did not read everything. A must do !!!!I'll be back on next trip!

What a great place to go and be informed and entertained. Thanks to the lovely people that run this place.We fed Rocky the stonefish...still laughing about that one!!We will be back for another visit next trip to ratio.Nice coffee on the way in to walk around with.

This place is a wonderful and entertaining education. It totally changed how I think about our oceans - I've been refusing plastic where I can and picking up litter that might make its way into the sea ever since!

A fascinating insight into Rarotonga and the Pacific Islands that you won't get anywhere else - much more than marine life. If your children have inquiring minds they'll love it. Recommended

Very welcoming and surprisingly filled with many educational and interesting exhibits. The staff are very knowledgeable and friendly :) Would certainly recommend a visit.

Pretty unpromising from the outside - looks essentially like a glorified shed. So surprisingly good once we were inside. Every wall was packed full of interesting, hands-on exhibits including a touch-and-feel exhibit of sea slugs, an aquarium containing lion fish, a number of shark jaws (and razor sharp teeth) and a wall of whaling instruments etc etc. It's all a bit chaotic but has clearly been put together with real passion and commitment. And considering the amount of time most visitors to Raro are likely to spend in the water, it's a good place to visit early on in your stay. There's plenty here for both adults and kids to learn and admire; and undoubtedly in support of a good cause. Well worth a stop.

Hi I am not sure you have even visited the Whale and Wildlife Centre, we have thousands of Exhibits and Entry fee is $12 per adult for a whole year! We receive No funding like many Museums and Aquariums elsewhere. Read our other comments and our visitors book.....It is an incredible collection of displays including 7 aquariums etc. Compliments daily including people who find the place "life changing" and others that have said "the best Museum/Aquarium display I have ever visited anywhere in the world" Maybe you were a bit hot that day.

So much really interesting information. Take time to see it all. Hands on stuff for kids as well. You must view the movie. Lots of interesting articles and displays on the whale fishing industry in the Cooks. Kids will love to see the crabs and fish tanks.

This was a really big surprise.A small space, but really well designed, with lots of interesting stories, lots of artifacts, and a surprising amount to learn.I really enjoyed that they had so many bones, and physical learning tools, and explained everything very easily.Highly Recommend a trip to the Centre.

Small but very informative and hands on exhibits.You will get a year pass to return as often as you like.Great exhibits.

even though it is small it is very well set up and very interesting,if you love whales and the conservation part of it then this is a great place to visit.quite sad realy to see so much money go into the tourisum side of rarotonga bit it would be great to see this wildlife center expand ( i to be honest did not like some of the animal welfare on the island)

We had been here before and found it to be of interest to us. The owner is very pleasant and passionate about the museum and we had been told there were some new additions so we went again. It is very well kept. The history section is well put together and the interactive display is well thought out. There are aquariums and other small marine creatures to view. They are all well cared for and happy. This is a great place to take the kids . It is rather small but a place that you should visit as it helps in appreciating some of The Cook Islands history.

Good time with lots to see and touch. Probably more enjoyable for young children. Nice friendly staff.