Cook Islands dive sights are considered very good for beginners and casual divers - the great thing is that all sights are close to shore and there is always good diving conditions whichever way the wind blows. Proof of certification is required for the use of equipment. The four independent dive operators on Rarotonga pick up from all hotels around the island. Experienced divers though will find the variety of dives to be limited and there are no challenging drift dives.
PADI scuba diving courses are available on Rarotonga. Cook Island Divers has a large swimming pool for instruction and Rarotongan Dive Centre has a handy small but deep pool to help beginners get acquainted with equipment and basic techniques before exploring the shallow waters within the reef.
