Official shipwreck-swimming article and calm-day access context.
Cook Islands · Rarotonga
Shallow historic shipwreck off Avarua.
Shallow historic shipwreck off Avarua.
R.M.S. Maitai is a historic shipwreck on the reef outside Avarua Harbour in Rarotonga. The wreck now sits as part of the reef, with the engine block still visible above the surface and the rudder, drive shaft, boilers, and superstructure spread across the shallow reef. On very calm days it can be explored from shore or by a short swim, making it as much a landmark and snorkel site as a wreck dive.
Site Conditions
Access Restrictions
Shore access only in very calm sea conditions; surf and chop can shut the site out quickly.
Legal Notes
No special access rules are noted beyond standard reef safety and local guidance.
Community notes to help plan your visit.
Scuba Diving
Shallow wreck-and-reef dive around scattered debris and remaining machinery at about 10 m depth.
Snorkeling
A classic calm-day snorkel site, with wreck structure visible near the surface and reef fish around the remains.
Conservative baseline from public research. No community dives logged yet.
Last Updated
Research Sources
Official shipwreck-swimming article and calm-day access context.
R.M.S. Maitai wreck profile and shallow-water access context.
Rarotonga dive-site guide with calm-day snorkel and safety notes.

Avarua Passage: boat drift through Rarotonga's harbour pass.

Goldmine is a compact north-coast reef site off Avarua.

Edna’s Anchor is a boat-accessed deep reef dive on Rarotonga’s north side.