Fantastic!! We didn't want to go with the big touristy companies so decided to give Mona's Water Taxi a go.... Best decision ever!! Accommodation pick up and drop The weather was not co-operating

One of the best things we've done! We had such a great time with Capt Dan. He was so patient with us being not experienced snorkelers (used to fresh water and not sea water) He was friendly and easy going. If you want to experience this beautiful lagoon with a local who is passionate about his beautiful part of the world this is defiantly the person to go with. No frills, no 'slick tourist operator' just a down to earth lovely local experience! In saying that - safety gear on board and a lovely fresh fruit snack also supplied so still professional. Thanks Capt Dan - have recommended you to friends and family already.

Best lagoon day trip Mona's Lagoon Charter run the best private tour of one of the most beautiful lagoons in the world. Our first experience was in 2017 after recommendation from another family. It exceeded our expectations. Casual and relaxed, without other tourists, experienced and local Captain Dan took us to the best snorkelling spots, swimming with GT's, Honeymoon Island and prepared us the most delicious and plentiful bbq lunch on One Foot Island consisting of fresh tuna, sausages and a range of local salads and fruits. We couldn't wait to go again so when we returned in 2023, it was the first thing we booked. It was just as we remembered. The boat had ample space for us 4 adults, Captain Dan and his 2 young boys who did a great job of being Co-Captains. Transfers, fins, towels and bottled water throughout the day are provided. We booked the full day tour both times and it was worth every cent. Thank you Captain Dan and lovely Lorena, we look forward to seeing you again!

Forget the big charter companies- go with Captain Dan! We visited Aitutaki in June 2023 and wanted to do a lagoon cruise to experience all of the beauty of island paradise. We looked at the Vaka cruise , Bishop's cruises and a few others but preferred a more personal experience without lots of other tourists. Lorina was very efficient in her communications leading up to the excursion date and picked us up from our accommodation in the morning. We met Captain Dan and we spent the day swimming with giant trevally, snorkelling with turtles and giant clams and visiting Honeymoon island. We had a delicious lunch (prepared by Dan's wife and fresh fish cooked by Dan) on One Foot Island. We also visited Survivor islands and it was wonderful to hear about Aitutaki from a proud resident- born and raised there, who loves his home. At the end of the day, Dan dropped us back to our accommodation at Aitutaki Lagoon Private resort. Do yourself a favour if you are visiting Aitutaki and see it's beauty on a private charter with Captain Dan. Thankyou!

Mona’s Water Taxis made our day perfect! We just had the best experience island hopping around the Aitutaki motus. It all started a few weeks in advance with some exchange of emails. Every question was answered promptly and accurately. Communication was a big bonus during this trip preparation. We decided to use Monas Water Taxi services to avoid the Tour Boats. There is nothing to fault about the services. Only praise. The trip was customised as per our request. The food served and prepared was delicious. The friendliness and attention of the whole family was astonishing. What else? We had the perfect weather to accompany us all around. Support local businesses and enjoy these remote islands without the crowds!

Great time, great people, great fun Awesome time spent with Captain and the boys out on the boat, Captain Dan knew all of the best places to go, and was helpful and patient with us first time snorklers. The boys were the most excellent hosts also, showing us around honeymoon island and sharing the wonderful fresh kai and drink with us. Totally recommend this tour, it’s personable, fact filled and fun with lots of fish and coral.

Just do it! Captain Dan and his son took us out for a great day on the lagoon. We went to several motus ahead of the crowds and had the islands to ourselves. We also went to several snorkeling spots and had great encounters with giant trevally fish, clams, coral heads with loads of tropical fish. Lunch on a quiet island was also a good experience. We did a full day charter and that is definitely the way to go. The lagoon is very large and there is a lot of area to cover. Dan, having grown up in Aitutaki provided a great perspective. Would do this again!

BASIC BUT GENUINE This is a review of Mona's private charter boat on Aitutaki Lagoon. There are at least 4 companies with a small boat you can charter privately (ie, hire with a driver and guide, either 2 people or 1) to take you anywhere you want to go in the Lagoon or at their suggestion and your approval, take you to out-of-the-way places on the Lagoon which boat tours do not visit. It's not cheap at anywhere from $550 to $800 for a full day (=6hrs) on the water. The higher price will get you a fancy fast boat with comfortable seats, drinks on tap and lunch. All companies I think provide beach towels and snorkeling gear. The lower price will be more basic, and that is where Mona is at - basic but a genuine Cook Island experience in the sense that you travel as the locals do, in a slightly beat up but seaworthy aluminium runabout with plastic unanchored seats and only water to drink. Your guide, maybe Captain Dan, will be a genuine Cook Islander willing to share stories and answer your questions about anything relating to the Cook Islands. We had specific destinations in the Lagoon in mind and the boat took us there quickly but with lots of bumps like you always get in a small craft in windy conditions. We snorkeled spots the boat tour did not take us to (Purple Wall and Clam Farm) and then Capt Dan took us to a hideaway hut on a deserted island for lunch, which was basic but nice (salads plus cooked hot fish) as well as a coconut juice right out of the coconut shell. Unfortunately for us, the wind picked up and so we asked Capt Dan to take us to a swimming spot off a nice beach out of the wind. He excelled in his choice as we got to swim in the nicest spot we have ever swum in all our travels (Queensland Whitsundays, Fiji, Malaysia, Thailand). A beach with pure unadulterated white sand and crystal clear water for as far as you could see - just lovely and everyone's idea of a perfect tropical beach. Overall, you get what you pay for with the range of charterhprices. Mona's is basic but effective in letting you experience as much of the Lagoon as you wish. Capt Dan is no flash personality but a nice guy who gives you a good idea of Cook Island culture. If you want a fibreglass modern boat with cushioned seats and champagne, pay a bit more ($800 with Platinum Cruises) but see no better things than on a more economical option like Mona's. Finally, some companies offer a chartered half day cruise (3hrs) at about $300. Don't do it as you spend at least 30mins getting across to the far side of the lagoon and then 30mins back so you have only a net 2hrs to do and see stuff - not nearly enough time.

Best experience in Aitutaki The day we spent with Dan and his son exploring the Aitutaki Lagoon was the best day of our Cook Islands holidays. We did the best snorkeling, we even swam with turtles, the Lunch was delicious and his son was an excellent helper. We can't wait to go back!

Unforgettable We had a wonderful time with Captain Dan and little Scarlet-Rose. Dan took us out to the beautiful Aitutaki lagoon and showed us some amazing snorkelling and island sites, some areas we had not seen before. Dan took great care of our little Mikaere who is only 8 and a little nervous jumping off the side of the boat to meet the fish and giant clams. He also got into the water to double check Mika was ok. We loved the fishing, history and cultural stories, the language and the environmental information he shared with us also about this paradise. Even though it was June and a little chilly, he made sure we were comfortable with fresh towels and some delicious snacks. The final touch was a trip out to visit the Rimu (seagrapes) garden at the entrance to the harbour. Not only did Dan show us where our favourite Aitutaki snack grows, he collected some for us and pointed out a beautiful moray eel watching closely nearby. Thank you to Dan, Lorina and Scarlet-Rose.