Palmerston Lagoon & Outer Reef

Palmerston Passes

On Palmerston, food centres on what the lagoon and supporting vessel provide: fresh reef and pelagic fish, coconut, taro and imported staples from the yacht. Visitors on private yachts generally self-cater, while the small local community shares traditional Cook Islands meals such as ika mata and umu when possible. Supplies are limited, so plan provisions carefully.

Private Yacht (own vessel)

Limited Liveaboard Expedition

Homelan Homestay (by arrangement)

Beach Camp (by arrangement)

Palmerston Atoll is one of the most remote and pristine places in the Cook Islands, a tiny ring of islets surrounding a turquoise lagoon far to the west. Reached only by private yacht or a limited liveaboard, its lagoon and outer reef remain almost untouched, with pristine coral, huge schools of parrotfish and snappers, abundant grey reef and whitetip sharks, manta rays, turtles and humpback whales from August to October. The lagoon passes offer thrilling drift dives with vast schools of barracuda and jacks and passing pelagics. With no airstrip and few visitors, Palmerston is the definition of off-the-beaten-track diving, rewarding those who make the journey with extraordinary reef health and marine density.

Palmerston Atoll

Palmerston has no airstrip and is reached only by private yacht or a very limited liveaboard. There is no scheduled passenger service, so diving here is part of a private voyage or an expedition. The lagoon and passes are dived from the supporting vessel, and logistics, fuel and medical evacuation must be planned thoroughly given the hundreds of kilometres to Rarotonga. Only self-sufficient, well-prepared travellers should attempt it.

Dive Sites in Palmerston Atoll

Palmerston Lagoon & Outer Reef

Palmerston Passes