Black Pearl Charters
Black Pearl Charters
5
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Deep sea fishing, Private lagoon/snorkelling tours, spearfishing in Aitutaki.(All snorkelling is guided and includes the outer reef)
Aitutaki, Cook Islands
Meets animal welfare guidelines

Awards
Travelers' Choice
2023

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Black Pearl Charters
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Travelers talk about
(44 reviews)

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles419 reviews
Excellent
414
Very good
4
Average
1
Poor
0
Terrible
0

Marie F
Auckland, New Zealand49 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2021
We went out on two half day trips - private charters for their lagoon cruise as a couple. We are both fit and active and I wasn’t interested in slow cruising and eating all day, I wanted to do snorkelling and explore the Lagoon. The fishing charter was the same for us, we want to spend the least amount of time and get the best experience we could.

Although you may pay extra above the other cheaper operators, as the
saying goes, you pay for what you get especially when you are on Precious Holiday Time. If you are looking for a high quality, professional safe operator who knows the Lagoon, Reef and all the best spots - it’s these guys.

They are a small locally run business who care about their customers, they will go out of their way to give their customers a guaranteed good day out. Mere is the engine room of the whole operation and is highly organised and very accomodating. The boats as well kitted out and they run through the safety briefing with you all.

Leo takes you out on the Lagoon Cruise, he’s an expert skipper and will guide you to the best spots, no need to snorkel around aimlessly, he knows where they are all at. We saw plenty of GT’s, Wrassers, Turtle, Giant Clams plenty of sea life they swim so close to you. Delicious morning tea and lovely experience, well worth it.

Mike takes you out on the Fishing Charter, we chose half day. He’s an expert skipper / fisherman which is what you want we you get out over the reef, there wasn’t anytime which I was worried about safety, even when I see these large swells out there,. We had a great morning out fishing the FAD spots brought back enough for a few meals which is all you really want for a day out. This was well worth it for us, we will come back with friends

Thank you Mike, Mere for an amazing boating experience.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana Marie We are so pleased you enjoyed both of your charters with us and we thankyou for the time you have taken in writing this wonderful review. It was our pleasure to have you on board and show you around our backyard. Until we meet somewhere again in the future, stay safe. Regards Black Pearl Team
Written September 8, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ange2348
Vancouver, Canada9 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2020
Thank you Mere and Mike for an absolutely breathtaking day!
Mike took us on a snorkelling tour of the lagoon which was completely customised to what we were most interested in. Being water babies were totally content to spend 95% of the time in the water exploring the reef.
We visited Tapuaetai first thing in the morning and had the island to ourselves to explore & take some photos, before heading to our snorkelling spots (3 different areas).
There was so much to see and Mike really encouraged us to take our time exploring the reef which we had completely to ourselves.
I really appreciated that this was an individual charter rather than a group experience and I would highly recommend this to others.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

heather v
Rotorua, New Zealand106 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022
Look no further than Black Pearl Charters for ocean fishing trips (which husband and I did with Mike) and White Pearl snorkelling in the lagoon (we did with Leo). Simply fantastic! Mere organised and kept in excellent communication with us from New Zealand to Aitutaki as we planned our adventures.

Mike was enthusiastic and sensitive how to best navigate the ocean options for catching fish. He helped me, a real novice, land the first mahimahi! Then our party of four kept reeling them in, tuna and more mahimahi, It was exciting and such a privilege to watch him spot the fish, throw out live bait, and tell us so many stories about the place and its inhabitants, and visitors. What a passion he has and so easily shared with us.

Leo the next day took us out snorkelling within the lagoon, amidst some light rain, to the most fantastic coral reefs and lagoon-bed locations. After our first swim he offered chewy mints 'to lessen the salt' and I appreciate very much the gentle touches he provided for us to experience his waters and land. He loved sharing with us, and we were thankful for him navigating us along. What an honour. We learned how to spot turtles! The giant clam beds knocked my sox off - like flying, we could survey above the scene of underwater beauty filtered so dreamily by the sun reflecting the water. The big Wrasse, the translucent needlefish, blue damsels and other colourful darting fish were a joy to swim amongst. For a lovely lunch Leo shared Mere's sandwiches and fresh fruit platter, a perfect interlude before we headed to the outer reef for a final snorkel. It was more daunting in the deep blue water, and Leo was right beside us in the boat, keeping a sharp eye out at all times. Underwater was truly mesmerising, all inhabitants flowing with the motion of the the waves. Reef snorkelling helped us put in context Aitutaki's tranquil lagoon setting.

Needless to say we were humbled by the natural beauty of water, sky and inhabitants, the warmth and comfort provided by two expert captains and ease of engagement from organiser Mere. We learned and experienced a great deal, a true highlight of our time in Aitutaki.

Thank you thank you, for such special memories that will keep us warm in winter and lure us back before you know it!
Written May 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Many thanks Heather for taking the time to write this wonderful review for us. We are so pleased you enjoyed your time out on the lagoon with Leo and with Mike out fishing also. We hope to see you back here someday to enjoy more of our backyard. Take care. Regards Black Pearl Crew, Mike, Mere and Leo
Written May 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

John R
Auckland, New Zealand2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
May 2022 • Couples
Just wow! Our afternoon snorkelling trip on the lagoon with Leo on White Pearl was incredible. Leo.clearly loves his lagoon and sharing his knowledge and the experience with you, we couldn’t have felt more privileged to be in receipt of that. We chose to spend more time in the water snorkelling than island hopping and were able to get in 4 great spots + One Foot Island, as well as an ad hoc stop when Leo spotted some turtles in a place he knows they like to frequent. At our last spot of the day we got to see a massive Napoleon Wrasse, and old friend of Leo’s, amazing. We were fortunate to have the opportunity to reschedule to a different afternoon after the weather was less than ideal on our original booking day. This was offered without additional cost just because they had availability and wanted to give us the best experience possible - this was truly appreciated, service above and beyond. The afternoon tea was tasty and generous for the two of us. We can’t recommend the team at Black Pearl Charters highly enough. Would do again!
Written May 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review of your time out with Leo onboard the White Pearl It was a pleasure to meet you both and yes, Leo does clearly love doing what he does. Should you ever find yourselves back this way, please do not hesitate to look us up. Take care, stay safe. Regards Mike, Mere and Leo, Black Pearl Crew
Written May 8, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Kane hannam
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Feb 2022 • Couples
What an experience!!
Our lines were in the water for all of 10 seconds before we started catching yellowfin tuna ..and topped it off with a big18kg yellowfin!!.
Mike was awesome! very easy to get olong with and had so much knowledge about aitutaki and the how to fish on the island .
My wife and I then went snorkeling with Leo and hands down best snorkeling we have ever done. the lagoon is just paradise and getting up close to some giant trevally really topped it off for me . 100% recommend to anyone coming to this beautiful island
Written February 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana Kane and Chehanya Thankyou so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review of your experience out on board both the Black and White Pearl. So pleased you caught your big yellowfin tuna and enjoyed snorkelling with the GTs. Should you ever find yourselves back this way please do not hesitate to look us up. Until then, stay safe. Take Care Black Pearl Crew, Mike, Mere and Leo
Written February 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Mattia and Aurelia
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Nov 2022 • Couples
We should give these guys ten ratings as we did two fishing charters over two weeks and both times they nailed it. We booked a month ahead and straightaway we got an email with tips on the suitable gear for fishing in Aitutaki. On the day of the charters, they picked us up, they had plenty of snacks and drinks ready for us and we really felt like we were part of the planning process.
If you know what you want and the weather allows it, Mike and his crew are the guys for the job.
Super flexible, Mike will do whatever he can to get you what you are after or tell you straightaway if it’ s not possible without fooling around.
We wanted to fish for GTs and some good eating fish and in both cases that’s exactly what we got. Amazing! Sadly the season wasn t the best for tuna and mahi mahi which only means we will come back for more.
Great music on board, black pearl is your ultimate charter for fishing in Aitutaki.
Meitaki Mike, Mere and Leo
We’ ll see you soon
Written December 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kia Orana Mattie and Aurelia Thank you so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review of your experiences aboard the Black Pearl. It was certainly our pleasure to meet you both. We look forward to seeing you again soon and hopefully catching tuna and mahimahi. Take care, stay safe. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written December 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

PAUL B
Wollongong, Australia4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sep 2023 • Friends
We spent 4 days fishing with Mike on the Black Pearl. What a professional and knowledgeable fisherman. Mikes safety presentation was the most in depth and on point that I have experienced from any skipper all over the planet.
The fishing was great, Mike asked what we wanted to catch then tailored our days around fishing the best time of day for the right species. We caught plenty of fish and lost some of the larger ones as well. The fish of the trip was Jim's 21kg dolphin fish captured on 20lb spinning gear, but our group of 4 all caught nice dollies and Gt with some picturesque oddballs' thrown in the break up the day. Lunch was plentiful and delicious. The boat was always cleaned, fueled, bait in the live well and ready to go every day. This is a very professional out fit and i highly recommend Mike to anyone wanting to fish Aitutaki.
Written December 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Paul, thanks for the review mate, always appreciated and helpful in letting others know what they can expect. It was a pleasure meeting you all and taking you out for the 4 days. Say hi to the boys, have a great xmas and new year and stay safe in 2024. Best wishes. Mike
Written December 17, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Victoria C
New Zealand5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2022
My partner and I went out twice with Black Pearl Charters on half-day charters during our stay on Aitutaki. Everyone from Black Pearl was brilliant to deal with. The whole experience was perfect, from booking, to pick up, and drop off at our accommodation and of course, the private charters.

We went out with Leo both days and he was wonderful. Talked to us about the islands and snorkelling spots we could visit and helped us to choose what we wanted to do. Throughout each day he told us about the places we visited and occasionally joined us in the water. As experienced snorkelers, we found it was the perfect balance as Leo showed us the best things to see but also left us to enjoy at our own pace.

On the first half day out we explored the lagoon. We visited One Foot and Honeymoon Islands and snorkelled in four different locations. All had something unique to offer and were well worth it! The Giant Trevally and Maori Wrasse were especially amazing to see.

On our second half-day out, we decided to head for the outer reef which was STUNNING. We were so pleased we did this as it is such a different experience from snorkelling in the lagoon. Leo found us a handful of great spots to jump in the water and look around. We saw some amazing coral, big schools of fish, and some very large Green Turtles. Once we had enough of the outer reef Leo took us back into the lagoon to revisit our favourite spots.

The icing on the cake was the morning tea that is provided. You definitely work up an appetite with all the snorkelling and having something to eat was great. We had sandwiches, delicious tropical fruit, and cake. All of the food was really great.

Mere picked us up and drop us back to our accommodation. She was lovely! She told us a bit about the island and what we could do on the boat and was just really nice to chat to. She gave us some great recommendations and even asked us if we needed to stop off anywhere on the way back to our accommodation.

Our experiences with Black Pearl were really fantastic and we would recommend Black Pearl to anyone that visits Aitutaki. We will most definitely be back.
Written April 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for this wonderful review of your experience with us on board The White Pearl. It's always great when people really enjoy what they see, as our backyard is pretty fantastic. Should you ever find yourselves back this way, please do not hesitate to look us up. Take care. Regards Mike, Mere and Leo, Black Pearl Crew
Written April 10, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

K_and_K212
Hawaii5 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Couples
Wonderful service and a truly memorable experience. Everything from the easy booking and perfect timing of Mere's pickup to Mike's extensive knowledge and flexibility created an incredible afternoon on the water for my wife and I.

The day started off grey and rainy, and we weren't sure what would happen, as we boarded the White Pearl. Yet Mike knew exactly where to look and was able to find spots where we had bright sunshine and uncrowded, private adventures.

He tailored the afternoon to exactly what we wanted to see and try. We toured motus, walked the landscape, experienced wildlife, floated, snorkeled, fed fish, and enjoyed Mere's phenomenal coconut bread along with fresh fruit and drinks. We got in everything we wanted, and it never felt rushed or hurried.

Mike had everything we needed onboard, and even took pictures for us while we were in the water. The attention to detail was perfect, as were the recommendations to sample local foods, and the follow up afterwards to see if we had found what we were looking for.

We would highly recommend Black Pearl for anyone looking for a unique, personalized experience. There are plenty of options to crowd into much larger boats and follow each other to the same photo opportunity/barbecue. We watched them all from a distance while we had some really beautiful spots to ourselves. If you want to do it right, there's no other way to go!
Written October 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey guys Thank you so much for taking the time to write this extensive review of your time on board the White Pearl with Mike. Our lagoon is certainly second to none and can be enjoyed any way you choose to. We like to do this with no crowds, and we were extra pleased you certainly enjoyed what we offer. Take care of yourselves, stay safe and hope to see you again some day. Regards The Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere and Leo
Written October 27, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Jason R
Mount Maunganui, New Zealand15 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2022
My second trip with Mike and it certainly didn't disappoint. Mikes intimate knowledge of the outer reef and offshore FADs is second to none. We landed numerous Mahimahi and yellowfin tuna within 60 minutes of leaving the channel.
Although I game fish regularly, fly fishing is my jam and Mike had no trouble positioning the boat on top of a large school of Mahimahi for me to throw flies at. Honestly, this guy is a legend.
Secondly, the catering on board is outstanding. Mike's mum makes the best sandwiches in the Cook Islands! The food is plentiful and includes fresh fruits, assorted snack bars and of course, Mike';s mums world class sandwiches.
Book in advance and you wont be disappointed.
Written August 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to write this wonderful review for us. Glad you really enjoyed the food as well, Mike's Mum was well pleased when told her sandwiches are the "best in the Cook Islands". Don't forget to look us up for your next visit. Take care Black Pearl Crew Mike, Mere, Leo and Yvonne
Written October 2, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Black Pearl Charters - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)