What a passing motorboat sounds like to a snorkeller

Kia orana, everyone, and thank you for signing.

On the afternoon of Wednesday 28 October we held a camera just below the surface in Avaavaroa Passage, at the height of a snorkeller's head, while a small inflatable boat with an outboard motor went past. At first you can hear a faint hum. Then the hull and propeller pass directly overhead, leaving a trail of bubbles, and the engine noise becomes loud. Turn your sound on: this is what the water sounds like when a motorboat passes over someone snorkelling in the passage.

We're also preparing formal written submissions to the Ministry of Transport, the National Environment Service and Cook Islands Tourism, asking for clear, enforceable rules so the passage stays safe and quiet for turtles and swimmers. We'll let you know when they've been sent.

One thing you can do this week: share this petition with one friend who has swum with turtles on Rarotonga.

The Snorkel Cook Islands Team