Tongareva for Bonefish
Is Penrhyn Atoll, Cook Islands on your list?
The northernmost island in the Cook Island group, Penrhyn, is difficult to fly into, accommodation is not freely available , but small bonefish are plentiful across the wide, open white sand flats of this remote destination. So it’s worthy of initial inspection.
The issue with the atoll is that it doesn’t empty frequently enough to keep the waters cool, and when the water warms up, the fish depart.
Air Rarotonga currently flies to six island destinations and has previously advertised the Penrhyn route, but this is not happening in reality. So an expensive charter jet flight with a group would be required from Rarotonga Airport (RAR). Flight time – approximately 4+ hours!
If you’re planning a remote, out-of-the-way bonefish excursion, Penrhyn Island (also called Tongareva, but pronounced as Tongaleva by the locals) could be the spot. However it’s important to set your travel dates after 2026 as explained below.
Image: Penrhyn Atoll (marked above) is the Cook’s most northward island, sited only 9° south of the equator, below Kiribati (Christmas Island).