The Palmerston Atoll is the most isolated of the Cook Islands, sitting all by itself far west from the rest of the Southern Group. With no neighboring islands nearby, Palmerston is a great getaway for those who love nature. Made up of 30 or so small islands, the Palmerston lagoon is 11 km wide at is broadest point and currently has a population of 52 people. What is so distinct about Palmerston is that the atoll’s entire population is made up of the descendants of William Marster’s, who moved here from Aitutaki in 1863.
A legendary figure in the history of the Cook Islands, William Marsters married three Maori women, whom he took with him to live on Palmerston. As his family grew many of his children married one another, thus carrying on the Marsters bloodline. William Marsters died in May 1899 and you can visit his gave on Palmerston, located near the home he built.
Spotted in 1774 by Captain James Cook, Palmerston Atoll today has no real organized accommodations for tourists and guests who wish to stay here. However, a tradition that is still carried on today is that the first person to welcome you will let you stay in his or her own home.
To visit Palmerston Atoll you can get in touch with the Palmerston mayor’s office, which is based in Avarua, Rarotonga. Located near Avatiu Harbor, the mayor’s office can help you arrange accommodations as well as your transport to and from Palmerston Atoll. You can get to this atoll via the Marsters Dream, which is a former navy ship that ferries people between Rarotonga and Palmerston as well as carries supplies. The boat stays in Palmerston for 6 days, which gives tourists more than enough time to see all of the islands in the atoll, as well as meet most of the population. If you wish to visit Palmerston Atoll make sure you book your seat in advance as the Marsters Dream carries only 8 people.
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