Experiences on the Water in Niue
With beautifully clear waters and sea temperatures teetering around 25-27°C (77-80°F), Niue’s waters are all-too inviting! The raised coral atoll is surrounded by waters teeming with tropical marine life, from the tiniest nudibranchs to the largest humpback whales. Getting on or in the water in Niue is always an exciting experience, but what are the different ways to enjoy it? We go through them all in this list of amazing water activities in Niue.
1. Snorkelling
Combining as one of the most accessible yet most mesmerising water activities in Niue, snorkelling is something to be enjoyed by all ages. Niue’s snorkelling spots are not only right on the island’s doorstep making it a fun and free activity, but the water in Niue is crystal clear. Enjoy watching tropical fish among coral much more vividly than most other places in the world! Learn more about Niue’s outstanding snorkelling in The Guide to Snorkelling in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com2. Scuba Diving
Where there’s snorkelling, scuba diving is never too far behind, which is certainly the case in Niue. While Niue is a fantastic place to learn how to dive thanks to the island having both PADI and SSI courses, certified divers are in for a treat. Niue’s underwater world is a labyrinth of caves, chimneys, chasms, tunnels, drop-offs and an array of marine life lining it all! Dive into more details in The Guide to Scuba Diving in Niue.
(c) BAND- Niue Tourism3. Whale Swimming
If the snorkelling and scuba diving in Niue’s vividly clear waters wasn’t enough, how about combining them with watching some of the largest marine creatures in their element?! Niue’s waters are home to humpback whales between July and September each year, where it is actually legal to swim with these gentle giant if you are with a licensed boat tour. Niue’s dive schools and fishing charters put on unforgettable whale interaction experiences. Find out more in The Guide to Swimming with Whales in Niue.
(c) Niue Tourism4. Dolphin Swimming
While whales are very seasonal in Niue, pods of dolphins call Niue’s waters home all year round. Niue’s dive operators have discovered an amazing way to watch Niue’s acrobatic Spinner Dolphins in action with swimmers holding onto tow ropes alongside the boat. While dedicated dolphin swimming tours are available, the activity is often enjoyed just as an amazing addition to snorkelling, scuba diving and whale watching tours. Find out more in The Guide to Swimming with Dolphins in Niue.
(c) Niue Tourism5. Vaka Paddling
A unique way to get on the water in Niue is to do it like a local, paddling a traditional canoe known as a vaka. Taue Vaka Tours takes you out onto the lagoon of Avatele Bay where you’ll learn to manoeuvre these outrigger canoes to explore the Niue coastline while gaining an amazing insight into the local culture along the way. Find out more about vaka paddling in the 5 Best Kayak Tours in Niue.
(c) David Girsh - Niue Tourism6. Kayaking
And for something probably a bit more familiar, of course, kayaking is also available in Niue. Not only are your standard yellow kayaks available to hire for your own exploration of the coast, but you can also opt for clear-bottom kayaks or inflatable kayaks! Guided kayaking tours are also available to visit historical and scenic sites, as well as stop off for snorkelling along the way. We go into much more detail in our kayaking guide to Niue.
(c) M. Crawford - Niue Tourism7. Reef Walking
Niue is almost entirely surrounded by a reef shelf providing the ideal habitat for all sorts of weird and wonderful marine creatures. At low tide, don your reef shoes and go for a paddle on some of Niue’s reef where there’s so much to discover in the rockpools and on the reef’s surface. Check out some of our favourite reef walks in the 6 Best Reef Walks in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Fishing
Niue is the hidden gem of fishing in the South Pacific where waters are uncrowded when it comes to fishing boats but teeming with tropical pelagic fish! Fishing charters can take you out to reel in fiesty wahoo, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna, marlin and much more. What’s more, Niue bluewater fish are only 100-600m from shore, so you are thrown into an exciting fishing experience moments after the boat launches. Find out more in The Guide to Fishing in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.com9. Sunset Cruise
Finally, if you don’t want to mix your time on the water with too much adventure, then you can always take it easy on a sunset cruise. One of the fishing charter boats, Niue Fishing Charters, offer late afternoon/early evening cruises to explore Niue’s coastline and watch the stunning sunset, while you sit back with a cold beer, a glass of wine or a refreshing juice. Find out more in The Best Boat Tours in Niue.
(c) Niue Tourism[CLOSED] Stand-Up Paddleboarding
[Update: Stand-up paddleboarding hire and tours are no longer available in Niue.]
For something a bit more contemporary, stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is also available in Niue. Either hire a hard-top SUP board from Buccaneer Adventures in Tamakautoga to explore some of Niue’s coastline independently or enjoy a one-hour lesson to learn how to enjoy this sport safely. Learn more about SUPing in Niue in The Guide to SUP, Canoe and Kayak in Niue.
(c) Buccaneers - Niue TourismMore About Water Activities in Niue
