Where to See Dolphins from Shore in Niue
Where can you watch dolphins in Niue without having to get on a boat? Niue’s coastline with 30m (100ft) cliffs naturally provides incredible lookouts for watching marine life, such as pods of spinner dolphins. What’s more, you can enjoy views even without binoculars, as Niue’s surrounding reefs drop off into the deep only as far as 100m from shore! That way, dolphins come close to Niue’s coastline for amazing wildlife viewing. But where are the best places to watch dolphins from shore in Niue? We go over a few recommendations in this list of the best lookouts for watching dolphins in Niue.
1. Hikutavake Sea Track
Starting from north to south, the Hikutavake Sea Track boasts its own “whale watching lookout” at the top of the sea track, which incidentally, is ideal for watching spinner dolphins too. The sea track next to the Matapa Chasm and Talava Arches sea track takes you down to rock pools and snorkelling pools, best explored at low tide. See more sea tracks like this in the 10 Best Sea Tracks on the West Coast of Niue.
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2. Kaliki Lodge
The next village south of Hikutavake is Namukulu where guests at Kaliki Lodge have access to a private lookout ideal for watching dolphins. The three-bedroom holiday home has a private walkway down to a lookout on the cliff edge where outdoor furniture is set up to enjoy breakfast with a view! Find out more about the accommodation in the 10 Best Holiday Homes in Niue.
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3. Makefu Sea Track
Travel a little further south on the west coast of Niue, the Makefu Sea Track is a popular spot for watching dolphins from its picnic bench. The short sea track leads along the rocky cliffside which provides sweeping views of the waters where spinner dolphins pass by.
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4. Anaiki Motel
Also in the village of Makefu is the self-contained accommodation of the Anaiki Motel. Situated on the clifftops of the famous Avaiki Cave, the Anaiki Motel has an extensive deck where you can watch the pods of spinner dolphins passing by. Learn more about the accommodation in the 10 Best Family Accommodation in Niue.
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5. Tomb Point
Easily accessible in the centre of Alofi, Tomb Point is not only a great place for watching dolphins but it’s also a historical site. The gravesite here is the burial place of two Niuean kings, while the picnic area on the oceanfront is also an excellent place to look out for pods of dolphins. Learn more about the site in the 10 Fascinating Historical Sites in Niue.
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6. Vaiolama Cafe
Also in Alofi, the Vaiolama Cafe boasts a prime position on the clifftops overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Enjoy a morning coffee, smoothie or lunch with a view while keeping an eye out for spinner dolphins. There’s also a mini golf course here too, giving you more reason to spend time here. Check out the 6 Best Cafes in Niue for more information on the cafe.
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7. Ana’ana Point
On the coastal road between Alofi and Tamakautoga, try your luck at spotting dolphins from the Ana’ana Point lookout! There’s a picnic area and barbecue here, should you want another reason to hang around. Plus, don’t miss the fascinating Anaana Burial Cave located just a few feet down the road.
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8. Scenic Matavai Resort
Those staying a the Scenic Matavai Resort just outside of Tamakautoga will most likely find themselves spotting spinner dolphins from the restaurant and pool decks almost daily! When the staff spot wildlife, they ring a bell so you won’t miss a thing. Plus, binoculars are available for guests to make the most of their viewing. See the 10 Best Hotels & Resorts in Niue for more information about this accommodation.
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9. Lau’s Getaway
Located in Pofitu, between the Scenic Matavai Resort and the village of Avatele, Lau’s Getaway boasts commanding views of Niue’s shores from its two luxurious villas. Each villa has private balconies where you can even watch the dolphins while soaking on the balcony’s freestanding bathtub! Check out more about the accommodation in the 10 Best Luxury Accommodation in Niue.
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10. Breeze
Finally, located in the southwest coast village of Avatele, Breeze is a small complex of self-contained cottages with its own whale-watching deck. Even when it’s not the whale season, however, you can just as easily use the deck for watching dolphins riding the waves. Learn more about these cottages in the 10 Best Wedding & Honeymoon Accommodation in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore About Watching Dolphins in Niue
