Amazing Places to Swim with Children in Niue
One of the major highlights of Niue is the array of hidden coves, caves and coral beaches sheltered on the coast of this rocky coral atoll. Needless to say, if you’re travelling with kids, they’re going to want to spend some time in the water and experience vivid snorkelling with tropical fish! But unlike other South Pacific Islands, Niue is not an island where you can just rock up to the beach and go for a swim. Instead, it has rocky shores with a few coarse coral sand beaches. If you know where to go and at what tide, there are some exceptional and stunning swimming holes that are ideal for all ages. Just be sure to take reef shoes, snorkelling gear and be careful when walking over slippery rocks. And with that, let’s get stuck into the best sea tracks and places to swim in Niue for kids!
For more family travel advice, check out The Guide to Niue for Families. Plus, get inspired for more things to do in the 10 Things To Do in Niue with Kids.
1. Limu Pools
Best tide: Half to full incoming tide
Best time for young children: low tide
Location: Signposted along the main road, Namukulu, west coast of Niue.
Limu Pools easily tops the list for one of the best and safest swimming spots in Niue for kids. After a short descent down a well-formed sea track, you’ll emerge at a sheltered cove. The main pool is the safest for swimming, which is best enjoyed at half-to-full incoming tide, but parents with infants and toddlers will enjoy the pools at their shallowest at low tide. There are a set of steps leading into the pool, as well as a seating area and a shade sail. There is a short track leading to another pool but beware of the strong rip at full tide.
(c) Niue Tourism2. Matapa Chasm
Best tide: Any!
Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.
Located on the northwestern coast of Niue, the Matapa Chasm is an excellent swimming spot at all tides. There are plenty of tropical fish to watch, so snorkelling gear is a must! The deep but sheltered swimming hole has ample space to enjoy but be careful when swimming close to the opening, where there is a slight current. The walk down a well-formed but rock sea track takes approximately seven minutes one way.
© NiuePocketGuide.com3. Tamakautoga Beach
Best tide: Low tide
Location: Togulu Sea Track signposted off the main coastal road in Tamakautoga (alongside the village green), southwest coast of Niue.
This short sea track in the middle of Tamakautoga, the Togulu Sea Track is a two-second walk to a small and attractive cove with coral sand that kids love exploring. There is a small sandy swimming hole good for splashing around at either high or low tide. You can also go at low tide for a reef walk.
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Avatele Beach
Best tide: low to mid outgoing tide
Location: Signposted off the main road, Avatele, southeast coast of Niue.
Ideal for snorkelling at mid tide, Avatele Beach has a wide variety of tropical fish. Beware that some coral is growing close to the surface, so don’t swim right at low tide. Plus, avoid swimming near the boat ramp which has a channel with a strong rip current.
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Utuko Reef
Best tide: low-to-mid incoming tide
Location: Sea track next to Crazy Uga Cafe, Alofi town centre, central west coast of Niue.
Follow a short sea track next to the Crazy Uga Cafe in Alofi to this attractive sandy beach. Utuko Reef is good for some floating snorkelling at low tide or reef walking. There are snorkelling pools to the left of the cove but should only be swum in when the swell is calm. See more sea tracks in the area in the 6 Best Sea Tracks in Alofi, as well as the 10 Things to Do in Alofi with Kids.
© NiuePocketGuide.com6. Avaiki Cave
Best tide: low tide
Location: Signposted on the main road between Makefu and Tuapa, west coast of Niue.
Only accessible at low tide, Avaiki Cave is a large cathedral cave with safe swimming in the cave pool. Snorkel among coral and fish in this impressive limestone cave. Be careful that rock surfaces are often slippery. For more caves to explore, see The 10 Best Caves in Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.com7. Talava Arches
Best time: low tide
Location: Signposted at the back of the grassy parking area in Hikutavake village, northwest coast of Niue.
A 30-minute one-way walk on a rough and rock trail, the Talava Arches is a rewarding mission for older kids who have their footing. The Talava Arches Sea Track winds through the coastal forest until reaching a limestone cave to scramble through with ropes to aid you. At the end of the trail, you’ll emerge at a grand cave opening looking out to a huge coastal arch and a channel below. The channel provides safe swimming around low tide along with a few coral displays.
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Hio Beach
Best tide: 30 minutes to 1 hour on either side of low tide
Location: Sea track next to the Hio Cafe, signposted along the main road, Tuapa, west coast of Niue.
A sandy cove down the steps behind the Hio Cafe & Bar, Hio Beach is a wonderful place to swim 30 minutes to 1 hour on either side of low tide. There’s a good little swimming spot along the reef to the right where there is a cut in the reef, as well as a pool. For a full list of beaches, check out The 5 Best Beaches in Niue.
© NiuePocketGuide.comMore About Safe Swimming Spots in Niue for Kids
That’s it for our list of the best sea track and places to swim in Niue with kids. For more family-friendly advice, check out the following guides:
- 10 Best Family Accommodations in Niue
- 20 Tips for Your Family Niue Vacation with Kids
- 10 Things to Do in Niue with Kids
Finally, if there’s anything we’ve missed, you’re likely to find it in The Travel Guide to Niue for Families.
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