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. The island, instead, 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
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 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.
Location: West coast of Niue, just north of Namukulu Village
(c) Niue Tourism2. Matapa Chasm
Located on the northwestern coast of Niue, the Matapa Chasm is an excellent swimming spot at all tides. There’s plenty of tropical fish to watch, so snorkelling gear is a must! The large 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.
Location: Northwest coast of Niue, north of Hikitavake opposite the start of the Talava Arches track
(c) niuepocketguide.com3. Avatele Beach
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 at low tide. Plus, avoid swimming near the boat ramp which has a channel with a strong rip current.
Location: Southwest coast of Niue in Avatele by the Washaway Cafe (only open Sundays)
(c) niuepocketguide.com4. Togulu Sea Track
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 high and low tide. You can also go at low tide for a reef walk.
Location: Southwest coast of Niue in Tamakautoga Village near the Scenic Matavai Resort
(c) niuepocketguide.com5. Utuko Reef
Follow a short sea track opposite the Police Station 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.
Location: West coast of Niue in Alofi, opposite the Police Station
(c) Niue Tourism6. Avaiki Cave
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 Best Caves in Niue.
Location: Northwest coast of Niue, in the village of Makefu
(c) Niue Tourism7. Talava Arches
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.
Location: Northwest coast of Niue, north of Hikitavake opposite the start of the Matapa Chasm track
(c) niuepocketguide.com8. Hio Beach
A sandy cove down the steps behind the Hio Cafe & Bar, Hio Beach is a wonderful place to swim one 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 Best Beaches in Niue.
Location: Northwest coast of Niue, in Tuapa Village being the Hio Cafe & Bar
(c) niuepocketguide.comMore About Safe Swimming Spots in Niue for Kids
