Amazing Boat Trips in Niue
As an island nation, it comes as no surprise that much of the action is out on the water in Niue. With that, there is a wide variety of boat tours in Niue, where each one mixes one type of adventure with exploring the Niue coastline. It could be a fishing charter, learning to paddle a traditional canoe, snorkelling or scuba diving among stunning coral gardens, or even swimming with whales and dolphins. Of course, there is at least one option where you can enjoy simply sitting back and cruising at sunset. Check out all of your options when it comes to getting out on Niue’s water on a boat!
Before we take a look at the best boat tours in Niue, be sure to bookmark the 101 Things to Do in Niue: The Ultimate List featuring more amazing experiences.
Quick Tips for Boat Trips in Niue
- All boat tours in Niue are weather dependent, so tours will be rescheduled if the sea conditions are too dangerous
- Kayak and vaka (canoe) tours are also tide dependent, so tour times change daily
- Only boats with a whale license can approach humpback whales if seen on a tour
- Boats in Niue tend to be small fishing boats or inflatable dive boats, so don’t expect any lavish sailing ships or large catamarans
- Tours are best booked through your accommodation or through the Visitor Information Centre – see Where to Book Tours in Niue for more advice.
Snorkelling and Scuba Diving Boat Tours
Access some of Niue’s most unspoiled snorkelling spots and dive sites with one of the snorkelling or scuba diving boat tours.
Snorkelling boat tours in Niue can take you to outer reefs or chasms only accessible by boat to explore some of the less-visited snorkelling spots around the island. Tours also give you the opportunity to swim with spinner dolphins should they be encountered when travelling to or from the snorkelling destination.
Alternatively, scuba diving boat tours are also available, typically for certified divers looking to hit one of Niue’s amazing dive sites. Dive through chimneys, explore underwater caves and encompass yourself in a world of colourful tropical fish and coral.
Magical Niue Sea Adventures and Niue Blue both offer fantastic snorkelling and scuba diving tours. All snorkelling gear is provided on snorkelling tours, while recreational dives have gear hire to suit your needs.
Learn more about each tour in The Best Guided Snorkelling Tours in Niue and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Niue.
Whale Swimming Tours
During the whale season, July to September, there are several operators with licenses to interact with humpback whales. Whale swimming tours allow you to join these majestic creatures in their element – crystal clear waters where they come each year to raise their young.
Niue Blue, Magical Niue Sea Adventures and Fish Niue Charters/Explore Niue have full-time licenses to swim with whales throughout the season. Tours include snorkelling gear. Some of Niue’s fishing charters also have whale swimming licenses, including Paul Pasisi Charters and Niue Fishing Charters. See the 5 Best Whale Tours in Niue to compare the tours available.
Kayak/Vaka Tours
Explore the stunning coastline of Niue without the noise of a motor on a guided kayak or vaka tour. While freedom kayak hire is available, local guides will be able to show you the coastal hidden gems. Note that kayak and vaka tours are tide and weather dependent.
For something quite unique, join Taue Vaka Tours to learn how to paddle a traditional Niuean canoe. Tours are available any day but are tide dependent. Tours depart from Avatele Bay.
Alternatively, paddle in something you might be used to with Kayak Niue. Their two to three-hour guided kayak tour takes you along the Alofi coastline to experience a different perspective of Niue’s rugged coastline. Tours depart from either the Kalaone Sea Track or Avatele Bay.
Kayak and clear kayak rentals are also available in Niue to explore at your own pace. See The Guide to SUP and Kayak in Niue for more information.
Sunset Cruise
While there’s no lack of fishing tours in Niue (see the section below), one fishing charter also offers another way to experience Niue on the water… Join Niue Fishing Charters for their Sunset Coastal Cruise where a maximum of six people can enjoy a late afternoon/early evening cruise along the coastline.
Your guide will point out interesting sights along Niue’s coastline, while you and your group relax with the provided refreshments (beer, wine, juice and snacks). You also may be lucky enough to see dolphins and even whales in the right season.
Fishing Boat Tours
Finally, another way to get out on the water in Niue on some sort of boat tour is via a fishing charter.
Fishing charters in Niue range from 2h30mins to five hours on the water where you’ll be trolling, jigging or casting for Niue’s fiesty game fish. Reel in wahoo, mahimahi, yellowfin tuna or something else! What’s more, you are certainly spoiled for choice when it comes to fishing tours in Niue, where there are 10 to choose from! Fishing charters in Niue include:
- Fish Niue Charters
- Niue Fishing Charters
- Niue Wahoo Fishing Charters
- Paul Pasisi Charters
- Sea Turtle Charters
- Gone Fishing Niue Fishing Charters
- Kiu Tahi Fishing Charters
- Niue Sport Fishing Charters
- Teresa’s Charters
- Vaimono Charters
We go into detail on each charter in the 10 Best Fishing Charters in Niue.
More About Boat Tours in Niue
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of Niue Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in the South Pacific over 10 years ago with nothing but a backpack and a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to explore a paradise such as Niue. She knows the island inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience Niue’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides.