Exploring Niue’s Waters by Kayak, Vaka or Paddleboard
Let’s be honest, most of the action in Niue is out on the water where there are crystal clear waters and amazing limestone formations on the coast to discover. While snorkelling is the obvious go-to for most visiting Niue, it’s easy to mix things up a bit with either stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), outrigger canoeing (vaka) or kayaking. Freedom rentals and guided tours are available, which you can learn more about in this guide to SUP, canoe and kayak in Niue!
For more ways to get on the water, see The Best Boat Tours in Niue. [Update: SUP board hire and tours are no longer available in Niue. This article will be updated when options for SUP tours and hire become available again].
Quick Tips for Paddleboarding, Canoeing and Kayaking in Niue
- All SUP, canoe and kayak hire in Niue include lifejackets
- Tours and day rentals are dependent on the sea conditions, while some are dependent on the tide so tours are not often flexible or sometimes need to be rescheduled
- Note that there are different age restrictions for tours and rental hire, so check them out before booking for the family
- Some tours and lessons have a maximum group size, usually four, so bear this in mind when booking for a group.
(c) Buccaneers - Niue TourismSUP and Kayak Rental in Niue
For travellers who prefer to explore independently, kayak and stand-up paddleboard hire are available in Niue. Kayaks come in a range of forms, from your standard sit-on-top kayaks to clear-bottom kayaks to inflatable kayaks. All hires include paddles and lifejackets.
Kayak Hire
Kayak Niue hires out single sit-on-top kayaks. The kayaks are light, easy to manoeuvre and super durable should you accidentally find yourself crashing into Niue’s rocks (yep, that can happen). Up to four kayaks are available to hire. Kayakers must be aged 16 years and above.
Magical Niue Sea Adventures offers clear-bottom kayaks which give you an alternative way to observe the underwater world without getting wet. Kayaks are for two people only and are hired out on an hourly basis.
Stand-Up Paddleboard Hire
[Update: Stand-up paddleboard hire is no longer available in Niue. This page will be updated when SUP board hire becomes available again].
Where to Kayak in Niue with a Rental
Kayak hire companies will be able to tell you the best places to take your rental kayak. However, exploring from the three boat ramps in Niue, in Alofi, Avatele or Namukulu, are usually good options.
(c) M. Crawford - Niue TourismGuided SUP and Kayak Tours in Niue
With the knowledge of a local guide, you can see some real hidden gems of Niue’s coastline, learn stories of the island, and have peace of mind of being with someone who knows what they’re doing. Kayak tours are available in Niue, as follows:
Guided Kayak Tour
Kayak Niue offers a 4km (2.5 miles) kayaking trip on their single kayaks to check out some historical landmarks, hit the scenic hotspots and stop for some snorkelling along the way. The tour, which either departs from Avatele Beach or the Kalaone Sea Track, lasts approximately one to two hours. The minimum age of the tour is 16 years old.
Guided SUP Tour
[Update: Guided stand-up paddleboard tours are no longer available in Niue. This page will be updated when SUP tours become available again].
For more tours on the water, check out The Best Guided Snorkelling Tours in Niue and The Best Scuba Diving Tours in Niue.
(c) niuepocketguide.comVaka Tours in Niue
For something unique, try learning how to paddle a traditional Niuean canoe on a vaka tour. Niue’s fishermen still use outrigger canoes called “vaka” to this day to fish for food.
Taue Vaka Tours offers you the chance to get an insight into the Niuean culture on a one to two-hour tour. You’ll launch from Avatele Bay where you’ll learn how to manoeuvre a vaka while exploring a scenic lagoon. Tours are extremely affordable, especially for children 10 years and under who can join for free. Note that vaka tours are dependent on the tide.
Check out more cultural activities in the 10 Best Ways to Experience the Niue Culture.
More About Where to SUP, Canoe and Kayak in Niue
