Scuba Diving in Niue

Niue’s isolated location, lack of rivers and porous make-up, provides stunning clarity with water visibility of no less than 40 metres (100 feet). Great for underwater photography. Explore the islands unique drop-offs, canyons and caves.

The reef, predominately made up of hard coral, drops to around 40 metres, where it levels off for a short distance before heading off into the vastness of the abyss. There are numerous dive sites, some quite challenging.

Snake Gully has an abundance of timid sea snakes measuring up to a metre long. They ascend to the surface for a gulp of air before returning to probe the crevices of the reef for food. Along with the usual reef dwellers you will encounter reef sharks, barracuda, Maori wrasse, the comical anemone, surgeon fish, Moorish idol, regal angelfish, long nosed butterfish, large fin banner fish, the crown of thorns starfish and the elusive aqua Ribbon eel.

Spinner dolphins are in attendance all year. Every year, between June and November the migrating Humpback Whales are a common sight frolicking around and breaching close to shore.

"The Chimney"
Enter a hole five metres below the surface and drop down vertically through the 'chimney' reaching “the fireplace " at twenty seven metres. As you descend, the bubbles from the divers below drift pass, giving the feeling you are in space. Look up and you have a silhouette of the following divers. At the base you are in an arch from which you look out into the deep blue waters. The fireplace is a favourite haunt for crayfish.

"Namoui"
This drift dive has you passing over numerous coral ridges, where a keen eye will find turtles feeding on the sponges and growth under the corals. These turtles, like the fish life, can be encountered close-up if the diver approaches calmly and slowly.

Snorkelling
There are several stunning in shore swimming areas and coral pools like Matapa Chasm and Limu that offer a gentle introduction to the marine world beyond the outer reef.

The clear shallow waters with temperatures between 25 – 28°C, teem with colourful fish and living coral. You can snorkel around the rock pools, some formerly reserved exclusively for Niuean kings, for hours without growing tired or cold.