Niue is gearing up for its winter peak season and has welcomed more air capacity for whale and dolphin watching experiences, as the destination expands its maritime offerings with a focus on sustainability, and the first cruise ships are sailing in. 
Scenic II arrived in Niue in Mar with 200 guests aboard who explored the island. “Feedback from visitors and crew was outstanding,” says Niue Tourism’s Hayden Porter, who adds that one of the expedition team onboard messaged him to says Niue was ‘the most beautiful place I have ever visited’.
“They have rebooked for 2028 already,” says Porter.
Giant superyacht M/Y Octopus also sailed into Niue recently embarking on a land program from Niue Tourism and local operators.
Porter says the vessel is one of the growing number of superyachts that has recently visited with several enquiries from others planning to visit.
But the focus is on sustainable ship visits. Porter says the destination turned down around 10 cruise visits last year as there were just too many people aboard, which would be more damaging than beneficial to Niue.
“Instead, we have focused on the exploration-style companies and delivering high quality, high yield experiences with no more than 250 people coming ashore in any one visit.”
Those that have been approved, and are visiting in the next year, include Silversea, Island Sky and National Geographic.
At the same time Explore Niue has welcomed a second custom 6.5m Smuggler RIB, meaning more whale and dolphin experiences.
Humpback whales are in Niuean waters mid-Jul through to late Sep, and the dolphins can be spotted year-round.
The operator also offers fishing charters, and land-based scenic tours, all of these are commissionable for agents. See more on Niue HERE.
