HUMPBACK WHALES, CORAL REEFS and wild seas in niue, south pacific

We have been dreaming of bringing guests to swim with the singing whales for a long time now, but it has taken us a while to find the perfect destination to host such a trip. This small island of around 1500 inhabitants is not widely known - flung far out into the vast Pacific Ocean, Niue is an upraised coral atoll - a small green dot that is a standalone land mass in the centre of a triangle of Polynesian Islands - the others being; Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands. Here the blue blue water around the island is still wild, respected and teeming with life. It's in these waters that the beautiful humpback whales come to deliver their young and nurse them to be strong enough to join in the yearly migration. There are few places in the world where it is legal to swim with whales, and fewer still where the codes of conduct and regulations are well enough enforced for these interactions to have no negative impact on the well being of these gentle giants. 

We will alternate days of swimming with Humpback whales, deep freediving training on a rope (for beginners or advanced freediver) and open water ocean safaris to see what the big pelagic waters have to offer. Our extended schedule also allows for long hikes, caving and snorkelling the reefs around the island.

We chose this destination, because: supporting the responsible local ecotourism operators who will guide us to the whales we hope to be a part of the continued economic growth of Niue Island and lend our voice (and dollars) to the continued regulation and strict management of in- water meetings with whales.

Watch the highlight reel from 2018 trip:

The iconic animals and ecosystems we will explore are:

Fakaalofa lahi atu / WELCOME TO BEAUTIFUL NIUE

Of our 8 full days on the Island (9 nights) five days will be boat based freediving - starting with deep freediving training along a rope (for both beginners and advanced freedivers), followed by several hours devoted entirely to interactions with Humpback Whales, working with a well respected local boat operator. On our boat diving days we will also get to see and experience whatever else the wild blue water has to offer, from dolphins, to tuna, other game fish and sharks - a true ocean safari!

On our 'dry days', we will explore the island - from the local markets, to coastal hikes, underground cave system and more. You will also have time to deepen your yoga and meditation practice with daily sessions as well as two in-water breath-hold sessions. 

This trip is longer than any of our other Signature Trips, as we want to ensure that once one has travelled to such a remote destination, you get to explore and experience everything the island has to offer. 

Please email us to get our more detailed itinerary and travel recommendations. 

IMPORTANT NOTE on whale interactions & freediving: In Niue it is not allowed to freedive down with the Humpback Whales as this can disturb them. We will have many opportunities to practise our deeper freediving on the reefs and with other pelagic wildlife, and we strictly follow these regulations of not diving down with the whales.

Freediving is an age-old practice of exploring the ocean on one breath. With its roots in subsistence living off the sea, freediving has become a competitive sport with disciplines, competitions and records and moreover, one of the biggest expanding water-sports in the world.

In contrast to scuba, freediving is the most natural way of being underwater, enabling you to get much closer to the animals – particularly the bigger ones – while having the least ecosystem impact. Furthermore, it is more athletic than scuba and allows you to move faster and more freely (in all directions). Learning from a good instructor, the art of freediving is simple and is a tool to explore your body’s (aquatic) ability, the physiology of the human body underwater with the impressive mammalian dive response we share with whales, dolphins and seals.

At I AM WATER Ocean Travel, we teach a conservative slow progression approach where you will explore your limitations and capabilities under the expert eye of top certified freediving instructors. Each day will start or end with a yoga session to prepare your lungs and body for deep breaths and time underwater, learning to control your breathing and to slow your heart-rate. You will be offered breath-hold training on land, in water as well as deep diving sessions along a rope to prepare you for meeting the animals. As world-class freedivers we will inspire you to explore your own depths!

At the end of your vacation, we will have covered all the theory and training needed for the Pure Apnea Level 1 Freediving Certification. If you are interested in becoming certified and have met all practical requirements during training, we conclude with an exam on the last night.

Joining us on one of our Signature Trips does not require more than a general interest in the ocean and its creatures, basic swimming abilities and good health. It is open to all ages and fitness levels (medical questionnaires will be required).

IMPORTANT NOTE on whale interactions & freediving: In Niue it is not allowed to freedive down with the Humpback Whales as this can disturb them. We will have many opportunities to practise our deeper freediving on the reefs and with other pelagic wildlife, and we strictly follow these regulations of not diving down with the whales. 

For further information please check our Freediving FAQ's.

SCENIC MATAVAI WITH SWEEPING VIEWS

On Niue Island we will be staying at the Studio Apartments of the Scenic Matavai Resort in Niue. With sweeping views over the Pacific Ocean, the Matavai is the prime luxury accommodation on the island. We have chosen the more secluded Studio Apartments for our trip, just a mile north of the bustling main resort for it’s tranquil setting and incredible ocean views.

Each apartment has a king-size bed, a small kitchen unit, en suite bathroom and private balcony overlooking the sea. Our group will have the space almost exclusively, while the larger villa hosting the team will also be where our private chef creates innovative healthy meals that are tailored towards freediving training and the active lifestyle.

NIUE SOUTH PACIFIC

DATES                                     HOSTS                                  PRICE

2025 dates coming soon         Hanli, Peter & Chef Bella                  Starting from USD 12 000 pp

Niue trips are max 6 people / Incl. all freediving, whale interactions, local transport, accommodation & food / Excl. flights to Niue (via Auckland).