Fatu Hiva | Hiva Oa | Nuku Hiva | Ua Huka | Ua Pou   ...

 

Located more than 1,400 km (approx. 870 Miles) northeast of Tahiti, the Marquesas form the most remote archipelago in French Polynesia. This isolation has preserved its authenticity and given it a unique character. Here, there are no lagoons or protective reefs : the ocean breaks directly against monumental cliffs, sculpting a dramatic and spectacular landscape. The islands rise from the sea like basalt fortresses draped in lush jungle, where humans coexist with a powerful and vibrant nature.

The Marquesas are the cultural soul of Polynesia. This archipelago has kept alive many of the ancestral traditions of the Ma’ohi people : tattooing, stone and wood carving, warrior dances, polyphonic chants, and the spirituality that permeates ancient sacred sites (marae and tiki). It is also a land of legend and mystery, chosen by artists such as Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel to spend their final days. Due to its isolation and the lack of luxury tourist infrastructure on land, the most ideal and exclusive way to discover the Marquesas is by cruise, aboard a luxury vessel such as those operated by Ponant. This option allows access to several islands in optimal conditions, offering exceptional comfort while exploring one of the Pacific’s most fascinating and little-known destinations.

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The main islands and their singularities :

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• Nuku Hiva

  The gateway to the archipelago. With its spectacular valleys such as Hakaui and the Vaipo waterfall (the highest in French Polynesia), it is perfect for hiking and archaeological exploration. Its Taiohae Bay forms a natural amphitheater of raw beauty, where echoes of an ancient past linger among petroglyphs and ceremonial ruins.

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• Hiva Oa

  Mystical and artistic, this island is famous for hosting Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, whose graves rest in Atuona’s cemetery overlooking the ocean. It is also a key site for Marquesan culture, home to large tikis, stone carvings, and vibrant cultural centers.

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• Ua Pou

  Dominated by sharp volcanic peaks (some exceeding 1,200 meters), this island exudes power and magnetism. Trails lead through dense jungles and villages where wood and stone carving remain a living art.

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• Ua Huka

  Less visited, this island offers a more intimate experience. Its arid landscape shelters endemic species, wild horses, and small ethnographic museums—perfect for a tranquil and authentic cultural immersion.

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Special activities :

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• Guided explorations of hidden archaeological sites in the valleys

• Visits to local communities with encounters with artisans, musicians, and traditional dancers

• Hiking and trekking through spectacular landscapes of green mountains and deep bays

• Scenic sailing between islands to admire cliffs, waterfalls, and rugged coastlines from the sea

• Wildlife observation (endemic birds, wild horses, sea turtles)
   

Accommodation & access :
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Lodging options on land are simple and limited. For discerning travelers seeking comfort, privacy, and discovery, a luxury cruise is the most recommended way to explore the archipelago.