Nuku Hiva, the mysterious island of the Marquesan archipelago

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Nuku Hiva is the largest island of the Marquesas. Her magnificent cliffs overlook the ocean making her one of the most striking islands of the Marquesas. Nuku Hiva hosts many mysterious ruins and legendary historic sites which are places one must visit during your stay here.

Nuku Hiva is also a cultural hub. Some of the best Polynesian designers will invite you to discover their traditional arts, such as tattooing, carving, fine local cuisine and lot’s more.

Many of the Islands archeological remnants boast the people’s cultural creativity including the majestic stone built “tiki” and exceptional “marae”.

Traveling through the Marquesas Islands, you will be mesmerized by incredible forest landscapes and magical waterfalls. Dive and explore underwater caves - this island has no reef so be ready for unexpected encounters with bottlenose dolphins, hammerhead sharks, manta rays, eagle and marbled rays.

Located 1,500km / 933 miles north-east of Tahiti (flight time: 3 hours 30 minutes)
Population: 2,700
Area: 330 km2 / 205 sq miles
Highest peak: Mount Tekao (1,224m / 4,015 ft)
Airport: Nuku Ataha
Administrative and economic center (hub) of the Marquesas
Stop during a cruise on the Aranui

Must see

Marae and Tiki
Hatiheu and Anahau bays
Taipivai valley: Hakaui waterfall (the 3^rd highest in the world) and archeological sites
Scuba diving: caves and walls

During your vacation

A catamaran cruise
Jocelyne’s Excursions
Fly over the Marquesas
Discover Marquesan art

CUSTOM QUOTE

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Reviews

All Reviews

Dany

19 Oct 2012
France - Strasbourg

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Hello Ariimana,
The return was difficult Tuesday!
In any case big thank you for making us feel so advised and have everything so well organized, everything went as planned. We happily discovered this part of France so much less stressful than ours, and especially so more welcoming, not to mention the beautiful scenery and colors and beautiful vegetation. We are delighted to have met people very friendly especially the Marquesas, the pension Moehau really recommend, they were too much trouble, they rented a 4x4 for us through which we could visit without guide the 4 corners of the island where we were often the only tourists.
The tour that you have offered on Bora Bora was also very interesting despite the downpour we received on the head during the ride on the lagoon but the two boys who accompanied us made us forget thanks to their good mood! Not talking about the beautiful Maupiti is a real reward compared to abominable past 5am on Maupiti Express!

In short, it was a beautiful trip we will never forget . And we have took so many photos ... our children and grandchildren will have to enjoy Sunday.

Thank you again, and if one day we decide to come back, we will know who to talk to!

Related packages :

Cruise in Marquesas islands , discover Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa - 13 DAYS / 12 NIGHTS

Discovery cruise on the Aranui and travel to Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa - 16 DAYS / 15 NIGHTS

Wild Marquesas islands in the islands of Tahiti, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa - 8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS

Other islands

Society islands

Tuamotu atolls

Marquesas islands

Austral islands

Bora Bora
Tahiti
Moorea
Huahine
Raiatea
Taha'a
Maupiti

Rangiroa
Manihi
Tikehau
Fakarava

Nuku Hiva
Hiva Oa

Rurutu
Tubuai
Raivavae

Our experts' advice

Ariimana

Travel specialist

“As we approach the season, I invite you to discover the humpback whales!”

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The best time is between July and October. Indeed, we have the privilege of being on the migration route of the majestic humpback whales and since 2002, French Polynesia is listed as marine mammal sanctuary. During the season they come to mate and calve which offers visitors wonderful opportunities to meet a mother and her calf. To put the odds on your side, you should know that in July / August the whales are mostly in the warm waters of the Society archipelago, then they head down to the Australes archipelago in September, especially in Rurutu. I can help you organize the most suitable trip possible and perhaps you will realize your dream of swimming with the worldwide known humpback whales! This is a rare and precious moment; few have had the chance to do in their lives.

All travel tips

Our experts' advice

Mahearani

Webmaster

“The Polynesian islands will offer you some unique underwater encounters”

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If you are searching for adventure or interested by sea life. During your stay, you should enjoy our exclusive aquatic excursions like : "shark & ray feeding", swim with dolphins, or scuba diving lessons. The Polynesian islands will offer you some unique underwater encounters : Sharks of many different species, sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, schools of jackfish or baraccudas, and much more...