Marquesas Islands French Polynesia

Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Aranui V, Marquesas Island Travel

Marquesas are as fierce and feral as the animals that move around their jagged area. In contrast to the other islands in French Polynesia, there are no natural sites such as lakes or sandy beaches. Marquesas Archipelago is one of the most isolated archipelagoes in the worid. This far-flung volcano islands are further away from a continent's land mass than any other existing isle.

Know as Te Henua Enata, "The Land of Men", these primal islands will call to their wildest inmost. All over the islands there are many archeological and religious places, among them homes, shrines, rock sculptures, farm patios and cemeteries testifying to the presence of an old population. Islands are Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Fetu Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, Tahuata and other small islets.

The only two islands with accommodation are Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. The Nuku Hiva Pearl Lodge and Hiva Oa Pearl Lodge are among them. We also have a few guest houses around the islands. Situated on the north-western border, Nuku Hiva is the biggest of the Marquesas Islands.

Famous as the Mystic Isle, it hosts many unique and spectacular sites such as the sandy beaches of Anaho, the Hakaui Valley Falls, the third highest in the whole wide range, Notre Dame Cathedral, which hosts complicated wood and rock art from every single of the islands, and numerous submarine caves that are home to an amazing diversity of wildlife.

Taiohae, the Marquesas' administration centre, is a small but bustling harbour, especially during the yacht racing seasons. The second biggest of the islands, Hiva Oa is situated in the southeast of the archipelago. Atuona is usually the first stop for sailing boats that cross the Pacific to the south.

It is the most historical of the group, with some of the biggest antique sculptures of Theiki in French Polynesia. Also known as Gauguin's Isle, Hiva Oa is the last rest place for the artist Paul Gauguin and the writer Jacques Brel. The Marquesas Islands have been home to many of Polynesia's artistic genres in the genuine artistic world.

The Marquesas Arts Festival takes place every four years in Nuku Hiva, a festival of the famous art talents and deep-rooted tradition of these islands. Aranui V is the best way to discover the primordial beauties of these distant islands. This working vessel, which carries everything from groceries and medicines to fuels, is also a cruiser for those who want to discover each of the Marquesas Islands.

More than any other French Polynesian islands, the Marquesas attract a completely different kind of traveller - one with an inherent spirit of advent.