14-night Polynesian Bliss Cruise: Marquesas, Tuamotu And Society Islands

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide

This magical island is what inspired James Michener to write about mythical "Bali Hai." The rugged mountains rise dramatically from the ocean and stand guard over this lush island that features everything from white sandy beaches to pineapple plantations to cascading waterfalls to secluded coves. A trip through the lushly-forested inland to Le Belvedere lookout opens a breathtaking view of deep blue waters of Cook's and Opunohu bays, which are the perfect anchorages for luxury yachts and sailboats alike. Horseback riding on the beach, bicycling and hiking into the mountains, deep-sea fishing, sailing, scuba diving, para-sailing, and much more awaits.

Destination Guide

Rangiroa is a perfect example of what happnes to a volcano when it erodes over time. Its caldera submerged, creating a body of water surrounded by a dotted ring of sand and reef. Truly one of the world's greatest diving destinations, Rangiroa attracts both amateur and professional divers worldwide.

Destination Guide

Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago. Its beauty from the sea or from high above the islands is truly breathtaking. The 2,100 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Houmi, Anaho and Hakaui, where they work for the government, the community, Catholic church or school system, or for themselves - chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, raising cattle and other livestock, or sculpting bowls and platters or making Marquesan ceremonial clubs, tikiís and ukuleles. Hatiheu is a beautiful village on the northern shore of Nuku Hiva - where it sits in a secluded bay, surrounded by sharply spired peaks. The area around Haiheu is covered with interesting archeological sites.

Atop a green peak bordering the bay at Nuka Hiva is a statue of Virgin Mary (984 ft above sea level). In the valley is the Naniuhi "tahua", a meeting place for pre-Christian Marquesans, including a dance platform, ceremonial stones and petroglyphs carved in boulders. Taipivai Valley has numerous waterfalls, a long river and one of the best preserved archeological sites in the Marquesas including several tiki. Anaho Bay and its golden sand beach has great swimming and is one of the loveliest spots in the Marquesas with only six families living in the valley. Don’t miss the sculptures of Taiohae. They are unquestionably the most skilled wood and coconut craftspeople in French Polynesia. Taiohae is a pleasant village bordering the sea with French and Territorial administrators, government buildings, gendarmerie, post office, general hospital, town hall, Air Tahiti office, and well-stocked stores and shops. It lies on the south coast at the head of the Bay of Taiohae whose entrance is guarded by two rocks called "Les Sentinelles" Motu Nui to the west and Matauapuna to the East.

A crescent shaped island, Ua Huka is the smallest of the northern Marquesan group and home to 539 inhabitants. A vast plateau spreads out at the base of Mount Hitikau, with an arid, desert like topo scrub brush. Wild horses roam the tablelands and herds of goats graze around and on the small airstrip. Wild cotton and fragrant herbs cover the hills of the southern coast and offshore islets are home to sea birds. The coast off Haavei is rich in sea life, filled with sharks, dolphins, manta ray, big turtles, lobster and a variety of fish. The oldest archaeological site so far discovered in the Marquesas is at Haíatuatua in Hane, which was settled between 254-300 A.D. A second archeological site of Vaikki permits each visitor to admire ancient petroglyphs. A small museum of Marquesan artifacts is found in Vaipaee, a second museum in Hane and fern-covered valleys conceal ruins from the seven tribes who formerly inhabited Ua Huka. Near Hane are three tiki sculpted from red rock. These and other sites may be visited by foot, horseback or by all-terrain vehicles.

Pua Mau is a peaceful, ancient sanctuary amidst the forests of Hiva Oa, the biggest of the Marquesas southern island chain. Paul Gauguin was drawn to Hiva Oa for its lush landscape, beautiful water and vibrant people. Gauguin's tomb is here, as well as a dedication to the musician Jacques Brel. The Marquesan culture is known for woodcarving and other crafts, many of which you can shop for at the village of Atuona. After arriving from the journey up through the hills to get to Pua Mau, relax and take in the scenery of antiquity, with ancient sculptures of Polynesian gods and goddesses and stone walls that predate the Protestent and Catholic settling of Polynesia. From Pua Mau, head down to the coast to relax by the sea, witnessing goats meandering across dirt roads and hills along the way.

The smallest of the Marquesas archipelago, at only 19 square miles, Tahuata is a leaf-shaped volcanic island with sheer cliffs, white-sand beaches, lush vegetation, twin bays—and a turbulent colonial history. You’ll call on Hapatoni, a charming, seafront village with an ancient paved royal walkway shaded by tamanu trees. Visit the huge Catholic church, built by the Vatican and decorated with stunning stained-glass windows and beautiful local carvings. Admire traditional carvings at the crafts center. And enjoy fine swimming and snorkeling in the only Marquesas island edged by coral reef.

An hour and a half flight from Papeete, rectangular-shaped Fakarava is a charming village, home to most of the atoll's 248 inhabitants. The only other - sort of - settlement (10 people ) is on Tetamanu Motu Islet located opposite the lagoon next to the smaller but prettier pass. Fakarava's immense lagoon has several black pearl farms, idyllic white sand beaches and is peppered with small islands, homes to many breeds of nesting birds oblivious to visitors.

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Destination Guide