MARQUESAS: Hiva Oa
CULTURAL ENCOUNTERS
The waters off the Marquesas Islands are plankton-rich, helping to attract some of the most unique marine species across all the islets. Dotted around the islands are underwater caves filled with stingrays, and roaming the entrances are electra dolphins and scalloped hammerhead sharks.
DIVE
SITES
The dives sites of Hiva Oa are a trained divers dream with deep caves and coral shelfs to test your dive experience to see just how far you can explore.
The Rabot
At a depth of between 20 and 27 meters (65 to 88 feet), these waters are an ideal spot for trained divers. Here the deep caves are home to many moray eels, some of which are smaller than the Javanese species. Make sure to keep an eye out for the flamboyant colors of the nudibranchs.
The Kui Point
On this dive you’ll feel like you’re flying as you make your way over cavities filled with remarkable shells of all shapes. Here too you’ll find scorpion fish, groupers, and the show-stopping manta rays.
Dive Centers
- Marquises Diving marquisesdiving@gmail.com
OTHER
ACTIVITIES
When you’re not in the water, point your focus to the land with its plenty of hiking trails to explore. There is also a rich art culture to uncover.
Hiking
If you’re into hiking then take your pick. There are so many trails you can explore such as Hanatekuua Beach. Here you make your way from the beach into the forest where beautiful wild flowers dot the landscape. It’s also a great place for bird watching.
Art Culture
The Marquesans are said to be some of the finest craftsmen throughout French Polynesia. They create large and intricate fine carvings, design beautiful tattoos, and striking pieces of jewelry.
GETTING
HERE
If you’re visiting more than one island in The Islands of Tahiti then fly with Air Tahiti. It offers a multi-flight pass that saves you time and money.
Fly from Papeete
Air Tahiti provides non-stop services from Papeete to Nuku Hiva with a 3-hour 45-minute flight seven days a week, as well as a 3-hour 50-minute flight to Hiva Oa five days a week.
Inter-island flight transfers
Continuing flights connect Nuku Hiva to Hiva Oa with several weekly 50-minute flights. Several inter-island vessels are in operation.
Boat from island to island
Jumping aboard the passenger freighter cruiser Aranui 5 is a great way to discover these islands. It’s used by sailors to unload goods to the local people eagerly awaiting the arrival of the famous South Seas cargo ship.
Islands
NEARBY
Fakarava— DRIFT THROUGH THE WALL OF SHARKS
This remarkable untouched atoll is home to rare and protected species. It also has one of the largest concentrations of grey sharks in the world.
Raiatea— THE WRECK OF THE NORDBY
Raiatea is one of the most sacred island in the region. Its mountains are carpeted in greenery and its ocean passes make for quiet walks under the sea.