{"id":18668111,"date":"2026-07-17T10:05:31","date_gmt":"2026-07-17T08:05:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=18668111"},"modified":"2026-07-17T10:05:31","modified_gmt":"2026-07-17T08:05:31","slug":"visit-marquesas-islands","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/","title":{"rendered":"Visit the Marquesas Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dsection\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 min_height=\u201d459.4px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d5px||2px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-8px|||||\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px||40px||true|\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">A Unique Archipelago in French Polynesia<\/h2>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Emerald-green volcanic peaks rise from the vast expanse of the South Pacific Ocean, 1,500 kilometres north-east of Tahiti\u2026 This isolation has shaped the Marquesan culture, making it distinct from the rest of French Polynesia. To help you prepare for your <a href=\"https:\/\/en.ponant.com\/destinations\/french-polynesia\">trip to the Marquesas Islands<\/a> and make the most of their spectacular landscapes and rich traditions, here are some travel tips, enriched by insights from local guide Aniata Kimitete.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Where Are the Marquesas Islands? A Remote Paradise Worth the Journey<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Marquesas are one of the <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/polynesia-archipelagos\/\">five archipelagos of French Polynesia<\/a> alongside the Society Islands, the Tuamotu Archipelago, the Austral Islands and the Gambier Islands. Far from any continent, they are among the most remote inhabited places on Earth.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/CARTO_MARQUISES_ESCALES_ENG.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dMap of Archipelago in French Polynesia \u201d title_text=\u201dCARTO_MARQUISES_ESCALES_ENG\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Given the archipelago\u2019s remote location, the first step in getting to the Marquesas Islands is to fly into Tahiti, in the Society Islands. From there, you have several options. The quickest is to fly: several flights a week connect Papeete with Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, the two main islands, in around three and a half hours. Domestic flights also operate between some of the islands.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The second option is to travel by sea. More adventurous travellers can sail to the Marquesas, with crossing times and levels of comfort varying considerably depending on the wind and sea conditions. For a unique experience, it\u2019s also possible to travel aboard a cargo supply vessel on a round trip lasting around two weeks.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">A <a href=\"https:\/\/en.ponant.com\/destinations\/pacific-islands\">Pacific Cruise<\/a>: The Best Way to Discover the Marquesas<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-N\u00b0-1106.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPONANT EXPLORATIONS ship off the coast of the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-N\u00b0-1106\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d52px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Travelling aboard a cruise ship is undoubtedly one of the best ways to discover the Marquesas. The archipelago can be reached in just 48 hours, with the possibility of calling at the Tuamotu Islands either on the outward or return journey. To explore the Marquesas in full, choose an itinerary that includes both island groups: the Northern Marquesas and the Southern Marquesas.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The flexibility of a cruise ship also makes it easier to reach some of the archipelago\u2019s most remote bays and valleys by sea than by road. And scenic cruising beneath towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls is simply unforgettable.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Why Visit the Marquesas Islands? Experience the Magic of Te Henua Enata, the Land of Men<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The Marquesas have no lagoons or coral reefs. Instead, these lush volcanic islands rise more than 1,000 metres above the Pacific Ocean, with jagged ridges and dramatic peaks often crowned with clouds. Sheer cliffs, streaked with silvery waterfalls, plunge into the sea, while deeply carved valleys are home to monumental stone carvings. Be warned: unlike anywhere else in the tropics, the Marquesas\u2019 wild, rugged landscapes cast an almost mystical spell on all who visit.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-4_Archipel-des-Marquises-_Fatu-Hiva\u00a9StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPanoramic view of Fatu Hiva at sunset, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-4_Archipel-des-Marquises-_Fatu-Hiva\u00a9StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><span data-contrast=\"auto\">On these islands, far removed from the rest of the world, a unique civilisation flourished throughout the second millennium. Today, its legacy can be explored at archaeological sites, some of them partially reclaimed by vegetation. Monumental stone tiki sculptures and mysterious petroglyphs bear witness to the close relationship between the Enata (\u201cthe people\u201d) and the natural world around them. <\/span><span data-ccp-props='{\"335559739\":0}'>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">This distinctive heritage is still reflected in the Marquesas\u2019 living traditions, which local people are proud to share with visitors. Singing, dancing, craftsmanship and the <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/polynesian-tattoos-a-history\/\">art of tattooing<\/a> are woven into everyday life. Everything is made by hand, using techniques passed down through generations and exceptional traditional know-how.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 classic\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|50px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|false|true\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h2>UNESCO World Heritage listing: a major step in safeguarding and passing on Marquesan culture<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_divider show_divider=\u201doff\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d15%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d150px\u201d width_phone=\u201d150px\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||||false|false\u201d border_width_bottom=\u201d4px\u201d border_color_bottom=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_divider][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Since July 2024, the Marquesas Islands have been inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List under both natural and cultural criteria. This recognition marks the culmination of a long process led by the Marquesan people themselves. It acknowledges the archipelago\u2019s outstanding natural beauty and rich cultural heritage through a number of emblematic sites that reflect its thousand-year history and its exceptional marine and terrestrial biodiversity.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Which islands should you visit in the Marquesas? Tips for Making Sure You Don\u2019t Miss a Thing<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d6px||2px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Only six of the archipelago\u2019s twelve islands are inhabited, with a total population of fewer than 10,000 people. Here\u2019s what makes each one special, with insights from Aniata Kimitete, a Marquesan guide with a passion for the islands\u2019 history and traditions.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d admin_label=\u201dSlider Fullwidth\u201d module_class=\u201dhy-carousel-interest\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d100px||100px||true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-CG.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dAerial view of Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-CG\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>Nuku Hiva: Waterfalls and Sacred Sites<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">On the largest island in the Marquesas, start with a stroll around the village of Taiohae and a visit to its market before heading inland for a hike to Vaipo Waterfall. On the north-east coast, near the village of Hatiheu, don\u2019t miss the archaeological site of Kamuihei, Aniata\u2019s favourite place: \u201cNow restored and carefully preserved, this sacred site is truly majestic. It is home to numerous petroglyphs and one of the oldest and largest banyan trees in French Polynesia, estimated to be around 800 years old.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/marquesas-islands-french-polynesia-archipelago\/\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dThings to Do in Nuku Hiva\u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d_initial\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/The-rugged-and-beautiful-Marquesas-Islands-offer-up-culture-and-adventure.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dTiki on Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dThe-rugged-and-beautiful-Marquesas-Islands-offer-up-culture-and-adventure.\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>Hiva Oa: The Garden of the Marquesas<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The village of Atuona, nestled at the end of a bay fringed with black sand, preserves the legacy of both Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel. A visit to the Calvary Cemetery, where both artists are buried, and to the nearby cultural centre is a must.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201cThis is where you\u2019ll find the largest concentration of ancient monumental tikis still standing in their original setting. Today, those that were neither destroyed by missionaries nor hidden by local people are displayed in museums around the world\u2026\u201d adds Aniata.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-No-2095_PG120725_Ua-Pou\u00a9StudioPONANT_SarahLeilaPayan.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dWaterfall on Ua Pou, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-No-2095_PG120725_Ua-Pou\u00a9StudioPONANT_SarahLei\u0308laPayan\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Ua Pou: A Spectacular Landscape<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Dominated by its iconic basalt pinnacles, Ua Pou is the driest island in the archipelago. Its hiking trails are spectacular, particularly those leading to the Hoihoi Valley and the twin-peaked summit of Poumaka.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201cUa Pou\u2019s distinctive peaks can be recognised from far away! Visitors also love its magnificent white-sand beaches, a rarity in an archipelago where black sand beaches are far more common,\u201d Aniata explains.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-n\u00b089_N210522_FabricationDeTapa-FatuHiva\u00a9StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dTraditional tapa making on Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-n\u00b089_N210522_FabricationDeTapa-FatuHiva\u00a9StudioPONANT-Thibault-Garnier\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>Fatu Hiva: Far from Modern Life<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Fatu Hiva\u2019s natural scenery is breathtaking. In the village of Omoa, local people will show you how tapa is made from beaten bark.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201cWhenever I\u2019m here, these magnificent mountains fill me with an overwhelming sense of peace and tranquillity,\u201d says Aniata. \u201cAnd everyone agrees that the sunset over Hanavave Bay is the most beautiful in the Marquesas!\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/iStock-2193627200.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dWild cove in the Marquesas\u201d title_text=\u201diStock-2193627200\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>Ua Huka: The Island of Horses and Birds<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">With its contrasting desert landscapes and lush vegetation, Ua Huka is home to a unique ecosystem, including several endemic bird species. Why not explore its striking red volcanic landscapes on horseback?<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">\u201cUa Huka certainly lives up to its nickname,\u201d says Aniata. \u201cYou\u2019ll encounter large herds of wild horses, and the island has just three villages.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 use_custom_gutter=\u201don\u201d gutter_width=\u201d2\u2033 make_equal=\u201don\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-No-2139_PG140924_TAHUATA_\u00a9StudioPONANT-JulietteLECLERCQ.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPortrait of a tattooed Marquesan on Tahuata, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201diStock-2193627200\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.25.2\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d custom_css_main_element=\u201ddisplay:flex;||flex-direction:column;||justify-content:center;\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d text_line_height_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_line_height_phone=\u201d1.6em\u201d text_line_height_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d header_3_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_3_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d header_3_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3>Tahuata: The Marquesas\u2019 Best-Kept Secret<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Lush and fertile, Tahuata is the least-visited island in the Marquesas and can only be reached by sea. A stop reserved for the fortunate few\u2026<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Aniata looks forward to every visit to Tahuata: \u201cWhat I love most here is the people. They have such a joy for lifeand they radiate an extraordinary warmth. They\u2019re also remarkable artists, creating magnificent objects carved from bone.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d1px||3px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">When to Visit the Marquesas Islands: Planning Your Trip<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px|||||\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-No-2144_R_PG060724_Fatu-Hiva_\u00a9StudioPONANT-JulietteLECLERCQ.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPanorama of a bay on the island of Fatu Hiva, in the Marquesas, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-No-2144_R_PG060724_Fatu-Hiva_\u00a9StudioPONANT-JulietteLECLERCQ\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d52px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Temperatures in the Marquesas Islands range from 22\u00b0C to 30\u00b0C throughout the year, with an average of around 28\u00b0C. The islands have a humid tropical climate, with the seasons defined by rainfall rather than temperature. Although the archipelago lies close to the Equator, it is outside the tropical cyclone belt. The so-called \u201ccool\u201dm September to December, is the most pleasant, with refreshing trade winds and less frequent rainfall.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">If you\u2019re travelling independently, it\u2019s essential to book your inter-island flights or boat transfers well in advance. Airstrips can be found on every inhabited island except Fatu Hiva and Tahuata. Two ferry services connect the northern and southern island groups.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Finally, exploring the Marquesas with a local guide is a real plus. Their local knowledge insight into Marquesan culture, helping you look beyond the beauty of the landscapes.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d23px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||2px||false|false\u201d hover_enabled=\u201d0\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d sticky_enabled=\u201d0\u2033]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">Through the Eyes of Aniata Kimitete, a Marquesan Tour Guide<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_testimonial portrait_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/IMG-20260618-WA0017.jpg\u201d portrait_width=\u201d180px\u201d portrait_height=\u201d180px\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d body_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d text_orientation=\u201dleft\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Aniata Kimitete<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Born on Nuku Hiva, Aniata has spent almost her entire life on her beloved island, apart from a brief period away to pursue her studies. She has worked as a tour guide since 2013, notably <a href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/gaugines-gaugins-ame-croisieres-polynesiennes\/\">aboard the <em>Paul Gauguin<\/em><\/a>, where she helps passengers discover and gain a deeper understanding of Polynesian culture. She is thus following in the footsteps of her parents, who played a major role in putting the Marquesas on the international map. Her father, Lucienmother, Debora, was president of the first tourism committee and an active advocate for environmental protection in the Marquesas.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_testimonial][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 classic\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 width_tablet=\u201d\u201d width_phone=\u201d100%\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||50px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|50px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|40px||40px|false|true\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_3_font_size=\u201d16px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong style=\"color: #307f90;\">1. What would you like to share with people discovering the Marquesas?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I always try to help visitors understand that our history didn\u2019t begin with the arrival of the Europeans. We are the heirs to a civilisation that stretches back more than a thousand years, and we\u2019re immensely proud of our culture and ions. Our archipelago is truly unlike any other in French Polynesia.<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong style=\"color: #307f90;\">2. What makes it so special?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">First of all, there\u2019s the Marquesan language and our history, as these were the first islands in French Polynesia to be colonised by Europeans. Our craftsmanship is distinctive too: the motifs and decorative designs are different from those found on the other islands. Another example is the endemic plants we use, which give our monoi a very different fragrance from the one you\u2019ll find in Tahiti. In fact, here we call it \u201cpani\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">But above all, what strikes visitors in the Marquesas is a powerful energy that can be felt everywhere. This mana leaves a lasting impression, turning visitors into our greatest ambassadors. They\u2019re deeply touched by the warmth of their welcome and the kindness of the people. They often say to me, \u201cYou all seem so happy!\u201d<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong style=\"color: #307f90;\">3. Finally, one last question for food lovers: What should you try in the Marquesas Islands? <\/strong><\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Seventy per cent of our food comes from the ocean, so seafood, crabs and spiny lobsters are a must. If you enjoy meat, don\u2019t miss two traditional dishes that are often served at Sunday family gatherings: goat cooked in coconut milk and slow-cooked pork.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font_size=\u201d12px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Photos cr\u00e9dits: \u00a9F. Courr\u00e8ge ; \u00a9Studio PONANT \/ L. Patricot \/ L. Payan \/ T. Garnier \/ J. Leclercq ; \u00a9TMK ; \u00a9 A. Kimetete<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dPUSH\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-N\u00b0-1101.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPONANT EXPLORATIONS ship off the coast of the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia\u201d title_text=\u201dLow-Resolution-N\u00b0-1101\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|||20px|false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d25px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">PONANT takes you there<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n<p>Experience the thrill of exploration in the South Pacific\u2019s most remote islands.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url=\u201dhttps:\/\/en.ponant.com\/destinations\/french-polynesia\u201d url_new_window=\u201don\u201d button_text=\u201dDiscover Marquesas Cruises \u201d button_alignment=\u201dleft\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.7\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_margin=\u201d20px||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_button][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>A Unique Archipelago in French Polynesia <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":35,"featured_media":18668115,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[24],"tags":[],"thematique":[1414,1433,1432,1441,1444,1452],"class_list":["post-18668111","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-ready","thematique-crafts-and-traditions","thematique-essential","thematique-islands","thematique-oceania-and-pacific","thematique-peoples","thematique-volcanoes"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.9 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Visiting the Marquesas Islands: What to See in the Archipelago | PONANT Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"What is there to see in the Marquesas Islands? Discover the archipelago\u2019s must-see sights and Marquesan culture with insights from a local guide.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Visiting the Marquesas Islands: What to See in the Archipelago | PONANT Magazine\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What is there to see in the Marquesas Islands? Discover the archipelago\u2019s must-see sights and Marquesan culture with insights from a local guide.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Magazine de voyage Escales : interviews, inspirations et conseils | Magazine PONANT\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ponant\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-07-17T08:05:31+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-10_PG_NUKUHIVA_BEACH\u00a9Florian-Courrege.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"645\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"\u00c9quipe \u00c9ditions PONANT EXPLORATIONS\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@Cie_ponant\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@Cie_ponant\" \/>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Visiting the Marquesas Islands: What to See in the Archipelago | PONANT Magazine","description":"What is there to see in the Marquesas Islands? Discover the archipelago\u2019s must-see sights and Marquesan culture with insights from a local guide.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/","og_locale":"en_GB","og_type":"article","og_title":"Visiting the Marquesas Islands: What to See in the Archipelago | PONANT Magazine","og_description":"What is there to see in the Marquesas Islands? Discover the archipelago\u2019s must-see sights and Marquesan culture with insights from a local guide.","og_url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/","og_site_name":"Magazine de voyage Escales : interviews, inspirations et conseils | Magazine PONANT","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ponant","article_published_time":"2026-07-17T08:05:31+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":645,"url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-10_PG_NUKUHIVA_BEACH\u00a9Florian-Courrege.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"\u00c9quipe \u00c9ditions PONANT EXPLORATIONS","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@Cie_ponant","twitter_site":"@Cie_ponant","schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/"},"author":{"name":"\u00c9quipe \u00c9ditions PONANT EXPLORATIONS","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/a62d2aa3c59ae32847bf45b8ba0b956d"},"headline":"Visit the Marquesas Islands","datePublished":"2026-07-17T08:05:31+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/"},"wordCount":5190,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-10_PG_NUKUHIVA_BEACH\u00a9Florian-Courrege.jpg","articleSection":["Get ready"],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/","name":"Visiting the Marquesas Islands: What to See in the Archipelago | PONANT Magazine","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-10_PG_NUKUHIVA_BEACH\u00a9Florian-Courrege.jpg","datePublished":"2026-07-17T08:05:31+00:00","description":"What is there to see in the Marquesas Islands? Discover the archipelago\u2019s must-see sights and Marquesan culture with insights from a local guide.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-GB","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-10_PG_NUKUHIVA_BEACH\u00a9Florian-Courrege.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Low-Resolution-10_PG_NUKUHIVA_BEACH\u00a9Florian-Courrege.jpg","width":1000,"height":645,"caption":"Beach on Nuku Hiva, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/visit-marquesas-islands\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Visit the Marquesas Islands"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#website","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/","name":"Magazine de voyage Escales : interviews, inspirations et conseils | Magazine PONANT","description":"Le magazine de voyage par PONANT","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-GB"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#organization","name":"Ponant","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/logo-escales@2x.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/12\/logo-escales@2x.png","width":510,"height":174,"caption":"Ponant"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ponant","https:\/\/x.com\/Cie_ponant","https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/croisieres_ponant\/","https:\/\/www.pinterest.com\/ponantcruises\/","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/user\/PonantCroisieres"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/#\/schema\/person\/a62d2aa3c59ae32847bf45b8ba0b956d","name":"\u00c9quipe \u00c9ditions PONANT EXPLORATIONS","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-GB","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/298d6f786aa7fa2257b0bb6189c5bad8f16c9bb16111a0a6b6b6d5f3ab99c650?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/298d6f786aa7fa2257b0bb6189c5bad8f16c9bb16111a0a6b6b6d5f3ab99c650?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/298d6f786aa7fa2257b0bb6189c5bad8f16c9bb16111a0a6b6b6d5f3ab99c650?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"\u00c9quipe \u00c9ditions PONANT EXPLORATIONS"},"description":"Parce qu\u2019une envie d\u2019ailleurs commence souvent par une histoire inspirante, l\u2019\u00e9quipe \u00c9ditions PONANT EXPLORATIONS vous invite au voyage au fil des pages du magazine Escales : entretiens avec des experts de l\u2019exploration ou des artistes et artisans d'exception, immersion au sein de communaut\u00e9s isol\u00e9es, conseils et guides pour choisir votre prochaine destination hors des sentiers battus, curiosit\u00e9s... Elle s\u00e9lectionne pour vous les plus belles exp\u00e9riences \u00e0 vivre au bout du monde."}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18668111","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/35"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=18668111"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18668111\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":18707991,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/18668111\/revisions\/18707991"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18668115"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=18668111"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=18668111"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=18668111"},{"taxonomy":"thematique","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/thematique?post=18668111"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}