There was an error with your log in

Sailing, Hiking & Kayaking the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia

Far from tourists and crowds, the Marquesas Islands are an archipelago built for adventure. For 10 unforgettable days, we’ll sail through the far north of French Polynesia on a 59-ft catamaran, enjoying incredible meals made by our private chef. We’ll hike breathtaking waterfalls and secluded villages, kayak and snorkel with dolphins and manta rays, and relax on golden beaches with crystal-clear water. Along the way, we’ll meet the locals, learn their traditions, and visit their fascinating historic sites. Step aboard, dive in, and let the untamed Marquesas awaken your inner explorer.

Adventure highlights

  • Sail in style

    Explore remote islands aboard a luxurious catamaran & dine on fantastic French cuisine

  • Activities for everyone

    Hike, kayak, swim, snorkel, spot wildlife & more – on this adventure, no two days are the same

  • Discover local culture

    Talk to the local population and follow in the footsteps of history by visiting ancient sites & religious sanctuaries

Get video trailer
Share this trailer with you friends and get them stoked to join you on this adventure.
Video trailer sent, check your inbox.
Book a call with our adventure expert and start planning your perfect adventure.

Available itineraries

Marquesas Adventure - Standard Cabin

Explore the Marquesas Islands, the hidden gem of French Polynesia, on a 10-day hiking, kayaking, and sailing adventure. Board a spacious sailboat and fully immerse yourself in this secluded archipelago: Discover secret waterfalls, kayak in secluded coves, sail among spectacular shorelines, meet the locals and taste their delicacies.

Choose this itinerary to stay in a Standard Cabin with two single beds.

  • On day 1 of the tour, your guide will pick you up from Nuka Hiva Airport for an hour-long transfer across the top of the Island to Taiohae Village. The drive is spectacular, and you will stop at several viewpoints to take it in. You’ll then board the catamaran and move into your cabin. After an orientation and safety briefing, enjoy an afternoon paddle in Taiohae Bay and along the coast to Hakatea Bay. Anchor in Hakatea Bay for the night.

    Meals: Lunch, dinner

  • You will hike deep into the awe-inspiring Hakaui Valley to Vaipo Waterfall, the highest waterfall in French Polynesia and the third highest in the world. Your guide will take you along an ancient royal road once used by King Te Moana and Queen Vaekehu, passing numerous ancient sites and ruins. The landscape in this valley is nothing short of spectacular, as it slices through the basalt interior of the island.

    The hike finishes at a refreshing swimming hole at the base of Vaipo falls surrounded by towering basalt peaks and spires. On the way back, you will stop at a local family’s house and be treated to a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, you will set sail and transit around the north coast of Nuka Hiva to anchor in the beautiful Anaho Bay.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • In the morning, you will leave the peaceful waters of Anaho Bay and paddle around to Hattie Bay. The coastline on this paddle is stunning. The catamaran will follow, and you will meet it in front of Hatiheu Village. After lunch on board, you will go to shore and visit this pretty and friendly village. You’ll then hike up to Teavairaoaoa Pass, with exceptional views of Anaho Bay.

    Descending along a steep winding track into Anaho Bay, you’ll enjoy a pleasant swim before continuing the hike to Haatuatua Bay. This easy 30-minute stroll takes you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Marquesas, a long yellow sand beach framed by spectacular
    basalt peaks.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Leave Anaho Bay early and make a 4-hour transit to the island of Ua Pou. We hope to see Melon Headed Whales and Spinner Dolphins during the transit, as they are frequently seen on the East coast of Nuka Hiva. The relatively small island of Ua Pou is dominated by 12 spectacular basalt pinnacles which soar to a height of 1200 meters- the highest point in the Marquesas.

    After the transit, you will anchor in front of Hakahetau Village. In the afternoon, you‘ll hike through the village and follow a jungle track along a river finishing with a refreshing dip at a stunning waterfall. A short sunset sail will see you transit to the west coast of Ua Pou to a beautiful and calm anchorage.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • On day 5, you will paddle along the rugged and beautiful west coast of the island. This coastline is dominated by towering sea cliffs & punctuated by quaint Marquesas villages. There are extensive bird colonies along this coastline with large populations of frigates, terns, and noddies. There are also excellent snorkeling opportunities, and you will stop halfway along the coast to explore the underwater world, where there’s a strong chance of encountering Manta Rays or small sharks. In the evening, you will transit to Hakahau, the largest settlement on the Island.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Today you’ll be joined by locals from Ua Pou. They will be your guides and show you around the island. Heading into the spectacularly rugged interior of the island, a landscape dominated by the 12 basalt pillars that loom overhead, you will make several stops at viewpoints to take in the majesty of the island before visiting local artisans.

    You will learn how to find rare stones on the island and transform them into stunning pieces of art that the Marquesas are known for. There are several opportunities on the trip to purchase these art pieces directly from the locals. After a large traditional buffet lunch in the village of Hakatao, you will head back to Hakahau village and prepare for your overnight transit to Hiva Oa.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    An ancient site in the Marquseas Islands, French Polynesia
  • You’ll wake up in Puamau Bay. The village of Puamau sits on a coastal plain, with a massive rock amphitheater as a backdrop. There is a special feeling to this place. It’s home to one of the most extensive and best-preserved archaeological sites in French Polynesia.

    Iipona is a huge religious sanctuary or Meae. This site covers almost two hectares of land and features numerous stone sculptures, petroglyph’s and Tikis. You will go ashore in the morning and walk up to Iipona, aided by a local guide who will share valuable insights as we explore this fascinating historical site. In the afternoon, you will transit to the incredibly picturesque
    Hanatekuua Bay for a swim and a snorkel.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • You will start the morning of day 8 with a hike to Hanahoaoe Pass, with many superb viewpoints along the way, before returning to the beach for a refreshing dip. After lunch, you will kayak along the stunning north coast of Hiva Oa, where there are a number of small bays to explore. As the sun sets, you’ll head back to the catamaran and transit to the island of Tahuata.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Tahuata is the little sister to Hiva Oa. With little infrastructure and no airstrip, it feels even wilder than the larger islands to the north. You’ll wake up in Hapatoni Bay. This lovely bay features some of the best snorkeling in the Marquesas. Manta Rays are often seen here, as are large pods of spinner dolphins.

    The small village is lined with 100-year-old Tamanu trees. It has a very laid-back, easy-going feel. In the afternoon, you’ll paddle north along the coast exploring the many bays. As the sun starts to set, you’ll get back on board and make the short transit back to Hiva Oa.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • After breakfast, you will take a short dingy ride to Atuona village where you will meet
    the taxi and head to the airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

Marquesas Adventure - Deluxe Cabin

Explore the Marquesas Islands, the hidden gem of French Polynesia, on a 10-day hiking, kayaking, and sailing adventure. Board a spacious sailboat and fully immerse yourself in this secluded archipelago: Discover secret waterfalls, kayak in secluded coves, sail among spectacular shorelines, meet the locals and taste their delicacies.

Choose this itinerary to stay in a Deluxe Cabin with a queen-sized bed.

  • On day 1 of the tour, your guide will pick you up from Nuka Hiva Airport for an hour-long transfer across the top of the Island to Taiohae Village. The drive is spectacular, and you will stop at several viewpoints to take it in. You’ll then board the catamaran and move into your cabin. After an orientation and safety briefing, enjoy an afternoon paddle in Taiohae Bay and along the coast to Hakatea Bay. Anchor in Hakatea Bay for the night.

    Meals: Lunch, dinner

  • You will hike deep into the awe-inspiring Hakaui Valley to Vaipo Waterfall, the highest waterfall in French Polynesia and the third highest in the world. Your guide will take you along an ancient royal road once used by King Te Moana and Queen Vaekehu, passing numerous ancient sites and ruins. The landscape in this valley is nothing short of spectacular, as it slices through the basalt interior of the island.

    The hike finishes at a refreshing swimming hole at the base of Vaipo falls surrounded by towering basalt peaks and spires. On the way back, you will stop at a local family’s house and be treated to a traditional lunch. In the afternoon, you will set sail and transit around the north coast of Nuka Hiva to anchor in the beautiful Anaho Bay.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • In the morning, you will leave the peaceful waters of Anaho Bay and paddle around to Hattie Bay. The coastline on this paddle is stunning. The catamaran will follow, and you will meet it in front of Hatiheu Village. After lunch on board, you will go to shore and visit this pretty and friendly village. You’ll then hike up to Teavairaoaoa Pass, with exceptional views of Anaho Bay.

    Descending along a steep winding track into Anaho Bay, you’ll enjoy a pleasant swim before continuing the hike to Haatuatua Bay. This easy 30-minute stroll takes you to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Marquesas, a long yellow sand beach framed by spectacular
    basalt peaks.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Leave Anaho Bay early and make a 4-hour transit to the island of Ua Pou. We hope to see Melon Headed Whales and Spinner Dolphins during the transit, as they are frequently seen on the East coast of Nuka Hiva. The relatively small island of Ua Pou is dominated by 12 spectacular basalt pinnacles which soar to a height of 1200 meters- the highest point in the Marquesas.

    After the transit, you will anchor in front of Hakahetau Village. In the afternoon, you‘ll hike through the village and follow a jungle track along a river finishing with a refreshing dip at a stunning waterfall. A short sunset sail will see you transit to the west coast of Ua Pou to a beautiful and calm anchorage.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • On day 5, you will paddle along the rugged and beautiful west coast of the island. This coastline is dominated by towering sea cliffs & punctuated by quaint Marquesas villages. There are extensive bird colonies along this coastline with large populations of frigates, terns, and noddies. There are also excellent snorkeling opportunities, and you will stop halfway along the coast to explore the underwater world, where there’s a strong chance of encountering Manta Rays or small sharks. In the evening, you will transit to Hakahau, the largest settlement on the Island.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Today you’ll be joined by locals from Ua Pou. They will be your guides and show you around the island. Heading into the spectacularly rugged interior of the island, a landscape dominated by the 12 basalt pillars that loom overhead, you will make several stops at viewpoints to take in the majesty of the island before visiting local artisans.

    You will learn how to find rare stones on the island and transform them into stunning pieces of art that the Marquesas are known for. There are several opportunities on the trip to purchase these art pieces directly from the locals. After a large traditional buffet lunch in the village of Hakatao, you will head back to Hakahau village and prepare for your overnight transit to Hiva Oa.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

    An ancient site in the Marquseas Islands, French Polynesia
  • You’ll wake up in Puamau Bay. The village of Puamau sits on a coastal plain, with a massive rock amphitheater as a backdrop. There is a special feeling to this place. It’s home to one of the most extensive and best-preserved archaeological sites in French Polynesia.

    Iipona is a huge religious sanctuary or Meae. This site covers almost two hectares of land and features numerous stone sculptures, petroglyph’s and Tikis. You will go ashore in the morning and walk up to Iipona, aided by a local guide who will share valuable insights as we explore this fascinating historical site. In the afternoon, you will transit to the incredibly picturesque
    Hanatekuua Bay for a swim and a snorkel.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • You will start the morning of day 8 with a hike to Hanahoaoe Pass, with many superb viewpoints along the way, before returning to the beach for a refreshing dip. After lunch, you will kayak along the stunning north coast of Hiva Oa, where there are a number of small bays to explore. As the sun sets, you’ll head back to the catamaran and transit to the island of Tahuata.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • Tahuata is the little sister to Hiva Oa. With little infrastructure and no airstrip, it feels even wilder than the larger islands to the north. You’ll wake up in Hapatoni Bay. This lovely bay features some of the best snorkeling in the Marquesas. Manta Rays are often seen here, as are large pods of spinner dolphins.

    The small village is lined with 100-year-old Tamanu trees. It has a very laid-back, easy-going feel. In the afternoon, you’ll paddle north along the coast exploring the many bays. As the sun starts to set, you’ll get back on board and make the short transit back to Hiva Oa.

    Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner

  • After breakfast, you will take a short dingy ride to Atuona village where you will meet
    the taxi and head to the airport.

    Meals: Breakfast

Adventure brochure
Download for sharing and offline access to full adventure itineraries, important information, FAQs, guides info and more.
Brochure sent, check your inbox
If you have questions or need help with planning a trip, schedule a call with one of our adventure experts.

Meet your guide

Expedition Engineering
5.00
Expedition Engineering
Expedition Engineering offers custom-designed tours that blend the best of local cultures with adventure travel, exploration, and being in tune with nature. Apart from their focus largely being on fun and discovery, they care even more about their clients’ safety—Expedition Engineering staff has the highest level of certifications available in the guiding industry. They’ve pioneered expeditions to some of the farthest flung corners of the world, including Raja Ampat, East Greenland, Myanmar, and Anctartica.

Accommodation & food

5.00 (5 reviews)
John B. (source: Tripadvisor)

Marquesas adventure kayaking
This is one of the best adventure kayak trips that we’ve been on. The remote Marquesas Islands are a great place to explore, with wonderful coastline kayaking, brilliant scenery and a variety of wildlife to keep you entertained. The support boat is fit for purpose, the captain and crew extremely helpful, fun to be with and extremely knowledgeable about the best places to go. Another important aspect, for me at least, was that the food was all top notch. All in all, this is an excellent package organised by Expedition Engineering with just the right amount of splendid kayaking, visits to historical locations, meeting the locals, snorkelling and wildlife photography.

Phil B. (source: Tripadvisor)

An experience on the equator
The trip was a great way to see an area of the world that is about as remote as you can get. The scenery is spectacular and the local culture definitely worth getting involved with.
The food on the Cat was exceptional, varied and served with style. The paddling was varied and the odd walk a real environmental experience . You also get a chance to experience French Colonial culture/food.

Ellen P. (source: Tripadvisor)

A truly extraordinary adventure
This was a most extraordinary and wonderful trip, incorporating great paddling, vistas, landscapes and local people experiences. I loved the land excursions and meeting locals in villages or small towns, exploring how and where they live and discovering the fascinating history of the islands. The walks were super and Matt’s flexibility was greatly appreciated. The crew were all super friendly, accommodating and very experienced. We also loved our onboard accommodation and in particular the great French food, stunning. A most highly recommended adventure, thank you, Matt, for your expertise and guidance.

Adele S. (source: Tripadvisor)

Great kayaking, bird watching and walking in the Marquesas
Kayaking by majestic fjord like cliffs on a deep deep blue sea, bird spotting galore and jungle to mountain top walks to take in some fabulous scenery. This was a fabulous trip. The crew looked after us so well and the on shore excursions were great – eating local food with the locals a highlight.

Michael L. (source: Tripadvisor)

Go for it
Fabulous 10 days aboard with interesting friends and crew, kayaking, rugged coast, jungle walks, waterfalls, birdlife. Nothing not to like and lots to love. Five Stars and a Comet for Matt and the Crew.

Things to know

  • Included:

      • One dedicated captain, first mate, dive guide, and chef
      • One dedicated kayak guide
      • Airport transfers before and after the tour
      • Ten days and nine nights aboard a luxury catamaran
      • All meals included in the itinerary
      • Double and single expedition kayaks
      • All kayaking equipment
      • All scuba diving and snorkeling equipment

    Add-ons

      • Diving excursions – inquire
      • Horseback riding excursions – inquire

    Not included:

      • Transportation to French Polynesia
      • Accommodations before and after the tour
      • Meals not included in the itinerary
      • Alcohol and soft drinks (can be purchased on board)
      • Hotels and transfers in Pape’ete
      • Trip insurance
      • WIFI on board – surcharge of 25 Euros ($26 USD) per person for the trip
      • Scuba diving surcharge
  • For this adventure, you need to have previous kayaking experience as you will be paddling in swell and potentially moderate winds. You should be able to kayak for 2 hours in one outing. The fitter you are the more you will enjoy your trip. The hikes are 2 -5 hours in length. The hikes vary in difficulty: some are flat, others go over low passes in the mountains.

  • Here’s a list of the paddling & hiking gear you need to bring:

      • Paddle (Optional)
      • Booties/Crocs/Tevas/Keens (Thongs are not good enough)
      • Paddling gloves (optional)
      • 1 Synthetic shirt (long sleeve)
      • 2 Pair board shorts/thin paddling pants
      • Wide brim hat
      • 5-liter lap bag
      • Camera (Optional)
      • Sunscreen – mandatory
      • Two 1L water bottles
      • Kayaking snacks
      • Lycra sun top for snorkeling
      • Lightweight rain/splash jacket
      • Padding for kayak seat
      • Hiking poles (optional)
      • Sturdy hiking shoes that can get wet
      • Hiking clothes for the tropics
      • 3 pairs of shorts
      • 1 pair of synthetic pants
      • 4 Cotton shirts
      • Swimwear
      • Dive certification and dive-specific insurance – divers only

    Here is some other equipment you should bring:

      • Headlamp
      • A good book/s
      • Bug spray
      • Camera
      • Sunglasses with cord, polarized lenses
      • Talcum powder/Vaseline to prevent salt sores
      • Personal hygiene kit

    Your paddling clothes can double as hiking clothes, just remember to bring quality, waterproof socks. Masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits are provided onboard.

  • Group sizes and pricing

      • For this adventure, the usual client-to-guide ratio is 8:1.
      • It takes a minimum of 6 people for this tour to operate. The maximum group size is set at 8 participants.

    Min. age requirements

      • If you are older than 19, you’re good to go.
      • If you are younger than 19, you will not be permitted to join the tour.
  • The starting point of your sailing, hiking, and kayaking adventure in the Marquesas Islands is Nuku Hiva Airport on Nuku Hiva Island. To get there, most people fly into Faa’a International Airport (also known as Tahiti International Airport), the only international airport in French Polynesia.

    From there, you can take a 2h45min flight to Nuku Hiva Airport. There, you will meet your guides at a pre-arranged time on day 1 of the tour.

  • We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with both medical and travel protection. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, simply choose Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner!

    Redpoint tailors their protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations. Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.

    Once your booking is confirmed and your trip is paid in full, you will be offered to purchase Redpoint’s protection. If you need any help or require more information, let us know and we will be happy to help!

  • Deposits

    You can secure one of the set dates with a 30% deposit upon booking. The remaining 70% of the trip price is to be paid 90 days prior to departure, at the latest.

    Cancellations

    Booking fees are non-refundable in all cases. During checkout, however, you can choose one of 57hours’ flexibility options:

    Basic

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a 70% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-89 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 90 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 60-89 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, there is no refund.

    Super Flexible

      • In case of cancellation within 48 hours after booking, the amount paid is fully refundable.
      • For cancellations 60 or more days before the trip, you are eligible for a full refund of the trip price.
      • For cancellations 0-59 days before the trip, you are eligible for a 50% refund of the trip price.
  • 57hours partners with Redpoint Travel Protection, offering you a fully integrated program with a single point of contact for all your needs, from emergency services to travel assistance and protection claims. We highly recommend purchasing a comprehensive protection policy from Redpoint, which will protect you both before and during your travels. Before your departure, your investment is protected by the trip cancellation benefit. Once you depart, your policy provides coverage for trip interruption, medical assistance and rescue, baggage loss, trip delay, and more. Once you complete booking with 57hours, we'll create bespoke quote for you (and your group), making sure you're fully protected for the adventure ahead.
Have more questions? Read our FAQ, or Talk with us
From $5,960 ()
Saved to bucket list
Removed from bucket list

Choose a currency

  • USD - $
    US Dollar
  • EUR - €
    Euro
  • AUD - AU$
    Australian Dollar
  • CAD - CA$
    Canadian Dollar
  • GBP - £
    British Pound Sterling
  • CHF - CHF
    Swiss Franc
  • JPY - ¥
    Japanese Yen
  • SGD - S$
    Singapore Dollar
  • HKD - HK$
    Hong Kong Dollar
  • DKK - Dkr
    Danish Krone
  • NOK - Nkr
    Norwegian Krone
  • SEK - Skr
    Swedish Krona