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
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
Included:
Add-ons
Not included:
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.
Liability waivers are a standard part of all guided outdoor adventures. Recently, the requirements have become a bit more rigorous for ACMG guides—meaning that you’ll need to agree to the signing of the waiver at the time of booking.
Prior to booking, we ask you to review the waiver. During the checkout process, you’ll have to acknowledge the risks and agree to the signing of the waiver. You are required to bring a printed copy on the trip.
Please note that signing and agreeing to the terms of the waiver is required in order to join this adventure. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us prior to booking.
Here’s a list of the paddling & hiking gear you need to bring:
Here is some other equipment you should bring:
Your paddling clothes can double as hiking clothes, just remember to bring quality, waterproof socks. Masks, snorkels, fins, and wetsuits are provided onboard.
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Group sizes and pricing
Min. age requirements
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 insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors 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.