Joining us in Nuku Hiva

Nuku Hiva is one of the six inhabited islands of the Marquesas archipelago, about 1,500 km north-east of Tahiti. This group of islands, one of the five archipelagos of French Polynesia, covers nearly 1,050 km² of land within a vast maritime area of about 700,000 km². Renowned for their natural and cultural wealth, the Marquesas are often described as a true open-air museum.

The capital of the archipelago, Nuku Hiva fascinates with the diversity and grandeur of its landscapes. Lush cliffs dotted with waterfalls, green plateaus, deep valleys and remarkably well-preserved archaeological remains bear witness to Marquesan history and culture. Dominated by Mount Tekao, which rises to 1,224 metres, the island offers spectacular views shaped by volcanism and erosion. Covering 340 km², it is the largest of the Marquesas and the second-largest island in French Polynesia. Under the influence of the trade winds, the archipelago enjoys a pleasant climate, with warm temperatures, moderate rainfall and generous sunshine.

Nuku Hiva can be reached daily from Tahiti with Air Tahiti and Air Moana. Divers can benefit from an extra 5 kg baggage allowance on presentation of their diving certification. Note also that the Marquesas are 30 minutes ahead of Tahiti.

In the south of the island, Taiohae Bay, formed by the collapse of an ancient volcanic crater, is home to the archipelago’s main village. The gateway to the Marquesas, Taiohae is a hub where the main water activities are concentrated, along with many administrative, economic, medical and educational services.

A land of character, Nuku Hiva charms with its authenticity and unspoilt nature. Travellers discover a welcoming and generous population, deeply attached to its language, traditions and cultural identity. Here, the change of scenery is immediate and the immersion in Marquesan culture is complete.

Most tourist facilities are in Taiohae: a hotel, family guesthouses, restaurants, small shops, a craft market, a bank and other services.

As the ideal starting point to explore the island, Taiohae gives access to a wide range of activities: hiking, horse riding, e-mountain biking, off-road tours, boat trips and, of course, scuba diving with Nuku-Dive. These experiences are a chance to discover both the natural treasures and the cultural heritage of Nuku Hiva.

Your stay is also a chance to meet local craftspeople and discover Marquesan art in all its forms: sculpture, engraving, music, traditional dance and tattooing. A true cultural emblem, tattooing tells the history, beliefs and identity of the Marquesan people.

To discover more about the Marquesas, visit the Destination Marquises page.

To help you plan your stay, you can contact the Nuku Hiva tourism committee: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. They will help you find accommodation, vehicle rentals and activities. The tourism committee is open every day from 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM, except Sundays, just a few steps from the dive centre on the small quay in Taiohae.