A mysterious island with many archeological ruins make for a wide choice of spectacular outings:

The tohua, the ancient Marquesan site of song, dance and feasting; impressive platforms called “paepae Hiamoe” – the foundations of ancient dwellings; the majestic stone sculptured tiki; the marae; places of workship called “mea’e” and close to 7000 rock carvings.

Leisure activities

Enchanted waterfalls, like the Hakaui Falls (350 meters high) shout out from the mountainside, dropping into natural pools below. Many discovery tours are provided by Marquesan guides to explore the island’s secrets by boat, 4X4, helicopter, foot or horseback. Splendid views of the island’s bays and the pristine valleys are guaranteed.

Special sites for underwater exploration:

Caves, cavities and drop-offs are unusual attractions. The absence of a barrier reef means that there are masses of ocean fauna: large Electra dolphins, white-finned and hammerhead shark, manta and leopard rays, stingrays and marbled loach.

The Marquesans are among the most creative in the Pacific

The traditional arts of tattooing, carving, tapa cloth, the culinary arts, as well as the return of sandalwood are all signs of the Marquesan cultural renaissance

Paul Gauguin in Hiva Oa

It is a place of pilgrimage where you can reflect by the tombs of the painter Paul Gauguin and the singer Jacques Brel in the old naval cemetery of Atuona.