Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

The Marquesas are one of the most remote island groups on Earth. Anchored in the Pacific nearly 1,000 miles northeast of Tahiti, the very fact of these islands’ remote location is what has long captured travelers’ imaginations.

The islands had banner moments in the 20th century for famous residents fleeing. Today, in spite of their breathtaking scenery and dream-like visitor experience, they attract only a trickle of visitors, primarily intrepid adventurers from mainland Europe.

The islands are in the extreme northeast corner of French Polynesia, a semi-autonomous territory of France. The local time is GMT-9:30, a half hour ahead of Tahiti. French is the official language of French Polynesia. English-speaking visitors are less common in the Marquesas than other parts of French Polynesia, so some basic French can be an asset, particularly away from the hotels.

While Tahitian is widely spoken on Tahiti and in the Society Islands, the language is mutually unintelligible with Marquesan. As visitors who have spent even a day or two on Tahiti or have traveled elsewhere in the territory quickly pick up on Tahitian words, it is not uncommon for them to speak the language upon arrival in the Marquesas; local residents will kindly correct those who do, but it is good practice to learn some basic phrases before your visit. -snorkeling in Tahuata - hiking to a waterfall in Hakaui -popular excursion is a day trip by boat to the neighboring island of Tahuata. -Visit Hakaui Valley -Visit archaeological sites -On Nuku Hiva, excursions include trips to Hakaui, where a hike can be undertaken to visit a waterfall, or to Taipivai, the “Typee” of Melville’s writings. Taiohae is also a pleasant village for strolling, where one is just as likely to encounter a wayward horse nibbling grass at the bus stop as a local resident stopping into a local shop or pizza joint.