Destination
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Marquesas Islands Kayaking, Hiking and Sailing Adventure
Embark on a one-of-a-kind Marquesas Islands adventure—a Tahiti kayaking and sailing expedition through one of the most remote and breathtaking archipelagos in French Polynesia. This Marquesas Islands cruise takes place aboard a 60-foot catamaran, offering the perfect floating base to explore at least four islands, beginning in Nuku Hiva and finishing in Hiva Oa.
Renowned for their rugged, untouched beauty, the Marquesas Islands are home to towering 1000-metre basalt spires, dramatic sea cliffs, and pristine beaches. This Polynesia adventure travel experience features world-class Marquesas Island kayaking as we paddle through tranquil bays and along rugged coastlines framed by volcanic terrain. Whether we’re gliding past coastal rock formations or venturing inland, every day presents a new opportunity for discovery.
On land, our Tahiti hiking excursions take us through lush, uninhabited valleys filled with ancient Polynesian ruins, stone tiki statues, and cultural remnants of the islands’ first settlers. We’ll trek to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the vast Pacific Ocean, cool off in remote waterfalls and river pools, and immerse ourselves in the deep history and spirituality of this unique island chain.
Throughout the journey, we’ll connect with local Tahitian communities, sharing in a traditional Marquesan feast and exploring sacred cultural sites. From Tahiti sailing and sea kayaking to cultural immersion and island trekking, this is a truly unforgettable Marquesas Islands expedition—an authentic taste of Tahiti adventure tours in one of the wildest corners of the South Pacific.
One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.
Highlights
- Visit fascinating archaeological sites
- Incredible jungle and valley hiking
- Spectacular coastlines, with incredible paddling
- Explore the most remote Island group in the world
- Meet the locals and get to know the Marquesas culture
- Traverse the Marquesas onboard a comfortable and spacious Catamaran
Itinerary
Start this Tahiti sea kayaking trip with a pick up from Nuka Hiva airport, 1 hour transfer across the top of the island to Taiohae village. The drive is spectacular and we’ll stop at several view point to take it in. Board the Catamaran and move into your cabin. Orientation and safety briefing. Afternoon paddle in Taiohae bay and along the coast to Hakatea Bay. Anchor in Hakatea Bay for the night.
Hike deep into the awe-inspiring Hakaui Valley to Vaipo Waterfall the highest in French Polynesia and third highest in the world. We’ll follow an ancient royal road once used King Te Moana and Queen Vaekehu passing numerous ancient sites and ruins. The landscape in this valley is nothing short of spectacular as the valley 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 basalts peaks and spires. On the way back we’ll stop off at a local family’s house and be treated to a traditional lunch. In the afternoon we’ll set sail and transit around the north coast of Nuka Hiva and anchor in beautiful Anaho Bay.
In the morning we’ll leave the peaceful waters of Anaho Bay and paddle around to Hatiheu Bay. The coastline on this paddle is absolutely stunning. The Catamaran will follow us and we’ll meet it out of the front of Hatiheu village. After lunch onboard we’ll go to shore and visit this pretty and friendly village. We’ll then hike up to Teavairaoaoa Pass granting exceptional views of Anaho Bay. Descending along a steep winding track into Anaho Bay we’ll enjoy a pleasant swim before continuing the hike over to Haatuatua Bay, this easy 30 minute scroll takes us to one of the most beautiful beaches in the Marquesas a long yellow sand beach framed by spectacular basalt peaks.
We’ll leave Anaho Bay early and make the 4 hour transit down to the island of Ua Pou. We hope to see Melon Headed Whales and Spinner Dolphins along the transit 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 we’ll anchor in front of Hakahetau Village. In the afternoon we’ll hike up through the village and follow a jungle track along a river finishing with a refreshing dip at stunning waterfall. A short sunset sail will see us transit around to the West Coast of Ua Pou to a beautiful and calm anchorage.
We’ll paddle along the rugged and beautiful West Coast of the island. This coastline is dominated by towering sea cliffs, punctuated by cute Marquesas villages. There are extensive bird colonies along this coastline with large populations of Frigates, Terns and Noddies. There’s also excellent snorkeling opportunities and we’ll stop half way along the coast to explore the underwater world, quite often we’re snorkeling with Manta Rays or small sharks. In the evening we’ll transit around to Hakahau the largest settlement on the island.
Today we’ll be joined by a couple locals from Ua Pou, they’ll be our guides and show us around the island. Heading into the spectacularly rugged interior of the island a landscape dominated by the 12 basalt pillars that loom overhead constantly. We’ll make several stops at viewpoints to take in the majesty of the island before visiting some local artisans and learn how to find rare stones on the island and transform them into the stunning pieces of art that Marquesas are known for, there are several opportunities on the trip to purchase these art pieces directly from the locals. After a massive traditional buffet lunch in the village of Hakatao we’ll head back to Hakahau village and prepare for our overnight transit to Hiva Oa.
We’ll wake up in the Puamau Bay. The village of Puamau sits on a coastal plain, backgrounded by a massive amphitheater of mountains. There’s definitely 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. It covers almost 2 hectares and features numerous stone sculptures, petroglyphs and Tikis. We’ll 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 we’ll transit around to the incredibly picturesque Hanatekuua Bay for a swim and a snorkel.
After breakfast we’ll go to shore and hike up to Hanahaoe Pass, along the way there are superb views in all directions. Returning to the beach we’ll have a refreshing dip. After lunch we’ll load into the kayaks and paddle along the stunning north coast of Hiva Oa, there are a number of small bays to explore along way, as the sun starts setting we’ll get back onto the Catamaran and transit down to the island of Tahuata.
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. We’ll wake up in Hapatoni Bay. This lovely bay features some of the best snorkelling 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 which beckons for a stroll. In the afternoon we’ll paddle north along the coast exploring the many bays. As the sun starts setting we’ll get back in board the Catamaran and make the short transit back to Hiva Oa.
Departure day, after breakfast we take a short dinghy ride to Atuona village where we’ll meet the taxi to the airport.
End of trip.
Accommodations
Our home for this trip is a well-appointed, spacious and comfortable Catamaran – Aquatiki 2. At over 18m long and 6 meters wide there’s plenty of space. She boasts a large dining table both inside and outside as well as a large inside lounge and 2 covered outside sitting areas. We aim to sail as much as possible but when there’s no wind Aquatiki calls on its two 38 Horsepower engines allowing it to cruise at 8 knots comfortably.
- There are 220 volt outlets throughout the boat including in the cabins.
- Starlink system is onboard with full internet access
- A dedicated ice machine for cocktail hour
- A desalinator produces 190 litres of freshwater per hour with a 1000 litre water tank.
- A medium-sized bar fridge dedicated to beers, soft drinks and cocktails
- There are 4 guest cabins, each cabin has a private ensuite with toilet, sink and shower.
- Air conditioning in all the cabins as well as fans and hatches
- Hot water on demand both in the cabins and on the back deck
- The boat is fully set up for scuba diving and has a dedicated dive guide
- Aquatiki has a full-sized tender that can take 14 people with a 90-horsepower outboard
- There’s a chef onboard who cooks up delicious meals which mostly consist of fresh fruit, locally caught fish, shrimp and lobster but balances it out with a couple of chicken and beef meals.
- The skipper is very experienced and goes above and beyond to make the trip as special as possible
Dates & Rates
Prices from
What's Included
- 10 days and 9 nights onboard a comfortable catamaran
- All meals while on trip
- 1 dedicated captain, first mate and chef
- 1 western kayak guide
- full fleet of kayaks consisting of 3 doubles and 3 singles
- all kayaking gear
- Airport Transfers
Not Included
- All flights
- Personal Travel Insurance
- Alcohol
- Surcharge for Scuba Diving
- Hotels and transfers in Papeete
Weather
The Marquesas Islands sit close to to the equator, and the Islands in the South-East have the most rainfall, while the Islands in the North West are considered semi-arid. The temperatures throughout the year vary between 24 to 31 degrees celsius, and the water temperature hovers around 28 degrees year round. The dry and calm season is November to March, but rainfall amounts vary between islands even during the dry season.
Activities
Sailing
We’ll use a 60 ft Catamaran as our main form of transport between locations and islands. Whenever possible during a transit we’ll pull out the sails and use the power of the wind. The Catamaran will also be our home for the trip, we’ll sleep and eat most of our meals onboard.
Kayaking
Our main mode of exploration during this trip will be kayaking. Depending on the weather each day, we will explore protected bays or more exposed and rugged coastlines. The basalt nature of these islands offers the potential for sea caves and arches and lots of rock hopping. We will land on remote, black sand beaches and enjoy swims in the tropical water of Tahiti!
Hiking
The hiking on the Marquesas Islands is not to be missed, as the view from the tops of the mountain spines are incredible! With a maximum of 1200m of elevation gain, the view points are a marvel as we peer over the steep valleys, the volcanic cones, and the pacific ocean rolling past these islands. There are several waterfalls we can Hiking allows us the opportunity to visit local villages and experience culturally significant sites filled with tiki sculptures.
Scuba Diving and Snorkelling
The Marquesas has very little fringing reef however the snorkelling and scuba diving is quite good. Often we’ll snorkel or dive with Manta Rays, Sharks or large schools of fish.
Scuba Diving is only offered to certified divers. There is a certified dive master onboard who runs the scuba diving program, all diving equipment is provided for a surcharge.
Other Activities
The Marquesas is home to wild horses, and the local people have integrated the horse into their culture and lives. Horseback riding is an optional activity for those interested.
Trip Map
