"Life is beautiful also because you can travel a lot!" - said the Russian traveler and naturalist Nikolai Przhevalsky. If you agree with this statement, this article is for you. We will tell you about everything that is of interest in the Marquesas Islands. We will give advice on where it is better to relax, how best to do it and what to see.
Volcano Life
Look at the globe. You will see that the Marquesas Islands are located in the Pacific Ocean, in its very center. To Mexico (the nearest mainland) - 4800 km. To Tahiti - 1371 km. This place is one of the most inaccessible on the planet. The population, according to the 2007 census, is approximately 8632.
Also, the archipelago is famous for its volcanic origin. Geologists believe that all the islands (except Motu One) were formed from magma. Yes, and now under them is a real hot spot.
The islands can be divided into northern and southern. Their total area is 1049 square kilometers. Looking at the Marquesas Islands on the world map, you understand that this is the largest formation.
The largest island (northern group) - Nuku-Khiva: In French Polynesia, it is the second largest. And the southern ones exist under the authority of another giant - Hiva-Oa.
All year almost without rain
The Marquesas Islands are located in the tropical zone. However, they are surprisingly affected by drought. People and vegetation are extremely rarely pampered by rains. And in some places it's really bad. It is no coincidence that the island of Wa Huka is sparsely populated. It is impossible to live on Eiao at all.
All the Marquesas Islands are tall except for Motu One. He is low. The sandy shores are low. Since this heap of magma has no natural protection on the shores, the southern equatorial current whips them mercilessly and undermines the rocks. So many caves were formed here.
Inhabited and uninhabited places
The address that the Marquesas Islands have on the world map is the Pacific Ocean. However, on a sheet of paper you will not understand which of them are inhabited and which are not. For this you need to be here. And it will become clear that some of them are suitable for human habitation, others are completely uninhabited. If you want to understand the feelings of Robinson Crusoe, please visit one of the last.
The Marquesas Islands do not miss travelers. Tours here are organized from different continents. Most tourists tend to Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa. West coast of the first island with steep banks. It was cut up by gulfs. The real elements are raging in the east. The northern part and, to a lesser extent, the southern part are sparse with deep bays.
Entertainment is more than enough
For thrill-seekers, there are trips tomysterious caves. And to where stone temples and statues still stand intact.
In general, there is a lot of entertainment. This, of course, is a jeep safari, horseback riding, hiking in the mountains, picnics (on the beaches and in the mountains). Add here fishing, motorboat riding. And how do you like a cruise on the azure and endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean? You can still be curious about archaeological excavations and artisans' stalls.
By the way, woodcarving is a folk craft. You can buy original figurines and other souvenirs.
Glass Bottom Boats
There are many great hotels on the inhabited islands. You can live on the water - in a bungalow. Or in a regular hotel on the beach.
The beaches are calm if they are located near the lagoon. And those outside these reservoirs are dangerous with sharp corals. And the waves here are always strong. But the view is just wonderful.
Tourists like to look at the Marquesas Islands from the boat, visit the marine park, go on picnics and fish with a spear. It takes your breath away when the group goes to the reefs. After all, this is an excursion with immersion in water. Other activities include diving and windsurfing, cycling and canoeing.
And the black pearl farm has no shortage of curious people at all.
The Marquesas Islands are ideal for divers. There are a lot of various fish, different inhabitants of the sea. There is something to see underwater.
And the races are simply unique. This is when the passengers on the boat (withglass bottom) are rapidly rushing along the channel between the lagoon and the ocean…
And there are always many travelers in the bird sanctuary.
The Marquesas Islands are all covered in coral reefs. They are close - some 30-50 meters - from the edge of the coast. And the lagoon is a protector from the revelry of the sea element.
The Marquesas Islands are fabulously beautiful. They have many luxurious hotels with a set of everything you need. World stars prefer to come here. And still, the Marquesas Islands remain quiet, calm, a wonderful place to relax.
Feeding sharks and rays, picnicking on tiny islands are among the many activities. You can order a flight on a water parachute, something else extremely rare. Everyone will love the Marquesas Islands.
Nuku Hiva Island
What are you looking for - heaven on earth? So you are here. Nuku Hiva (translated as "the majestic island") covers an area of 387 square kilometers. It consists of two old volcanoes nested inside each other. In the center of Nuku Hiva is the vast plateau of Toovii. The north coast is very indented. Luxurious bays (Hatiheu, Taipivai, Haatuatua and Taiohae) are great for snorkelling. Impressive cliffs plunge 200-300 meters into the Pacific Ocean.
Taiohae, the capital of the island, is an incredibly picturesque village located on the shores of a beautiful bay. Notre Dame Cathedral with carved bas-reliefs has a relaxed atmosphere. Muake Hill (864 m) deserves attention on the island, from whichoffers stunning views, a statue of the Virgin Mary on top of one of the peaks overlooking Hatiheu Bay, as well as the Catholic Church in Anaho and a delightful beach almost at its walls. But the main thing worth seeing on the island is the majestic Hakaui Valley, which is located 15 km from the capital, in the southwest. There is a small and deep bay here, into which several waterfalls fall at once. And the highest of them is the Ahuii waterfall, which has a height of more than 350 m.
Now you know where the Marquesas Islands are. It remains only to verify the authenticity of our words in practice.
