Visit Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

Unprotected by barrier reefs, the Marquesas Islands are altogether different to their neighbors, with coastlines either indented with bays or ending in abrupt cliffs, swept by the surf of powerful Pacific rollers.

The interiors are intensely beautiful, with herds of goats and horses running wild — truly a different world from Tahiti, three hours away by air.

Exploring the islands

There are distinct groups of islands. To the north is the big island, Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou with its sugarloaf mountains and Ua Huka, the island of horses.

The southern group includes Hiva Oa, the island of Tiki statues, and Tahuata and Fatu Hiva. Fiercely proud of their Marquesian culture, each island has its own particular charm and distinctive character.