The Marquesas

The Marquesas Islands has a rich and intricate history that dates back to 300 AD when the first Polynesians settled here. Known as ‘Te Henua Enana’ or ‘Land of Men’ in Polynesian, this island group has volcanic origins and is made up of partially submerged extinct underwater volcanoes that have eroded over the years. One of the most unique features of these islands is that they have no reef. Emerging from the depths of the deep blue sea, the Marquesas coast is made of up stunning bays and dramatic cliff fronts that make it among the most scenic regions in the world.

Boasting a wealth of archaeological remains, these islands sit some 4,000 km south of Hawaii and roughly 500 km from the Tuamotu Archipelago, making it the farthest island group from any continent on the planet. This remoteness and isolation gives the Marquesas its own individual allure and identity. Around 930 miles northeast of Tahiti, this group of 15 islands is the most northerly archipelago in French Polynesia. First discovered by Spanish explorers in 1595, Captain James Cook made these islands famous in 1774 when he landed here. Further celebrated in the works of painter Paul Gauguin and writers Herman Melville and Robert Louis Stevenson, these islands thought to be among the most pristine and gorgeous on earth.

Divided into two groups of Northern Marquesas and Southern Marquesas islands, the Marquesas today has only 6 islands that are inhabited. Wild, rugged and lush green with tropical flowers and plants, these islands are cloaked by cloud most of the time. However, they are not affected by cyclones, though its rains here most of the year.

Renowned for its wood carvings, handicrafts, tattooing and dancing, the Marquesas has a number of small villages that still retains much of this region’s mysterious past. An ecotourist haven, with much to see and do, these islands make for a fantastic vacation.

| | | |