Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Orion

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Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains
government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other
services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists
who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.

Rangiroa is a perfect example of what happnes to a volcano when it erodes over time. Its caldera submerged, creating a body of water surrounded by a dotted ring of sand and reef. Truly one of the world's greatest diving destinations, Rangiroa attracts both amateur and professional divers worldwide.

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Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests.

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Nuku Hiva is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago, and its beauty from the sea or in the air high above the island is truly breathtaking. The 2,100 inhabitants live in Taiohae, Taipivai, Hatiheu, Aakapa, Pua, Haumi, Anaho and Hakaui, where they work for the government, the community, the Catholic church or school system or for themselves chopping copra high in the mountains, fishing, raising cattle and other livestock or sculpting bowls, platters, Marquesan ceremonial clubs, "tikis" and ukuleles.

A crescent shaped island, Ua Huka is the smallest of the northern Marquesan group and home to 539 inhabitants. A vast plateau spreads out at the base of Mount Hitikau, with an arid, desert like topo scrub brush. Wild horses roam the tablelands and herds of goats graze around and on the small airstrip. Wild cotton and fragrant herbs cover the hills of the southern coast and offshore islets are home to sea birds. The coast off Haavei is rich in sea life, filled with sharks, dolphins, manta ray, big turtles, lobster and a variety of fish. The oldest archaeological site so far discovered in the Marquesas is at Haíatuatua in Hane, which was settled between 254-300 A.D. A second archeological site of Vaikki permits each visitor to admire ancient petroglyphs. A small museum of Marquesan artifacts is found in Vaipaee, a second museum in Hane and fern-covered valleys conceal ruins from the seven tribes who formerly inhabited Ua Huka. Near Hane are three tiki sculpted from red rock. These and other sites may be visited by foot, horseback or by all-terrain vehicles.

The island of Fatu Hiva is spectacularly beautiful with jungle greenery beginning at the water's edge, and narrow ravines, deep gorges and luxuriant valleys close to sheer cliffs that plunge straight down into the splashing surf. The Bay of Virgins, with its rock curtains Catholic missionaries said were formed as veiled virgins, encloses Hanavava Bay. White patches of goats and sheep look down from green mansions above the quiet harbor. Large, tasty shrimp live in the rivers and rock lobsters are plentiful. Dried bananas are a specialty of Fatu Hiva, as is Umu Hei Monoi -- a delightful blend of flowers and herbs. Sculptors carve miro, tou and sandalwood, plus coconuts and basaltic stones. Artisans still produce tapa cloth made from tree bark and painted with designs their ancestors wore as tattoos. Omoa is one of two villages inhabitants live in. A narrow path winds over the mountains between the villages, offering a challenging hike and panoramic views. The Catholic church in Omoa is one of the most picturesque scenes in any Marquesan village.

Pua Mau is a peaceful, ancient sanctuary amidst the forests of Hiva Oa, the biggest of the Marquesas southern island chain. Paul Gauguin was drawn to Hiva Oa for its lush landscape, beautiful water and vibrant people. Gauguin's tomb is here, as well as a dedication to the musician Jacques Brel. The Marquesan culture is known for woodcarving and other crafts, many of which you can shop for at the village of Atuona. After arriving from the journey up through the hills to get to Pua Mau, relax and take in the scenery of antiquity, with ancient sculptures of Polynesian gods and goddesses and stone walls that predate the Protestent and Catholic settling of Polynesia. From Pua Mau, head down to the coast to relax by the sea, witnessing goats meandering across dirt roads and hills along the way.

Above the steady rumble of the Pacific surge, the sharply sculpted mountains of Hiva Oa hide their summits in the mists of rain-filled clouds. The largest and most fertile island in the southern group of the Marquesas, Hiva Oa has deep valleys, lush plateaus and thickly wooded forests. The town of Atuona is the administrative center for the southern Marquesas. Framed in a theater of mountains with the Bay of Traitors providing safe anchorage, Atuona is a favorite port of call for yachts and copra ships. Atuona has a gendarmerie, small hospital, post office, banks, weather station, Ait Tahiti office, pensions, restaurants and snack bars, stores and chops, telephones and TV. There is a Catholic mission with a boarding school and a Protestant church. A path up the cliffs behind the village leads to Calvary Cemetery - the site of simple graves of two men who chose the Marquesas as their final home and resting place, the French painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian singer Jacques Brel.

No information currently available.

No information currently available.

Papeete, the modern and bustling capital of Tahiti and Her Islands, contains
government offices, Gendarmerie, hospitals and clinics, banks and many other
services dedicated to serving the population of the islands as well as tourists
who come for a life-enriching experience to these magical islands.