Nuku Hiva (Marquesas), French Polynesia

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Destination: Nuku Hiva (Marquesas), French Polynesia

Introduction

Nuku Hiva is the largest and administrative centre of the Marquesas Islands, the remote and dramatic island group at the northeastern end of French Polynesia. The Marquesas are the classic Pacific landfall for yachts completing the trade wind passage from Panama or the Galapagos — typically 3,000 nm. The islands are breathtaking in their volcanic scale and wildness, rising steeply from the deep ocean with no protecting reef. Herman Melville jumped ship here in 1842.

GPS Coordinates

8° 55' 0.120"S 140° 6' 0.000"W

8 55 0.120S 140 6 0.000W

Protected Anchorages

Taiohae Bay on the southern coast of Nuku Hiva is the main Port of Entry and the principal anchorage, a large open bay ringed by dramatic volcanic cliffs in 15–25 m over sand. The holding is good and the bay is sheltered from the trades. Comptroller Bay (Baie de Comptroller) and Anaho Bay on the north coast are stunning, with excellent shelter in 10–15 m. Hakaui Valley (Baie de Hakahau) is accessible for shallow-draft vessels. All anchorages on the Marquesas are open bays — no barrier reef.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

Nuku Hiva (Taiohae) is a Port of Entry for French Polynesia, specifically designated for trans-Pacific arrivals from the Americas. Customs, Immigration, and Biosecurity clearance is completed here. The bond (caution) requirement for non-French EU citizens applies here as in Papeete. Cruising permits for French Polynesia are issued here.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • Yacht Club de Nuku Hiva in Taiohae is informal but welcoming
  • Quai Taiohae in the bay has limited alongside berths with water
  • Fuel is available
  • The Keikahanui Pearl Lodge on the hillside above the bay is the smartest accommodation and has a dinghy dock

Renowned Attractions

  • Hatiheu village and the restored Kamuihei meae (ceremonial site) — one of the Marquesas' finest archaeological sites
  • Hakaui Valley and Vaipo Waterfall — one of the world's highest waterfalls (350 m), reached by dinghy and jungle trek
  • Anaho Bay — arguably the most beautiful beach in the Marquesas, reached by mountain road or by sea
  • Taiohae cultural centre — Marquesan tiki carvings, dancing, and traditional tattooing
  • Tohua Temehea — beautifully restored ancient ceremonial platform in Taiohae

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: CFP Franc

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Nuku Hiva is the classic Pacific landfall — dramatic, wild, and deeply Polynesian, where trade wind passages end against towering volcanic cliffs and sailors are welcomed into one of the Pacific's most remote and culturally rich island chains.