The Marquesas Islands – scattered across the South Pacific – are among the most remote places on the planet. Comprising 14 islands, the Marquesas has a population of just 9,000 spread across its six inhabited isles. In 2024, the archipelago became one of the latest World Heritage Sites, described by UNESCO as “among the world’s last marine wilderness areas.” This breathtaking corner of the world — home to azure seas set against a backdrop of lush foliage, waterfalls and jagged emerald peaks — can be discovered on Windstar Cruises’ new voyage, Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas, aboard the 312-guest Star Breeze.
Papeete
PAPEETE
This laid-back and walkable city, on the west coast of Tahiti, is French Polynesia’s capital and a wonderful introduction to the South Pacific. In the two-story central market, you can browse stalls laden with locally woven baskets, hydrating monoï oil made from gardenias and brightly colored pareos, Tahitian wraparound skirts. The Robert Wan Pearl Museum is the place to learn about Tahiti’s prized gemstones.
For something more permanent, head to one of the many studios in the city for a tattoo. The striking geometric patterns and designs, always in black, play an important part in Polynesian culture and are sported by many locals. Lovers of all things contemporary won’t be disappointed, either, as Papeete is essentially an open-air museum of modern street art. A good starting point for an art trail is the striking 3D pavement image of robots by the ferry terminal — close to where the cruise ship docks.
Topaka Lighthouse in Fakarava
FAKARAVA
Fakarava is known as the Island of Dreams. It fulfils every image of a tropical paradise and is one of the most beautiful lagoon atolls in French Polynesia: a pristine world where nesting birds and marine life live in harmony with the land and water. Thanks to its exceptional ecological value and diversity, it’s been classified as a Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO.
Divers from all over the world visit to encounter its “wall of sharks,” where it’s possible to dive with hundreds of majestic grey sharks. The waters are crystal clear, and a snorkeling trip will also offer the opportunity to spot sea turtles, manta rays and multicolored fish around the coral reef.
Another way to explore is by taking an e-bike ride with a guide, cycling from the village of Rotoava to the old lighthouse of Topaka. One of the oldest in Polynesia, the lighthouse’s conical shape has led to it being nicknamed the Pyramid of Fakarava. For something more laid-back, sink your toes into the inviting bright white and pink tinged sands that fringe the island, which you’ll probably have all to yourself.
Tapa cloth
FATU-HIVA
Despite its far-off location, the southernmost and most remote island in the Marquesas archipelago is home to a population of around 1,200. Beyond the rocky coastline, as you head farther inland, expect swaths of mountains clothed in rainforest. One of the first visitors to Fatu-Hiva was Norwegian explorer and archaeologist Thor Heyerdahl in the 1930s, who describes his stay in the book Fatu-Hiva.
Today, intrepid travelers can embark on a hilly hike of just over 9 miles from the main village of Omo‘a to Hanavave, farther along the western coast. The trail winds through forests of acacia and fruit trees — and your efforts are rewarded by spectacular views from the open grassland on the plateau. The descent to Hanavave affords another fantastic vista that’s dominated by the beautiful Bay of Virgins, which is surrounded by lofty basalt columns.
Alternatively, a leisurely stroll around Omo‘a leads to the small red-roofed church Église Notre-Dame-de-la-Paix d’Omo‘a, with its slender white spire and ornate wooden altar. On your walk in Omo‘a, you’ll find craftsmen demonstrating their skills in making tapa cloth, a material created from soaked tree bark that’s decorated with elaborate designs using vegetable dyes.
Tiki statues at Hiva Oa
HIVA OA
The most remarkable sight on Hiva Oa is the group of tiki statues — human-like stone religious sculptures, the largest outside the similar moai statues on Chile’s Easter Island — standing in a leafy clearing. A winding road deep into green hills leads to the hallowed outdoor shrine of Meae Iipona, the site of these prehistoric stone figures, whose vast heads and huge eyes symbolize knowledge and power. One of them, around 9 feet tall and known as Takaii, towers over the rest, representing a formidable chieftain. Islanders believe the spirits of the dead wander this site and that the tikis come alive. There are lines in Takaii’s eyes, which when hit by the sun in a certain spot resemble all-seeing pupils.
The charms of Hiva Oa also captivated French post-impressionist painter Paul Gauguin and Belgian musician Jacques Brel, who lived their final years on the island and are buried close to each other in simple graves in the picturesque cemetery overlooking Atuona Bay.
Hatihe'u Bay on Nuku Hiva
NUKU HIVA
The capital of the Marquesas, Nuku Hiva is French Polynesia’s second-largest island after Tahiti. The main town of Taioha’e, the starting point for exploring the island, is situated on a former volcanic crater that’s partly collapsed into the ocean, creating a bay with black-sand beaches. There are 700 archaeological sites scattered across the island, including me’ae — sacred ceremonial places — as well as the remains of rock platforms where ancient Taipi people built their first homes beneath the banyan trees that still grow here today.
In their shade, troupes of villagers perform spirited traditional dances, such as the haka pua, or pig dance, and haka manu, the bird dance, accompanied by guttural cries and a mesmerizing beat from pahu wooden drums. Nuka Hiva is also famous for its waterfalls. The Hakaui Valley hiking trail leads to the Vaipo waterfall, which cascades from a height of 1,148 feet and is the highest in all of French Polynesia.
Reef in Tiputa Pass, Rangiroa
RANGIROA
Part of the Tuamotu archipelago, Rangiroa is distinctly different from other Tahitian islands as it lacks soaring mountain peaks. Instead, smooth islets and sandbars encircle a sweeping azure lagoon surrounded by abundant coral gardens, tropical fish and endless horizons. The largest atoll in the Tuamotus, and one of the largest in the world, its name in the local language translates to “vast sky.”
For a close-up experience of this huge natural aquarium, certified divers can sign up for a two-hour session while snorkelers can drift above coral populated by a kaleidoscope of marine life, including parrot, butterfly and surgeonfish. Alternatively, board a glass-bottomed boat to enjoy a glimpse into this colorful world.
Land options include a trip to a small, black pearl farm to discover how Polynesia’s prized and unusual pearls are produced — a process that can take up to two years. The uncommon color of the pearls is natural and is the result of the dark pigment secreted by the black-lipped oyster native to French Polynesia. To wind down, visit the tranquil, emerald-tinged waters of the Green Lagoon and sip fresh coconut water straight from the shell.
Vanilla beans
MOTU MAHAEA
Part of the Society Islands, which also include Tahiti, Bora Bora and Moorea, Motu Mahaea is a tiny and lesser-known islet surrounded by a sparkling turquoise lagoon that’s only accessible by small boat. Swim, snorkel and relax on the white-sand beaches before a delicious barbecue lunch. It’s located just off the coast of Tah’aa, so the day can easily be broken up with excursions to the neighboring island.
Tah’aa is known as the “vanilla island” — this is where the fragrant spice was introduced to Polynesia by the French in 1848. Today, around 80% of all French Polynesia’s vanilla is grown here. You can discover more on a trip in an offroad vehicle to a small family plantation, which will also provide an insight into the traditional use of other local plants and trees. Black pearls are also produced on Tah’aa and, as well as learning about the cottage industries that are important to the island’s economy, you’ll meet the friendly locals and hear about their other deeply ingrained traditions and way of life.
Mount Otemanu, the highest point in Bora Bora
BORA BORA
Bora Bora is called the “pearl of the Pacific” for good reason. Polynesia’s most popular destination, the island is crowned by the landmark extinct volcanic peak of Mount Otemanu, which is surrounded by a lagoon, barrier reef and a string of motus (small islands). The different depths of sparkling water are reflected in a myriad of shades from powder blue to deep indigo. This is where the ship anchors overnight, allowing plenty of time to experience the island.
A highlight is Windstar’s signature Exclusive Destination Discovery Event on a private island, complete with a dramatic fire dance. This ancient art form was often a part of pre-battle rituals, where warriors showed off their prowess to the sound of intense drumbeats.
There are multiple ways to admire Bora Bora. One exciting option is the Aqua Safari, where underwater adventurers walk along the seabed, 12 feet below the surface, surrounded by hundreds of tropical fish. A diving helmet connected to an air hose means no swimming or diving experience is needed. Otherwise, take a small boat and snorkel among the fish.
Pineapple plant
MO’OREA
Mo’orea has a fascinating history. The island is approximately 2 million years old and has been inhabited for around 2,000 years. It’s home to two major research stations that study the island’s reefs and abundant eco-system, and hosts scientists and students from around the globe. One shore excursion combines information from researchers and stories from local elders, which delve into the island’s diverse riches including geology, plants and animals. You’ll visit beaches and forests and stroll through an ancient village where archaeologists are piecing together the pre-history of the Polynesians.
You can also embark on an exhilarating cross-country journey on a quad bike. Stops include the Belvedere Lookout, for far-reaching views over the serrated green landscape and sapphire seas, before a ride along the pineapple trail through a plantation that grows the fruit for a local juice factory, where you’ll break for a tour and a refreshing tasting of the sweet pineapples.
By Jeannine Williamson
