Island Tour: Scuba Diving in Nuku Hiva (Marquesas Islands)

NUKU HIVA SCUBA DIVING

Nuku Hiva is the largest of the Marquesas Islands. It is a vast mountainous island emerging from the sea with no barrier reef. Impressive in its beauty, its rocky coastline contains many cavities, caves and walls that are perfect for underwater exploration. While the visibility is not as clear as the waters of the Society Islands or the Tuamotu Islands, the fact that there is no barrier reef accounts for the abundance of ocean fish, including melonhead whales (pygmy orca), hammerheads and manta rays. You will also find leopard rays and an abundance of rare shells. The best time to see the melon head whales is January - April while the best time to encounter hammerhead sharks is June - November.

Because there is no barrier reef, the dive sites in Nuku Hiva can sometimes be adversely affected by a strong swell. Certain sites therefore, require a fair amount of experience.

WHAT TO EXPECT IN NUKU HIVA

The islands of the Marquesas archipelago are far from the beaten track, with a beauty matched only by their serenity. Tell a local Tahitian that you are visiting the Marquesas and you will see that they respond with awe and admiration. Even for Tahitians, the Marquesas Islands are something very special. Nuku Hiva is a three-hour flight from Tahiti and once you arrive you have the option of getting to your hotel via a 10-minute helicopter ride or a 2-hour 4x4 ride. Both provide views that are truly breathtaking.

The rugged terrain of Nuku Hiva makes land activities a must. Spectacular vistas, rushing waterfalls (including one of the largest in the world) and fascinating archeological sites are just some of the rewards to be reaped as you explore this beautiful island. No matter what your preference, hiking, horseback riding or 4-wheel drive, I highly recommend you hire a local guide to show you the many wonderful sites waiting to be explored.

If you want a bird's eye view of the island, hang gliding is also available.

Grab a mask and snorkel and you simply won't believe the huge ocean fish you will see within the Bay of Taiohae. It will not be unusual for you to get up close and personal with hammerheads and manta rays. In Nuku Hiva huge fish swim very close to the surface. Caution must be advised however. Unlike the other islands and atolls of French Polynesia, currents in the Marquesas can be quite strong. It is best to consult your hotel management for details.

Of course, the waters surrounding Nuku Hiva are also rich with tuna, mahimahi, making the fishing prospects here especially good.

Sailing is another great way to truly see the Marquesas Islands. Charter a boat and see vistas of the island from sites only accessible by boat.

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ACCOMMODATIONS

For a complete list of accommodations, visit the Nuku Hiva Accommodations page here.