Nuku Hiva Island

Arriving at Nuku Hiva, the port of Taioha’a, you sense why this corner of French Polynesia feels more like a secluded gateway to another world than a typical cruise call. Unlike the crowded lagoons and overfamiliar itineraries of other ports, Nuku Hiva opens onto a raw, time-worn beauty—dramatic basalt cliffs, emerald valleys, and a coastline etched by wind and sea. The port experience is intimate: tender boats carry you to a crescent of black-sand shore where islanders greet you with song and a sense of welcome that lingers long after the ship pulls away. Signature experiences focus on the island’s living culture and pristine nature: guided hikes to the grandeur of Vaipo waterfall, visits to marae ruins that whisper stories of ancient chiefs, and a chance to watch artisans carve symbols from wood and bone. Excursions can take you into the valleys where breadfruit and vanilla vines shade hidden streams, or to Taioha’a’s markets for handwoven pareos and local vanilla. When you step aboard, the fleet’s expedition-minded design makes port calls feel effortless: shallow-draft ships with nimble tenders, Zodiacs, and expert crews provide smooth landings in the bay, plus environmentally conscious features that respect the island’s fragile ecosystems. Onboard, the rhythm of Polynesia spills from staged performances and storytelling sessions into the ship’s restaurants, which emphasize fresh, island-inspired fare and spices from the region; there are spaces to unwind in spa sanctuaries, open-air decks for stargazing after sunset, and enrichment programs that bring Marquesan history and navigational traditions to life. A call at Nuku Hiva isn’t a mere stop on a map; it’s a doorway to a culture and landscape that feels both untouched and unforgettable, a distinction that sets this port apart from more familiar cruise experiences.