Welcome to the Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia!
Are you wondering ‘how to get to Marquesas Islands‘?
Let us guide you to the answers so you can comfortably plan your holiday.
KEY TAKEAWAYS on how to get to Marquesas Islands:
- 🚢 cruise aboard the Aranui 5: Enjoy a 13-day journey from Papeete to multiple Marquesian islands, starting at €3,200 ($3,450) per person for a dormitory to €5,000–€7,400 ($5,400–$8,000).
- ✈️ Fly from Tahiti to the Marquesas: Reach Nuku Hiva or Hiva Oa in 3.5–4 hours with Air Tahiti or Air Moana. Fares start at 60,000 XPF (€500 / $540).
- 🚤 Explore other islands by boat or plane: Travel between islands via limited flights or private boats.
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Transportation options on how to get to Marquesas Islands
Among the French Polynesian Islands, there are the Marquesas Islands.
Famous for their rugged landscapes, lush vegetation, and Polynesian culture, the Marquesas are often associated with Jacques Brel and Paul Gauguin, two famous artists who spent their final days on the island of Hiva Oa and are buried there.
While many dream of living on these remote islands, few can actually point them out on a map (see below).
The group of Marquesas Islands consists of TWELVE islands, though only SIX are populated islands.
The largest and most known is Nuku Hiva, with its main village, Taiohae, as the administrative capital.
On the program: volcanic islands, steep basalt cliffs, magnificent landscapes of the sea and the island’s peaks, spectacular routes to the mountainous heights, waterfalls, surfing spots, crystal clear waters in some places, black sand beaches, white sand beaches, traditional dances…
The islands are divided into two main groups: the Northern Marquesas Islands (Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, and Ua Huka) and the Southern Marquesas Islands (Hiva Oa, Tahuata, and Fatu Hiva).
Despite their isolation, there are TWO WAYS on how to get to Marquesas Islands: FLYING or by a CRUISE.
Flying to the Marquesas Islands
Flying is the easiest and most popular way on how to get to Marquesas Islands as you need to bridge 1,600 kilometers (1,000 miles) from Tahiti to Nuku Hiva (the largest island).
KEEP IN MIND: There are NO INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS directly to the Marquesas Islands; all flights connect through Papeete in Tahiti.
Air Tahiti flights to the Marquesas
Air Tahiti operates regular direct flights from Faa’a International Airport (PPT) in Papeete to the two main islands of the Marquesas:
- Nuku Hiva (the northern group)
- Hiva Oa (the southern group)
The flight from Tahiti to the Marquesas takes 3.5 to 4 hours.
These flights operate DAILY to both Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.
INSIDER TIP: Air Tahiti offers a ‘Marquesas Pass,’ which is a cost-effective way to explore multiple islands. However, please note that the pass does not include flights to Ua Pou or Ua Huka, due to the limited touristic demand.
Air Moana: A new option
Since February 2023, Air Moana has also started operating direct flights to the Marquesas Islands, with cheap flights.
Air Moana flights are priced 10–20% cheaper than Air Tahiti, with fares around 60,000–65,000 XPF (€500–€540 / $540–$580) per person.
You can use our widget below to discover the prices for your ticket!
Connecting flights within the Marquesas Islands
Traveling between the islands of the Marquesas requires extra flights or ferries.
For example:
- A domestic flight from Nuku Hiva to Hiva Oa takes 50 minutes.
- Smaller islands like Ua Pou and Ua Huka can only be accessed by connecting through Nuku Hiva or Hiva Oa.
INSIDER TIP: Check the latest flight schedules on the Air Tahiti website or the Air Moana website.
Simply fill in the form below to get a FREE QUOTE from trusted local travel specialists who know the islands inside out.
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*Our trusted local partners create every itinerary with care. We kindly ask that you submit a request only if you’re considering traveling.
Cruise to the Marquesas: The Aranui 5
More than half of the visitors to the Marquesas Islands arrive by cruise.
The iconic and luxurious cruise, Aranui 5, a half-cargo, half-luxury cruise ship, is a good alternative for a flight on how to get to Marquesas Islands.
This hybrid ship has TWO GOALS: delivering supplies to the islands while also providing a once-in-a-lifetime experience for travelers.
The ship operates around 15 voyages annually, leaving from Papeete, Tahiti, to different islands in the Marquesas Archipelago.
The ship’s unique design
The front of the Aranui 5 is dedicated to cargo, transporting everything from vehicles and livestock to cases of frozen goods (with frozen chicken being the most requested item).
The rear of the ship has spaces available for up to 220 guests in a range of cabins, from shared bunks to luxurious suites with private balconies.
The itinerary
The 13-day voyage includes stops at the islands Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, and Fatu Hiva, allowing people to explore the landscapes, ancient archaeological sites, and Marquesan culture.
INSIDER TIP: The ship’s arrival at each island is always a festive moment. Lots of locals gather to welcome the tourists for a real Polynesian experience.
Cost and booking
The cost of a cruise to the Marquesas Islands aboard the Aranui ranges from €3,200 ($3,450) per person for a dormitory to €5,000–€7,400 ($5,400–$8,000), depending on the cabin type selected.
Getting around in the Marquesas Islands
Now that we have covered how to get to Marquesas Islands, you should also know how to get around the Marquesas islands.
By air
- Airline: Air Tahiti is the sole airline operating in the Marquesas Islands, connecting Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, and occasionally Ua Huka.
- Frequency: Flights between Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa are offered a few times per month, with infrequent service to Ua Huka.
- Cancellations: Flights are prone to cancellations due to weather conditions, so plan for extra time in your itinerary.
- Cost: One-way flights typically cost 15,000–20,000 XPF (€125–€165 / $135–$175).
By sea
If you’re traveling aboard the Aranui 5, inter-island travel is included as part of the cruise itinerary.
Private boats: On some islands, locals offer private boat transfers for a fee, allowing you to explore nearby islands or remote coastal areas.
INSIDER TIP: Always confirm schedules with Air Tahiti or your hotel in advance. Services can be irregular, and it’s best to remain flexible with travel dates.
Simply fill in the form below to get a FREE QUOTE from trusted local travel specialists who know the islands inside out.
It only takes 60 seconds, and you’ll receive custom itineraries and pricing directly in your inbox or WhatsApp within
48 hours.
Free of charge. No pressure. No obligation.
*Our trusted local partners create every itinerary with care. We kindly ask that you submit a request only if you’re considering traveling.
FAQ
How do you get to the Marquesas Islands?
You can reach the Marquesas Islands by flying, cruising, or sailing. Direct flights from Papeete, Tahiti, to Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa take 3.5 to 4 hours. The Aranui 5 cruise offers a 13-day journey from Papeete to multiple islands. Adventurers can also sail to the Marquesas as part of a Pacific crossing.
Can you stay in the Marquesas Islands?
Yes, accommodations are available, including guesthouses (pensions), limited hotels on Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, and camping in select areas. It is advisable to book ahead, as options are limited.
Do cruise ships go to the Marquesas Islands?
Yes, cruise ships like the Aranui 5 travel to the Marquesas Islands. This hybrid cargo-passenger ship offers a 13-day cultural and scenic journey, stopping at major islands such as Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.
How long does it take to sail from the Galapagos to the Marquesas?
Sailing from the Galapagos Islands to the Marquesas covers approximately 3,800 kilometers (2,360 miles) and typically takes between 20 to 25 days, depending on weather conditions and vessel speed.
Does anyone live on the Marquesas Islands?
Yes, the Marquesas Islands are home to approximately 9,000 people. Most residents live on Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa, preserving a rich cultural heritage through traditional practices, crafts, and festivals.
