French Polynesia
/ Marquesas Archipelago

With a total surface area of 1049 km2 and mainly of volcanic origin, it is one of the largest archipelagos in French Polynesia. Nuku Hiva, where the administrative center is located, is around 1400 km from Tahiti. Its islands are divided into two distinct groups: the northern group centered around the large island of Nuku Hiva, and the southern group centered around the main island of Hiva Oa. Popularized by cultural greats such as Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel, who both decided to spend their golden years here, the Marquesas Islands boast a strong history and rich traditions, which are still evident today in the local crafts and art of tattooing. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, the Marquesas archipelago is also a veritable underwater sanctuary, highlighted by the "Pakaihi I Te Moana" oceanographic mission, which saw some forty scientists come and go for almost 4 months, with the aim of gaining a better understanding of the natural marine heritage of the Marquesas Islands.