Taioha'e Bay, Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia

4RayICue 5:00 PM May 3, 2019

Beautiful Isolated Island
Very different and scenic bay. Lots of activity to keep up with and observe. Best views of anything water sports related.

4ronlk 5:00 PM Apr 1, 2022

2 excellent low-cost things to do
The bottom line is that the Taiohae Bay area is third-world and there's not a whole lot to see or do. We were there for 2 days with an Oceania cruise and still had a very good time. Here's suggestions for 2 half-day activities: 1) Take a private scenic tour over the mountain in an air-conditioned van. You'll see the site of the 2002 Survivor TV series, a sacred ceremonial site, craftsmen at work, and some magnificent views. We went with Jocelyne Henua Enana Tours ([email protected]) and paid $67 USD pp as part of a group of 8. She's been a tour guide for 25 years and is very knowledgeable and well-organized. However, she is quite a stern lady and has a heavy French accent. I recommend her as your second choice, the first being Richard of Temarama Tours. Last choice would be booking the ship's tour which goes to the same spots. In this case, you will travel in a convoy of several pickup trucks with no AC and drivers who do not speak English. A single tour guide will make comments to the whole large group at each stop along the way. For that low quality experience, you will pay $179 pp. 2) At the cruise pier, turn to your left (east) right before the restaurant. Walk along the seawall for about one-half mile. After crossing 3 small bridges, you will come to a large waterfront park containing a sacred site with carved tikis, a raised ceremonial platform with an altar, and a beautiful view of the bay. Return by the same route, and turn left around the restaurant. Go up the road for 2 minutes and then turn right until you see a stone path going up the hill on the west side of the cruise pier. Walk along the path marked "Voiture" for some great views of the bay and work your way to the top where you will find a giant tiki, picnic tables and nice flowering shrubs. You'll have another magnificent view of the bay and beach.