The most remote island in the Marquesas rewards visitors with cathedral-like volcanic spires rising from the Bay of Virgins, living traditions of Tapa bark-cloth painting, and an island life unchanged for generations.
Ships anchor offshore and tender passengers to a small concrete landing in either Hanavave or Omoa — sometimes both.
💡 Pro move: Swell and weather can cancel or shorten calls — Fatu Hiva is genuinely remote. Tender schedules are set by the captain; check with guest services.
Fatu Hiva has no cruise pier — all landings are by tender into one of two small village docks.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| All cruise lines | Hanavave (Bay of Virgins)📍 | Tendered |
| Aranui 5 & expedition ships | Omoa village📍 | Tendered |
Shore excursions revolve around the island's jaw-dropping scenery and living Marquesan cultural traditions — most arranged through your ship.
Step off the tender in Hanavave and simply look up. The sheer basalt spires rising around the bay are among the most dramatic anchorages on Earth. A 15-minute walk around the village takes in the entire spectacle for free.
Explore Hanavave tours →Fatu Hiva is one of the last places where traditional Tapa bark-cloth is actively made. Watch local women beat mulberry bark flat and paint it with ancestral Marquesan motifs using natural dyes. Pieces make exceptional souvenirs.
Book cultural shore excursions →A legendary 17 km ridge-and-valley trail connecting the two villages over a 700 m mountain pass. The ship drops hikers at Omoa and sails around to pick them up at Hanavave — or vice versa. Allow 5–7 hours. Excellent fitness required.
Find guided hiking tours →A 40-minute walk inland from Hanavave village through lush rainforest leads to an impressive waterfall. Trails are unmaintained; ask a local at the dock for current conditions and directions.
Book nature excursions →A local guide can lead you to ancient rock carvings in the valleys around Omoa, including the famous 'Paoa' tuna petroglyph. The small private Musée Grelet in Omoa displays war clubs, carved bowls, and Marquesan artefacts.
Find historical tours →Both villages are easily covered on foot; the dramatic cross-island road is the only link between them.
From the tender landing, walk the length of the village to the church, then back along the black-sand shoreline. Every angle of the bay reveals new views of the towering basalt formations.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →From the Omoa tender landing, wander through the village to the craft market and church. The artisan pavilion near the dock is usually bustling when a ship is in.
📍 Open in MapsClimate normals for Fatu Hiva Island, Marquesas, French Polynesia (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 13 |
| Feb | 81°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 12 |
| Mar | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 14 |
| Apr | 82°F / 28°C | 79°F / 26°C | 12 |
| May | 81°F / 27°C | 79°F / 26°C | 12 |
| Jun | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 13 |
| Jul | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 11 |
| Aug | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 12 |
| Sep | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 12 |
| Oct | 79°F / 26°C | 77°F / 25°C | 11 |
| Nov | 80°F / 27°C | 77°F / 25°C | 15 |
| Dec | 80°F / 27°C | 78°F / 26°C | 14 |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Upcoming cruises that call at Fatu Hiva Island, Marquesas, French Polynesia. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.