Port information & tips for Hanavave (Fatu Hiva, Marquesas Islands)
Hanavave on Fatu Hiva is considered one of the most spectacular ports of the Marquesas and impresses with its untouched, dramatic natural scenery in the middle of the Pacific. The world-famous Baie des Vierges welcomes travelers with majestic basalt formations that glow in the golden light of the evening sun and radiate a mystical atmosphere. Cultural and scenic highlights include the impressive Vaieenui Waterfall as well as the authentic village of Hanavave, where visitors can discover the traditional production of tapa barkcloth. As ships anchor in the sheltered bay, landing is by tender boat at the Quai de Hanavave. This central landing point is located directly on the edge of the village, making it easy to explore the tropical idyll and the warm hospitality of the residents on foot.
Arrival & Departure
Getting around
Highlights & Districts
Useful tips
Returning to the ship
Hanavave on Fatu Hiva is a picturesque, remote port of call in the Marquesas Islands archipelago and serves almost exclusively as a shore excursion destination as part of longer cruises through French Polynesia. A direct arrival at the port of Hanavave for embarkation is not intended for international guests, as this location does not serve as a regular starting base for ocean cruises. The journey typically begins in Tahiti or another larger island in French Polynesia.
Airplane to French Polynesia
For guests from the DACH region, travel to French Polynesia usually goes via Tahiti-Faa'a International Airport (PPT) near Papeete, the capital of Tahiti. There are no direct flights from Germany, Austria, or Switzerland, but there are good connecting flights via major hubs such as Paris (CDG), Los Angeles (LAX), or San Francisco (SFO). The pure flight time is often over 20 hours, which is why arriving at least one day before the planned embarkation date is strongly recommended.
Arrival at the Embarkation Port
After arriving in Tahiti (PPT), transfers take place to the actual embarkation port, which is usually located in Papeete. It is only a few kilometers from Tahiti-Faa'a Airport to the cruise terminal in Papeete. Taxis are available directly at the airport and take guests comfortably to the ship in about 15 to 20 minutes. For certain expedition cruises, the embarkation port may also be on another island in the Marquesas, such as Nuku Hiva or Hiva Oa. In such cases, a further domestic flight with Air Tahiti from Tahiti to these islands is required before embarkation takes place.
Pre-Cruise Stay in French Polynesia
Due to the long journey and the time difference, a pre-cruise stay of one to two nights on Tahiti or the respective embarkation island is highly recommended. This allows for relaxed acclimatization and avoids travel stress shortly before the start of the cruise. Numerous hotels in and around Papeete offer comfortable overnight accommodations, often with shuttle services or good connections to the cruise terminals. This way, you can start your South Seas adventure refreshed and full of anticipation.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: For shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as mooring and departure times can change at short notice.
