Moho Tani and Hiva Oa, Marquesas, 5/23/2023, National Geographic Orion
Aboard the
National Geographic Orion
French Polynesia & Pacific Islands
As the sun peeked over the horizon of the beautiful Marquesas islands, National Geographic Orion launched Zodiacs to explore the uninhabited island of Moho Tani. We cruised the coastline of this rarely visited island, and some brave souls went diving below the waves to see manta rays and fish. In the afternoon, guests explored the tikis and meae of Puamau on Hiva Oa. What a day!
Explorers Club Member, Polar Expedition Diver, Naturalist, and Historian, Adam Maire is dedicated to exploring around the globe with a goal of researching, documenting, and teaching others about the beauty, the power and the importance of the earth's...
Enter travel details to receive reports from a single expedition
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Send Daily Expedition Reports to friends and family
*By clicking the submit button, I authorize Lindblad Expeditions to email me; however, I am able to unsubscribe at any time. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Please note: All Daily Expedition Reports (DERs) are posted Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours. DERs are written onboard the ship only and do
not apply to land-based portions of expeditions.
This morning, National Geographic Orion dropped the hook in Hatiheu Bay on Nuka Hiva. Being Sunday, some of us took the opportunity to attend the 8am Catholic church service which was in the Marquesan language. Afterwards, we walked up the hill to the extraordinary archeological site of Kamuihei. Situated between three mountain peaks, the complex was an important sacred place in the past. The group gathered by the chief’s residential complex to learn about the site and we tried to imagine the ceremony that once occurred on the huge dance floor/plaza. At the top of the site, we found two huge boulders covered in petroglyphs with images of stick figures, a large fish, and lots of turtles. Turtles were considered sacred since they can travel on land as well as in the sea, serving as a metaphor for the relation between the living and the dead. From the site, we headed down the hill for a cultural program, a weaving demonstration, making of breadfruit poi (ma), and an extraordinary dance performance. Leaving the shore was a sad moment for the staff as it will be the last time for a while that National Geographic Orion will visit these amazing communities.
Today on Ua Huka, guests explored the island’s rich cultural and natural landscapes. Morning stretches with wellness specialist Tila set the day in motion before hikers ventured into Hane Valley, discovering ancient stone sites at Me’ae Meiaute. Others enjoyed a leisurely tour, visiting the Te Tumu ceremonial center, Hane Valley archeological sites, and the lush Papuakeiha Arboretum. The excitement continued in the afternoon as Zodiacs whisked us to the dramatic “Bird Islands” where thousands of sooty turns swirled overhead in mesmerizing formations. Just when we thought the day couldn’t get more magical, a fever of manta rays appeared, gracefully swimming around our Zodiacs. We capped off this day with cocktails, laughter, and storytelling in the lounge. Ua Huka’s wild landscapes and unexpected encounters left us in awe!
A truly remarkable day unfolded for us today in the village of Hapatoni on the island of Tahuata. An early morning search for the elusive and endangered kingfisher, restricted to only this island, gave way to an incredible welcome and performance from our hosts in Hapatoni. The beautiful culture of the Marquesas Islands and their amazing spirit of welcome and hospitality were showcased in full force during an incredible display of dancing and song. Guests were given opportunities to purchase local crafts and art before returning to the ship for lunch. We spent the afternoon snorkeling or taking to the island again for a walk to a gorgeous waterfall. We finished the day with a delicious barbecue dinner on the sundeck while our hosts from Hapatoni joined us on board. After dinner, we were treated to more song and dance from the islanders in a performance so moving that many were brought to tears.