After four days at sea and crossing the equator for the first time, we made it to Nuku Hiva in the Marquesas Islands! Nuku Hiva is the second largest island in French Polynesia after Tahiti and is the most populated island in the Marquesas Islands. We anchored in the bay near Taiohae on the southern coast, which is where most of the population (less than 3,000) lives on the island.

We took a tour to Taipivai Valley for a large chunk of the day. The excursion started in Taiohae and we road with a local across the mountains to the valley. We stopped in the valley and watched some of the locals at work carving different wood sculptures (Nuku Hiva is known for their wood carvings). We enjoyed some local fruit and a stop at the beach as well.

Birds fishing!

Enjoying my coffee as we arrive to Nuku Hiva!

Reminds me of Hawaii!

Checking out our tender boat for the next several stops.

Our transportation for our excursion.

Community center.

Notre Dame Cathedral

Elementary School. Once the kids get older, they have to go to Tahiti for school.

Love this picture of the horses hanging out on the side of the road.

One of my favorite pictures from the day!

Every day a boat comes in to deliver fresh fish. The residents head out and pick what they want for the day.

Looking down on Taipivai Valley.

Beach selfie.

After a full day on Nuku Hiva, we had another day at sea as we headed towards Fakarava in the Tuamotu Archipelago. On our day at sea, we had another delicious dinner with the fanciest dessert yet!

Morel crusted chicken.

Fancy meringue!