Welcome to the Nuku Hiva cruise port guide. Nuku Hiva is part of the Marquesas Islands which could be considered as one of the most remote places on earth. Since you most likely will have a lot of seadays before you reach the islands you might also experience this is the far end of the earth. Nuku Hiva is one of the two bigger islands of the Marquesas islands. The island is known for its intense and dramatic landscape. You will see green mountainous peaks, secluded bays and untouched nature. This cruise destination has a unique culture due to its isolated position in the world. There are not many influences from outside that have altered the way of life on the island. There are incredible woodcarving techniques, unheard languages and intricate historical sites that are unique to this part of the world. When your ship arrives in the bay of Taiohae you know you are in for a special experience. Your cruise ship most likely doubles the population of Nuku Hiva for a day. Once you set foot on land in this tender port you will be greeted by the friendly locals who will do everything they can to give you a warm welcome and show you the good part of their island life style. Nuku Hiva as a port of call on your cruise vacation is different from any other ports of call. Read the Nuku Hiva cruise port guide to get an idea about what you can see and do here in this port of call.

Nuku Hiva cruise port – fast facts:
– Nuku Hiva is a cruise tender port
– The tender dock is right in the center of Taiohae
– There a cruise center at the pier with small restaurants, tourist information and souvenir shops.
– Public Transportation is very limited in this port of call
– Not many taxis around.

Nuku Hiva cruise port guide: tender port

The small island of Nuku Hiva does not have a pier available large enough for cruise ships to dock. Therefore this, as many other cruise ports in French Polynesia, is a tender port. Your ship will drop anchor in or near the bay of Taiohae and ferry you to shore with their tender boats.

Tender pier

Nuku Hiva’s tender dock is right in the center of Taiohae. You will find a small parking lot with a souvenir shop and cafe on the dock. Additionally you will find a local cafe, market, crafts market and tourist information about 50 yards from the tender dock.

Taiohae

Taiohae is the name of the town and bay that cruise ships visit when making Nuku Hiva their port of call. Taiohae is also the main town on the island although it only has about 1700 inhabitants. The town is build on a former volcanic crater which now collapsed creating a bay.

Tourist information

Find a small tourist information close to the dock. Ask the friendly locals here anything you like about how to get around on the island, what to see and do and about their life style here in the island.

Taxis

There are only a handful of taxis on the island of Nuku Hiva and therefore it is very rare you will be offered a local tour or taxi tour when you get to the tender pier.

Public Transportation

Nuku Hiva doesn’t offer any form of public transportation to the places of interest. Transportation is very limited don the island.

Shore excursions vs Private tour

Transportation on the island is very limited. There are no tourist busses available and even the ships tours utilise the local jeeps to get people around. We highly recommend you to book a shore excursion through the ship or book a private tour when going to Nuku Hiva. The Taiohae town itself is nice, but the island is spectacular. You want to make sure to experience the rugged terrain, exciting hairpin bends and spectacular views. To ensure yourself you will have a spot on one of the limited numbers of vehicles we highly recommend you to book something ahead of time. When booking a private tour, keep in mind that this is tender port. Allow yourself enough time get off the ship and meet your guide/driver on the dock.

Currency

The local currency of Nuku Hiva is the CFP Franc (XPF). These large bills are generally used all over French Polynesia. If you are on a cruise visiting more than 2 islands here we do recommend you to change into the local currency because it simply makes things easier on shore side. US dollars are generally accepted by the local vendors and shops, but still it might be worth your while to change.

Souvenirs

You will find plenty of opportunities to shop for great souvenirs right around the port area.
Local souvenirs would be:
– Tikis
– Wood Carvings
– Flowers
– Pearl jewellery
Taiohae is not the type of town where you will find a booming shopping mall or pedestrian shopping street. Actually, there are almost no souvenir shops in town. Luckily all vendors set up right at the dock whenever a cruise ship is in town.

Wifi

It is very rare for you to find free wi-fi on Nuku Hiva. This is not the port of call where you want to bring your device and catch up on your emails. We recommend you to wait for another port of call to get on wi-fi if you can.

Nuku Hiva cruise port