Hanavave Bay on the Marquesas Island of Fatu Hiva

Cruising French Polynesia on the Aranui 3 Passenger Freighter

Fatu Hiva (sometimes spelled Fatu Iva) is one of the Marquesas Islands located in French Polynesia in the South Pacific. Few cruise ships visit the Marquesas, but the cruise passenger freighter the Aranui 3 makes 16-day trips to the Marquesas from Tahiti 16 times a year. The Aranui 3 serves as both a supply ship for the Marquesas and as a passenger ship for travelers who want to experience this remote part of the world. We loved watching the crew unload items such as the 4-wheel drive vehicle seen in the pictures below.

Hanavave Bay on Fatu Hiva is one of the most beautiful bays in the world. The contrast of the light on the bay between the early and late afternoon views seen in the pictures below is amazing.

Hanavave Bay is also sometimes called the Bay of Virgins because of the unusual rock formations surrounding the bay. The residents of the small village came to greet the Aranui 3 and welcomed us to their lovely home with music and dancing. It was a special afternoon.