Tahuata, Hiva Oa, Marquesas Islands

Diving in the Marquesas is a more adventurous experience than diving on most other islands. It's a once-in-a-lifetime dive for individuals who want to descend beneath the surface in some of the world's most remote locations. Hiva Oa, a Marquesan island that was formerly home to French fauvist Paul Gauguin, is one of the few spots in the Marquesas where you can dive, but it's a fantastic spot. Under the water, the rocky island appears to be the same as it does above, with steep walls descending into the sea.

Although the water is a touch colder and visibility isn't as good as it is in Tahiti or Moorea, divers who don't mind some currents and swells are likely to see sharks, huge eagle, and marble rays. When not moving, the latter has evolved to blend in with the stony ocean floor, making it nearly impossible to identify.

Dive Type: Boat dive
Closest Departure Point: Atuona, Hiva Oa
Depth: 50 to 100 feet
Certification Required: Open water, though currents and downswells can be strong
Location: Tahuata, Hiva Oa