The Marquesas Archipelago located in the South Pacific are remote islands in French Polynesia composed of rugged, basaltic rock formations that jut up dramatically on the landscape surrounding the bays. Part of the Society Islands, six of the twelve islands are inhabited. We sailed to five of the inhabited islands on The Barefoot, 42’ sailboat, exploring remote, untouched bays surrounded by deep valleys and thriving jungles. From Hiva Oa we sailed into the Bay of Virgins, on Fatu Hiva, arriving to rugged basaltic cliffs jutting into the ocean over lush valleys. We visited two small villages on the island, Hanavave at the bay where we overnighted, and a short boat ride to Omoa to enjoy a Sunday mass at a native Catholic Church. Hiking back to our bay, we covered ten miles of steep switch backs over a dramatic mountainside then back down to the valley.

Documentary Travel Photography: Gail Fisher