Bay of Virgins

The Bay of Virgins is a protected fjord on Fatu Hiva's coast with tall basalt spires rising on both sides of its entrance. These rock formations frame the sheltered waters inside and create a striking landmark visible from the sea.

The bay was originally named 'Baie des Verges' before Catholic missionaries renamed it 'Baie des Vierges' when they arrived in the region. This change reflected religious influence on the islands during the era of Pacific missions.

The village of Hanavave keeps traditional crafts alive, such as making tapa cloth from tree bark, which remains part of daily life. These practices connect locals to their heritage and shape how the community uses the bay's surroundings.

Reaching this location requires travel by sea, and anchoring spots are limited due to rocky underwater formations. Visitors should plan to arrive by boat with someone familiar with local conditions.

The hillsides surrounding the bay grow wild with fruit trees that produce fresh harvests year-round. Visitors walking through nearby areas can pick citrus and other tropical fruits directly from the trees and gardens.