MONTH TRAVEL ⟩ Marquesas Islands — Central Pacific

Entrepreneur Recognized for Exploration in the Marquesas Islands

Tõnu Runnel, an Estonian entrepreneur, has been named Correspondent of the Week for his recent exploration of the Marquesas Islands, located in the Central Pacific Ocean. The recognition follows Runnel’s photographic documentation of his time on Fatu Hiva, one of the islands within this remote archipelago. The images, taken on March 12, 2026, depict Runnel interacting with dolphins near the eastern coast of Fatu Hiva.

This activity highlights the growing interest among visitors, particularly from Estonia, in this unique region of the Pacific. The Marquesas islands, part of the broader Polynesian region, represent a collection of thousands of inhabited islands scattered across the vast expanse of the ocean. These islands, primarily situated in the tropics, comprise the Melanesia, Micronesia, and Polynesia archipelagos, collectively spanning millions of square kilometers.

Runnel’s work contributes to a growing understanding of the diverse cultures and environments found within these isolated communities. The region’s allure has long been recognized, with figures like Paul Gauguin and Jacques Brel having been drawn to the area, as evidenced by historical sites like tirai maraetaata in Fatu Hiva. Research into early voyages, such as those undertaken by Thor Heyerdahl and the exploration of Nuku Hiva, further adds to the region’s rich history.

Keywords: Paul Gauguin, fatu hiva, jacques brel, french polynesia, thor heyerdahl, nuku hiva, polynesia.

Topics: #pacific #islands #marquesas