It’s just a one hour hop over to Daniel’s Bay on Nuku Hiva, a quiet, incredibly well protected bay, where we can hike to Vaipo waterfall from.
One of those bays you can’t really see until you’re inside of it.
From the beach looking out you can’t see the entrance to the bay, which doglegs off to the left behind the boats in this picture.
I know I’m just going to have to get used to the fact that sailing now appears to be about as popular as RVing from National Park to National Park. Last time we were here, we were alone. This time, twenty boats.
Off to go hiking. Everyone else was dropped off dry on the beach while I took the dinghy out to anchor to avoid dragging it across the beach at low tide. We thought we were getting an early start, but two minutes up the trail we passed a couple who were just returning. They must have left around four a.m.
This was fun at first, but Lowe soon realized he’d prefer the cold water.
The path starts out wide as it goes through the “village” which consists of just a few families.
There were a couple of trucks like this. The effort to get them here must have been pretty great at one time.
About an hour in we spotted Vaipo waterfall. Everyone seems to want to call it the third tallest waterfall in the world. I’m not sure, but it is way the heck up there.
Thanks for the family selfie, Lowe.
The river crossings can get a little crazy after big rains, but it’s been pretty dry lately, so we just had a nice stroll through the water.
I don’t think the pictures fully express how impossibly bright green it was in here.
You can only see a glimpse of the waterfall from here. Getting in there requires climbing around the middle rock into another pool. Despite the height of the waterfall, the relatively dry weather meant that by the time it hit our heads it was about the same pressure as a shower. Last time I was here I don’t think I could actually go underneath it because of the volume of water crashing down.
15 Comments on “Vaipo Waterfall”
Just wonderful, thanks for this, makes me nostalgic. Last year the waterfall was dry when I walked up there. Did you spend time with the families at the bay? They gave me so much fruit it was amazing, the pamplemouse being the best. And I had the most amazing marinated tuna steak at their little “restaurant” in their home. And I think you are anchored near the mouth of the bay, where there were lots of manta rays. The snorkeling is nothing great, but if you go to the north edge of the bay entrance it is pretty good for the Marquesas. I hope you get to have a beach barbecue. I made a point of going around the bay meeting all the other boats and all but one joined on my boat for an evening chat, we had 13 people on my little monohull. It was one of the best experiences of my trip. The only exception was rather sad, a guy who was visiting to see the place his best friend was murdered by a local in that valley a few years ago.
Gorgeous. I wish the pictures came with sound. I imagine birds everywhere.
Entirely off the point, on your galley picture, why is it that faucets have to be mounted where your arm is in the way of the water, even when you mount them backwards, and even when you are left handed?
What staggering beauty! Except for the poor horse. He looks emaciated.
I know! 🙁
Amazing pics,Pat.
Same in Europe now, more and more boats and getting ever larger each year.
So much so that you need to pre book a year ahead for marinas.
Now you need your boat to have a water maker installed to give you greater flexibility.
Amazing photos – thank you!!!
Loved following the link and seeing your first visit to this magical place. You two looked like teenagers! I’ve been following your blog for many years; thank you for sharing your adventures!
I, too, especially enjoyed revisiting the blog documenting the first time the Bums went through this part of the world. It felt like I was seeing their future teenage grandchildren.😎
I can’t resist this comment of yours:
“I know I’m just going to have to get used to the fact that sailing now appears to be about as popular as RVing from National Park to National Park. Last time we were here, we were alone. This time, twenty boats.”
Imagine how we feel, we drove around the US 40 years ago in a truck camper-no need to book a campsite as there were so few RV’s! No luxurious monster motorhomes, no crowds, no traffic backed up in the parks as hundreds of people try to take photos of some poor lone elk munching grass by the side of the road. Those were the days-at the risk of sounding like an old fart! We threw in the towel on RV’ing in the states last year. We called one of the National Parks to book a site the next week & the woman went ballistic “NEXT WEEK? We have campsites booked months in advance, sometimes more than a year even! You can’t just expect to drop by next week.” At least with cruising you can still enjoy some spontaneity! 🙂
Love the photos as always & so nice to see you all enjoying your times together! Thanks for letting us come along for the ride!
Have fun!
Yes, the campground bookings is definitely a problem. I think I’m a fairly good planner but months in advance (unless we have to be somewhere) is no fun.
A visual smorgasbord! thkU! Lowe looks like he getting some length? Goodonyas!
He definitely is! He just passed my sisters and niece. haha
Missed the flashback llnk on my 1st read —— quite a change ln overall attitude and interests from 2004 – and happier reporting too.
Much more pleasant to see the way 4 Bums get enjoyment these days.
Really amzlng photos — Thanks.
Hey Capt.Doug! Yes, after all this travel, comes a change in attitude. It’s all good.
Absolutely spectacular photography. Kudos.
Amazing place.
Living vicariously through you all.