Île Marc is a small, uninhabited island located in the South Pacific Ocean. It is part of the French Polynesia group of islands and is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, which rise abruptly from the ocean. The island is also well known for its salt marshes, birdlife, and biodiversity.
Île Marc offers travelers a unique and unspoiled experience that can be enjoyed by all. Whether you are looking for a quiet getaway, or are seeking to learn about the environment and its wildlife, Île Marc Island is the perfect place for you!
Contents
All About Of Île Marc Island
History
Île Marc is one of the many islands that make up French Polynesia. The island was first discovered by Europeans in the 16th century, and during World War II it served as a British military base.
Today, Île Marc is an uninhabited and largely unspoiled treasure trove for nature lovers who wish to experience its dramatic limestone cliffs, salt marshes, birdlife, and biodiversity.
Archaeology and Prehistory
Île Marc is famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, which rise abruptly from the ocean. During the 1970s archaeologists discovered a large number of prehistoric artifacts on Île Marc; these include many ancient tools that were used by Polynesians in their daily lives thousands of years ago.
Long before European contact with this part of French Polynesia occurred, it was inhabited by indigenous people known as Te Waitaki.
James Cook visited the island in 1774 while sailing to Tahiti and then on his famous expedition of discovery through the Pacific Ocean. In 1970 internee records show that Île Marc has been a British military facility since World War II; it is believed that this was used by Allied troops as an airfield during both world wars (WWI and WWII).
Access to Île Marc Island is allowed only by the marina on the southern end of the island (accessible by boat in order to get there).
Fishing and Boating Visitors can fissure fish with a number of fishing rods that are rentals, or they can use a boat The marina has several dinghies for rent.
Climate
The climate is tropical, with a mean temperature of 26°C. The average maximum temperatures are around 33°C in the summer and 25°C in winter.
The Island experiences both a drier season from December to February and then a wetter season from June to September. The annual rainfall is around 130mm.
Culture
The locals are known as the Te Mura Paora and they have a rich culture that includes traditional dances and songs. The island is surrounded by the ocean and craggy cliffs, making it a beautiful setting for its tropical climate.
The wildlife of Île Marc Island includes 250 species of plants and 300 bird species, including boobies (the national symbol of Tahiti) eagles fish parrots cockatoos sea birds in numerous other varieties live on the islands.
Large colonies of brown rats migrate from South Pacific islands to Île de P âques, where they sleep in the cracks of the atoll during daylight hours.
The production of island lime is an important part of its economy and it has been harvested since ancient times.
Lime was used as a building stone (Buddhagvabalan) by early Polynesians but relatively little is being mined anymore due to modern materials being cheaper and more effective at dealing with water damage.
Politics
The island is a member of the French Polynesia Community and its head of state is President Édouard Fritch. The capital city is Papeete.
Society and Culture
The inhabitants are concentrated in two-quarters of Papeete: the waterfront, extending from Anaha to Le Bijou-Hotel is a popular tourist spot with most shops along this area.
The Quai des Tuileries is an older upscale residential district. The other half of the island extends eastward toward Vairatuata (the Mura Village), which has mostly artisanal/traditional food production, handicrafts, traditional arts and crafts.
Sports
The island is home to three professional teams: the FC Tahiti, the Union Polynésienne de Foot (U-Pf) and N.-S. Heredia Miramar (sometimes called “Union Michoacana” due to a partnership with Uruapan in Mexico).
Soccer has become an increasingly popular sport on Île de Pâques over recent years but there are no FIFA or CONCACAF affiliated teams.
Health Services
The island has two public hospitals: the Hôpital Albert 1 (comprising a state-of-the-art maternity ward) and the Hôpital Papeete, which offers general medical care as well as specialist services for heart, cancer, mental health, and pediatrics. There are also several private clinics and hospitals including Médecins Sans Front ières (MSF) and CCIPO, the only private hospital.
Sporting events have local media coverage including a daily sports paper Tambourine which also keeps fans updated on last-minute match results for both teams playing at other islands in French Polynesia as well as island results from all of world football championships from ten days to ten months earlier.
Tourism
Despite the global recession, Papeete’s metropolitan area remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in French Polynesia.
The city has many high-end shops and restaurants as well as beaches lined with numerous luxury resorts (some are owned by international chains). In recent years there has been a growth in boutique hotels, small inns, and Bed & Breakfasts catering to independent travelers, backpackers, and visiting expatriates.
The lively Carnival, held annually over a period of 45 days in late February or early March every year, is renowned throughout France and attracts tourists from all corners of the world with it’s firework displays on Papeete Stadium usually accompanied by pacific music.
Sport is also an integral part of the annual event; rugby (Futuvai), soccer (Tahiti FC) as well as other sports such as bull-fīa are prominent, and spectators wearing local costumes mingle with tourists at the stadium.
Transport
The main mode of transport in the city is by foot, and the pedestrian district around Place Tahiti offers a picturesque view. Taxis are available but can be expensive.
There is also occasional bus service to other parts of French Polynesia as well as to Papeete International Airport on Moto-Haïtai island about 45 minutes away by car or taxi.
The main five-star hotel in the city is Hotel Ivoire which has its own private (free) shuttle service to and from Papeete airport at scheduled times.
Top of French Polynesia’s highest mountain, Mount Orohena, can be reached by a circular hike several hours long.
The trailhead for this ascent starts about 600 meters east of ‘the Cathedral’, however, there are no markers indicating that it begins around here so those interested should mark the trailhead on a map before heading up.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a romantic getaway in the Dominican Republic with an exciting side – Île Marc Island is the place for you! This picturesque island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers so much to explore, from its gorgeous white-sand beaches to its lush rainforest.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, such as swimming, snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the beach. If you’re looking for a luxurious but relaxed vacation, Île Marc Island is definitely worth considering!
FAQs
1.How Did The Island Get Its Name?
Ans: The island is named after Marquis de Marc Élie, a French naval officer and explorer who visited the island in 1722.
2.What Is Île Marc Island?
Ans: Île Marc Island is a small, private island located in the Caribbean Sea. It’s managed by the Marc family and can only be reached by boat.
3.Is It Safe To Visit?
Ans: Yes, Île Marc Island is considered safe to visit. The island has security guards stationed throughout the property and visitors are required to have a valid passport or travel document if they wish to stay overnight on the island.
4.How Big Is Île Marc Island?
Ans: The island measures 7 miles long and 1 mile wide. About 15,000 people visit the island annually (even though it’s only open to 12, who can stay up to 30 days).
The beaches on the southern part of what we call “the main” are very calm and safe for swimming while other parts require caution because they’re rough water portions.
5.How Much Does A Tour Cost For An Adult, And How Many People Can Go On A Tour At Once?
Ans: A tour for an adult costs $50 and up, while the number of people who can go on a tour at once is generally limited to 12.
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