Hatutu
Island Uninhabited Marquesan island and bird sanctuary
Hatutu is an uninhabited islet in the Marquesas designated as a nature reserve and seabird sanctuary; access is restricted and visits focus on wildlife observation under conservation rules.
Hatutu is a small, uninhabited island in the Marquesas Islands of French Polynesia that is protected for its natural values. The island is notable for seabird colonies and endemic flora and fauna.
General public access is restricted and the island is visited mainly by conservation personnel and scientific parties; landing is uncommon for tourists. The habitat supports nesting seabirds and species not found on larger, inhabited islands.
Hatutu has no permanent human settlement and has been set aside to conserve its natural ecosystems and bird populations. Management focuses on preventing invasive species and protecting breeding colonies.
It lies in the Marquesas group of French Polynesia in the central South Pacific, with larger inhabited islands of the archipelago located nearby.
- Protected status: The islet is uninhabited and managed primarily for conservation, serving as a breeding site for seabirds and other native wildlife.
How to Get to Hatutu #
Hatutu is accessible only by sea from the main Marquesan islands (e.g., Nuku Hiva). Travel typically requires chartering a vessel or joining a licensed research expedition; landings are regulated by local conservation authorities.
Tips for Visiting Hatutu #
- Access is restricted and usually arranged via local guides or research expeditions - confirm permissions before travel.
- Bring seabird identification guides; Hatutu is a significant nesting site for several endemic seabirds.
- Respect protected-area rules: landings are often limited to specific coves to protect breeding colonies.
Best Time to Visit Hatutu #
Access is best in the dry season when sea conditions are calmer; much of the year access is restricted to protect wildlife.
Weather & Climate near Hatutu #
Tropical climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 22°C to 30°C. Moderate rainfall (913 mm/year).
January
January is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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February
February is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).
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March
March is the warmest month with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (139 mm).
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April
April is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Significant rainfall (118 mm).
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May
May is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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June
June is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 23°C. Regular rainfall (95 mm).
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July
July is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Significant rainfall (109 mm).
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August
August is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
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September
September is warm with highs of 28°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).
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November
November is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 22°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm).
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December
December is warm with highs of 30°C and lows of 23°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm).
