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Rapa Nui Stargazing: Learn Astronomy, Polynesian History and Navigational Techniques
4.5
45 Ratings
Hanga Roa
Discover the wonders of astronomy, Polynesian history, and navigational techniques on Rapa Nui. Experience stargazing, learn about sacred constellations and legends, and capture the beauty of the night sky.
Duration:
3 hours, 30 minutes
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
-
Anakena Beach - We meet all travelers in front of Katipare library (Centro Lector Katipare) at 20:00 during summer and at 19:30 for winter.
We have special access to Ahu Nau at night, this is our last stop. Before driving to Anakena, we set up our telescopes at a remote site. Hot beverage and local cake included
What's Included
- Small-group tour for a more personalized experience (maximum 12 people)
- Professional driver/guide to lead the way
- Engaging live commentary on board
- Convenient hotel drop-off included
What's Not Included
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
- Hotel Pick up - We meet in front of Katipare library
Additional Information
Discover the fundamentals of astronomy, delve into the legacy of Polynesian exploration and habitation, master old-world navigation methods, and explore the celestial archaeology of Easter Island. Embark on a journey to the island’s venerable star-gazing locations to behold the heavens and observe celestial bodies that are exclusively visible from the Southern Hemisphere.
Your expert will showcase celestial formations significant to Polynesian wayfinders, share tales and myths associated with them, and demonstrate how to ascertain basic directional points on the traditional Polynesian compass by interpreting the stellar canopy. Revel in the splendor of star clusters, cosmic clouds, distant galaxies, luminous stars, and visible planets through our sophisticated telescope before we make our way to Anakena Beach for a picturesque session.
- Start time from Sept to April 20:30 - 21:00 in front of Katipare library
- No refunds after the tour starts. If weather changes while out on the tour we will try to take you out again free of charge on another night (subject to availability).
- Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled completely due to poor weather, you will be notified before the tour and you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
Location
Katipare
In front of Katipare Library , we will drop you off at your lodging at the end of the tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(45 Ratings)
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Luh-sp
Apr 7, 2024
PARADISE ON EARTH - The island is a paradise, super safe. The inhabitants treat tourists very well. They practice organic farming, great local food and beer. Mahinatur Agency and Kari-kari show note 10,000; glass bottom boat ride was amazing; beautiful sunset at Ahu Tahai and at night the cemetery illuminated with colorful lights
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Kelli_b
Mar 24, 2024
Great tour - Great tour. They provided telescopes that gave us great views of the craters on the moon.
Then they took us to the beach and took some beautiful photos of us with the starts and the Moai.
Review provided by Viator
924ekaterinac
Mar 20, 2024
A magical experience to absolutely live! - A magical experience to absolutely live!
Imagine the atmosphere: beach under the moonlight, sound of the waves, hot chocolate and thousands of stars! Our guide sang to us live and it was incredibly good, it gave me shivers of enchantment. We explain the local navigation system based on the stars and you can even contemplate the moon and the planets up close with professional equipment and with relevant explanations.
At the end of the visit we take you back to Anakena beach where the Moaïs are waiting for you to take some night photos.
If you want to immerse yourself in the magic of the island, treat yourself to this beautiful experience.
It was the most touching memory of my entire stay in Rapa Nui.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stacey_t
Mar 8, 2024
Breathtaking night skies of Rapa Nui - Amazing experience with Mark, a must-do for all stargazers to see Rapa Nui’s breathtaking night skies! They have exclusive night access into the National Park and we were able to take beautiful photos at Anakena beach, great experience from start to finish and recommend to all who visit Easter Island!
Review provided by Viator
M5270rmheatherw
Mar 7, 2024
Rapa Nui Magic! Day Tour and Stargazing to Sunrise Tour - Just AMAZING! Our guide Yo-Yo, native to Rapa Nui with local knowledge and history, brought our tours to life. The first day, we did the full day of the island tour. It went so well, that we booked the stargazing to sunrise tour for the next morning . Both tours are not to be missed. Professional, coordinated and well informed. 👍👍 HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Bruno_d
Feb 15, 2024
Unique experience - not to be missed if the weather conditions are superb and allow for it - This is a unique experience. I was lucky to have booked a night the conditions were optimal (other participants to the trip had had the trip postponed two nights in a row because of too many clouds etc). The guides are superb, making "stargazing" accessible to those who (like me) know next to nothing about it. Thanks to telescopes brought along, one gets to see stars / planets otherwise inaccessible. Since that night, I never look at the stars with the same look :-)
Review provided by Viator
Amie_b
Jan 22, 2024
A great experience - The tour guides had amazing knowledge and it was such a beautiful experience. Would definitely recommend this!
Review provided by Viator
Rosemaryjose_p
Jan 16, 2024
Informative and beautiful - Ogling at Saturn’s and Jupiter’s distinctive rings, the craters of the moon, the horsehead nebula, Sirius and all the star clusters like Pleiades through a telescope blew my mind. We also learned about how the Polynesians navigated by the stars and ended up all across the pacific, discovering islands like this one as they went by. We were also given a nice cup of hot chocolate, cake. We got our photo taken at Anakena beach behind the Moiy. Marc sang and played the guitar for us too. All in all, wonderful experience.
Review provided by Viator
Lynne_k
Mar 4, 2024
Incredible sky, fun experience - Overall, we really enjoyed our experience and we're glad it was a go even though we had rain literally a half hour before the meeting time. We would have liked more chances to view through the telescope. The hot chocolate was delicious. We lucked out with an incredible sky. We liked Mark's mini-seminar on how the Polynesians used the stars to navigate to all the islands. With our small group of 5 (the tour would have been cancelled if there were only 3 of us), it was easier to view Mark's laptop to view the photos and maps. In spite of the extremely warm day, it was chilly in the evening, so we are glad we brought jackets. We do recommend at least one long-sleeve layer, especially if you get cold easily. Definitely bring a flashlight or headlamp.....you will need it. We got back to our hotel around 1:00 am.
Review provided by Viator
Howard_s
Jan 21, 2024
Beautiful observing. - Excellent astronomers and greatly helpful in finding southern sky objects to view. Wonderful experience. A little too cloudy to see full sky.
Review provided by Viator
