Rapa Nui Stargazing
Description
Learn about the principles of basic astronomy, the history of Polynesian voyaging and settlement, navigational techniques and the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui. Head out to some of the island’s traditional observatory sites to gaze at the night sky and view stars and constellations visible only in the Southern Hemisphere. Your guide will point out stars and constellations of interest to the Polynesian navigators, relating some of the stories and legends that are tied to them, and explain techniques on how to find certain cardinal points of the traditional Polynesian compass by using the layout of the night sky. Look at the beauty of star clusters, nebulae, galaxies, stars and planets visible through our high-powered telescope before of heading to Anakena Beach for photos.
Tour Options
Itinerary
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
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- 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.
Reviews(64)
The beauty of the stars and the knowledge of the guide was remarkable. It was an experience this 67 year old will never forget!
How lovely, thank you so much for joining us! Iorana & Happy Travels!
Highly recommend this experience on Rapa Nui. The Milky Way, zillions of stars, constellations, and galaxies are visible. We were taken to two locations on the island--one where we looked through telescopes and enjoyed hot chocolate and a snack, the other where the maoi were silhouetted by starlight and the ocean. Magical...
Mauruuru for the feedback :) It was a magical night indeed ... Happy Travels!
Marc was amazing, has a lot of knowledge and passion for what he does. The explanations are great, watching the stars by the telescope in the sky of Rapa Nui is something very special! It has a divine hot chocolate, and the cherry of the cake is to take, probably, one of the most beautiful photos of your life. I recommend.
Obrigado :)
I really enjoyed this tour. The stars are fantastic and a must see. This tour operator departed ontime. Was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. I really enjoyed the knowledge and talks about the stars and the navigation skills of the early sailors . It was a fascinating presentation with humor and captivating stories. The telescopes were a nice touch. We could see Saturn's rings and Jupiter. The tour operator took professional night pictures of us in front to the stars on the beach and they made fir amazing souvenirs. I woukd strongly recommend this tour. Thank you.
Mauruuru! Happy Holidays :)
Planned in advance. The day of it was canceled due to weather. That is understandable but was not offered any other night. It was stated that the weather would be worse. It was not. There just was no availability. VERY DISSAPOINTED but did get money back promplty hence the 2 stars.
Sorry we couldn't go out, but thank you for writing about the speedy refund. We did cancel because of the weather that night, and the following night the forecast was too windy for telescopes and general comfort. It may have looked like a clear perfect night in town, but we check weather in Anakena. Telescopes can't stand strong wind and it is also not comfortable for most travelers. We appreciate your feedback, mauruuru
Reserve this experience early in your trip so you have more opportunities in the case of a cancellation due to weather. Also, consider the phase of the moon; if a full moon is taking place the tour will also be cancelled and you may have the chance to do a Full moon Hike instead. Enjoy!
Thank you for reviewing the alternative experience Tia. Maybe next time, Iorana & Happy Travels!
The presentation was very informative and thorough. We were able to review the Rapa Nui history with navigating by stars and see the stars in the sky. We were also able to see the Milky Way and capture some great photos of the southern sky
Thank you / Mauruuru! Happy Travels :)
The tour was great. The sky is beautiful and the pictures with the moai came out great. The tour is also educational as they have a presentation on the stars with the stargazing. My only complaint was that we were given less than an hour notice that the tour would be taking place that night as the tour operator had had to reschedule because of not enough people joining the tour on our original scheduled date. Other than the rescheduling everything else was very good.
Thank you for your comments. Yes, we usually confirm or cancel up until an hour before the tour. Reasons for canceling can be weather or not enough people as stated on booking information. Happy to hear you learned more about stars and polynesian navigation. Mauruuru & Happy Travels!
Beautiful stars and a great experience. The guides were great and it was fun learning a little about Polynesian navigation.
Thank you, we are happy to hear you had a fun tour with us. Iorana!
Great experience. Guide was friendly, knowledgeable and the whole tour was well organized. Communication was great. We saw amazing night sky and our souvenir photograph was fabulous. And the best hot chocolate and cake that I have ever had!
Mauruuru <3 Tuhii makes the best hot chocolate :) Happy Travels!
