The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience
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 explaining the 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 heading to Anakena Beach with the option of taking spectacular shots of the star-filled sky moai in the foreground. Finish the night with a hot beverage and a slice of local cake.
Options
The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience
What's included in The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Anakena Beach
We meet all travelers in front of Katipare library (Centro Lector Katipare) at 20:30 - 21:00 during summer and at 19:30 - 20:00 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
Easter Island
We will meet in town and our first stop is near Anakena beach. Here we will have a talk on Polynesian navigation techniques and general layout of the night ski, as well as telescope observation and a coffee break. Then we will go to Anakena to do photos. Your photo will be sent in about 5 days, via email (internet is slow on the island). The duration of the tour is 3 hours approximately including transportation back to your lodging.
Inclusions
- Small-group tour (max 12 people)
- Hotel Drop-off
- Guide / Driver
- Live commentary on board
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Start time from Sept to April 20:30 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 a full refund.
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting Points
- We meet travelers in front of Katipare library and we drop them off at their lodging at the end of the tour. Meeting time changes throughout the year, but it is usually around sunset time (7pm winter - 9pm summer)
End Points
- Travelers' lodging
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
National Park ticket is not included. You don't need to print anything, just contact us around 6 -7 pm as we do a last weather check at that time. Whatsapp is recommended to contact us.
