3 hours
E-voucher
Multiple
Overview
Learn about the principles of basic astronomy, the history of Polynesian voyaging and settlement, navigational techniques and the archeo-astronomy of Rapa Nui. 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.
IMPORTANT: Photos are intended for personal, non-commercial use only, and photos cannot be used for profit (see Mau Henua rules)
Operated by
Rapa Nui Stargazing
Ratings & Reviews
Average Rating
4.5
/ 5
32 traveller ratings
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A major disappointment
Janet_M, Feb 2026
My friend and i scheduled a star gazing trip months ago for the first night we arrived on easter island which was confirmed. That afternoon we got a message saying that we were the only 2 scheduled for Sunday and could we go Monday night instead. Not great for us Monday night but we said yes. Monday afternoon we got another message saying that we were the only 2 for Monday night. Could we come and join the Tuesday night group? No we could not. And we were scheduled to leave easter island on Wednesday. Instead of offering to just take us we were told that we would get our money refunded. The money was not the point. It was the major disappointment of not being able to do the star gazing because we will never be back to easter island again. I am hoping this is not a common occurrence because wehave many more viator excursions scheduled in South America over the next 3 weeks.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Thank you for sending this, Janet. You are correct, we postponed as this is a group activity that requires a minimum number of people. It was unfortunate you couldn't join us on Tuesday night before leaving, as we did go out that night. I would suggest you contact Viator for your next excursions to check if they are group activities that require a minimum number of participants. Our tour requires logistics that demand at least 2 guides for telescopes and photos, so in order to pay the people who work with us, we need at least 5 - 6 people to confirm the tour. We're sorry we couldn't make it happen, and we wish all the best in your future travels. Iorana
No go
cmgworek, Feb 2026
Canceled by the provider. It's too bad. They canceled more than 4 hours before the tour was scheduled and had they waited, the sky was completely clear.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Dear Traveler, While it may have appeared clear in town, we focus on the sky closer to our observation site. Apart from clouds, we also check wind speed, and we have canceled tours this past week as 35km/h is too strong for overall comfort and safety. There are also occasions when we don't have enough people booked, and we also reserve the right to cancel when this is the case. Please write to us if you have a query about that particular night, and we are sorry we had to cancel. We do hope you received a speedy refund and reply for our team. Mauruuru,
Saw the milky way and more
Jeanne_S, Feb 2026
This was a great experience. The sky was beautiful that night and we saw the milky way. The leader gave a talk about navigation using the stars. We enjoyed looking thru the telescopes and seeing the moon and planets. A nice hot choccolate and cake snack was provided. We also went to see Moai and had photoes taken.
Response from Host, Feb 2026
Mauruuru for the feedback, Jeanne! Iorana & Happy Travels!
Star gazing on Easter Island
nigelawy, Jan 2026
Trip was confirmed a few hours to check for weather and we were picked up in the middle of town at Katipare. The pick up was prompt and it was a relatively manageable group of less than 15. We went to two locations, one where we sat on camping chairs to hear the explanations and sip hot chocolate, viewed the stars and planets through telescope and another where our pictures were taken by the Moais. After the whole experience, we were shuttled back to our respective hotel location. Will recommend to bring jacket as it might be quite cold and windy at night and to book your accommodations nearer to the town centre so that you can walk down to the meeting place. Looking forward to the pictures!
Response from Host, Jan 2026
Thank you for taking the time to write about your experience with us. Iorana & Happy Travels!
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
1 hourEaster 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.
2 hours
Experience
Inclusions
- Small-group tour (max 12 people)
- Hotel Drop-off
- Guide / Driver
- Live commentary on board
Additional Information
- 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.
Guide Languages
English
Spanish
Cancellation Policy
A full refund will apply if you cancel more than 24 hours before the activity start time.
No refund is possible if you cancel less than 24 hours before the activity start time.