Rapa Nui Stargazing
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
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.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
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 (max 12 people)
Driver/guide
Live commentary on board
Hotel Drop-off
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Hotel Pick up - We meet in front of Katipare library
Options
Rapa Nui Stargazing
Reviews
62 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Unforgettable experience!
tatianal678,,Jan 15, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Marc 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.
Great tour
920russellf,,Dec 26, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I 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.
Rapa nui stargazing
Zreid02,,Oct 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
2.00Planned 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.
Cancelled due to Weather/ Full Moon
Tia L,,Jul 7, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Reserve 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!
Great stargazing exper
dougandbernadetteh,,Jun 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The 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
Beautiful skies
ywszeto,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00The 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.
Beautiful stars and a...
Lance M,,Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Beautiful stars and a great experience. The guides were great and it was fun learning a little about Polynesian navigation.
Great experience. Guide...
Barbara S,,Mar 28, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great 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!
Unreliable. Will cancel for no reason.
Mahika W,,Mar 3, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00Unreliable.The guides cancelled the tour with the option to move it to the next day, which I took as I only had one more night left. Why they cancelled? No idea. Since last night was a clear night and other guests at the hotel with different guides did the tour. Avoid this company. Will update if today's tour happens - as who knows?
Disappointed!
James V,,Feb 21, 2025
- Review from Viator
1.00The tour was canceled that evening, 2-3 hours prior to the, because it was going to be cloudy. At 10 pm, the sun had set, the skies were clear and the stars were amazing (as we walked from the hotel). We were very disappointed!!
From US$140.00
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