Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
On this tour we have native fishermen and experts in fishing, diving and hunting. In addition, you will be able to learn the history of the Tangata Manu (bird man), and live the experience of diving into the middle of the ocean to enjoy the coral and fish that surround the place while snorkeling with equipment provided by our guides.
While touring the island from the sea, our guide will provide you with historical information about the Rapa Nui culture, as well as information about the island's native and wild fauna in its natural habitat.
Finally, if your guide feels that there are fish nearby, he can demonstrate ancient fishing.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What‘s Included
Private transportation
Lifejacket
Use of Snorkelling equipment
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
What To Expect
Ana Kai Tangata
Ana Kai Tangata is one of the most interesting and accessible caves on the island. Its spectacular location on the seashore, its proximity to Hanga Roa, its cave paintings and the legends that surround it, make it one of the most attractive and visited caves on Rapa Nui.
Motu Nui is the largest of the three islets at the southwestern tip of Easter Island, it is the westernmost place in Chile. The three islets have seabirds, but Motu Nui is an essential place for the Tangata Manu who was the cult of the island's religion between the time of the moai and the Christians.
Options
Tour to the Motus: Boat trip and snorkeling in Rapa Nui
Pickup included
Reviews
8 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Enchanting experience
Ashley F,
Sep 24, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00It felt so special to see the shoreline and the Motus from the perspective a boat. The weather had not been good so the waves were very choppy and we did not get as close to the caves as I would like, but I prefer safety first. But the experience was magical. I felt very safe with the captain though the waves were high. The captain only spoke Spanish and I speak very elementary Spanish. So in my basic Spanish and his very basic English, we were able to communicate minimally enough to point out key points of interest, discuss our love for fishing, and have an incredible experience. I can’t wait to download my GoPro footage. The guide is also an ancestral fisherman. I would have loved a chance to hire him for a fishing charter to catch tuna.
Unforgettable experience & unique opportunity to marvel at the beauty of Rapa Nui from a totally different perspective
D2996JUstephenc,
Apr 15, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00What a fabulous experience I had with Captain Carlos. I didn't realise until I re-checked my booking soon before departure that it was a private trip, so just the two of us. Carlos is an extremely experienced & passionate sailor and fisherman. The seas appear so powerful yet I never felt vulnerable in Carlos's expert hands. First we visited the cove by Ana Kai Tanata (which I later returned to by foot) then on to circumnavigate the Motu. Carlos was so knowledgeable and kept calling out the names of every rock formation, area of sea, and sea bird. I recommend taking this tour after previously visiting Rano Kau on a day tour for context. The pinnacle of the trip was to snorkel in the waters around the Motu whilst Carlos was cleaning the underside of his boat! I had plenty of time & wasn't at all rushed. Ensure you take an underwater camera. Although there weren't as many fish as I'd expected, the morning sunlight rays created an underwater laser show. Finally, we returned to the harbour listening to AC/DC on his boombox. We're both big fans so what a surreal experience (I'm sure he wouldn't play it if it wasn't to your taste!). All in all, an unforgettable experience that I would fully recommend to observe the beauty of Rap Nui from a different perspective. Especially appropriate given the island's discovery & incredible feat of the Tangata manu (Bird Man).
Wow! See the majestic Orongo from the sea- stunning
olsketch,
Nov 22, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Bad photo in the ad. The trip was much more beautiful than the picture depicted outstanding experience. Very exciting adventure.
Birdwatching and snorkeling trip
keithtY7692MU,
Nov 20, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Very enjoyable. I was keen on birdwatching so the boatman took me several times around the islands and close up so that i could look for and see the variety of birds. Some good snorkelling too. Not many fish but some good coral heads and very clear water. Timi and Tatiana the crew were very nice and helpful too.
Great tour!
Lorann D,
May 15, 2024
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a great morning on the water with Atamu. He ensured a really enjoyable cruise around to the Motu rocks, telling stories of the ocean, sea creatures, island life and, of course, the famous Birdman Race. When he heard my husband is a keen fisherman, he dropped in two trolling lines. No luck with the fishing but still a terrific trip.
A formidable ride
luh-sp,
May 6, 2024
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I almost died of fear but it was an incredible experience. It looked like the blue waves were going to hit the boat, but the little boat just rolled and danced on the waves lol. The boat pilot, an experienced and calm young man. The guide explained everything that appeared around. We sailed around the birdman ritual islet and near the Rano Kau volcano, I saw beautiful corals and fish through the glass floor of the boat
Nice tour
Patryk K,
Dec 6, 2023
- Review from Viator
4.00This tour is a great addition to any other activities you might do on Easter Island. The guides take you to a place where the birdman cult activities are taking place, and the views are amazing. Also, you get to do snorkeling and fishing with your guide. I give 4 stars instead of 5 because of two reasons: 1) The description stated that the tour would be in English, but the guide (otherwise a fantastic person) only spoke Spanish. 2) The description stated that the tour would be private, but I was in the boat with 2 other people. Not a problem, but if the tour is not 100% private please do not label it like that.
From US$150.00
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Operated by Kapua Tours & Experience