Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile

By Anonymous (not verified) on

Destination: Easter Island (Rapa Nui), Chile

Introduction

Easter Island (Rapa Nui) is one of the most remote inhabited islands on Earth, sitting alone in the eastern South Pacific 3,700 km from the Chilean mainland and 2,075 km from the nearest island (Pitcairn). It is one of the most extraordinary archaeological sites in the world, famous for its nearly 1,000 massive stone moai statues. For sailors, it is a legendary landfall at the end of a long ocean passage from South America or the Galapagos, and a staging point for the trade wind passage west.

GPS Coordinates

27° 6' 45.720"S 109° 20' 58.920"W

27 6 45.720S 109 20 58.920W

Protected Anchorages

Hanga Roa on the southwest coast is the main town and the only practical anchorage, in 8–15 m over sand and rock. The anchorage is exposed and can be uncomfortable in southerly swells. Mooring buoys have been installed by the park authority — use these rather than anchoring to protect the coral. The bay offers no shelter from westerly swells. A small harbour at Hanga Roa Caleta serves fishing boats and provides dinghy landing.

Customs Protocols for Visiting Yachts

Easter Island (Isla de Pascua) is Chilean territory. Customs and immigration (PDI) clearance is at Hanga Roa. The island functions as a Port of Entry for Chile — vessels arriving from the open Pacific clear here. Advance notice to the harbour master is required. Chilean maritime regulations apply.

Yacht Clubs and Marinas in the Vicinity

  • No yacht club or marina. The harbour master at Hanga Roa manages the mooring buoys. Fuel is available at the petrol station in town (diesel by jerry can). Provisioning is surprisingly reasonable — the island receives supply ships regularly. The Hotel Hanga Roa and local restaurants welcome yacht crews.

Renowned Attractions

  • Rano Raraku moai quarry — where all the statues were carved, with nearly 400 moai still in various stages of completion
  • Ahu Tongariki — the most impressive moai platform with 15 restored statues against a dramatic cliff backdrop
  • Ahu Akivi — seven moai facing the sea, the only ones on the island that look toward the ocean
  • Orongo ceremonial village on the crater rim of Rano Kau — site of the birdman cult ceremonies
  • Anakena Beach — pristine white coral sand beach with restored moai at Ahu Nau Nau, excellent snorkelling

Currency and Exchange Rate

Currency: Chilean Peso

Exchange Rate to USD

Nearby Yachting Destinations

Summary

Easter Island is one of sailing's ultimate landfalls — the isolated home of the mysterious moai, a UNESCO World Heritage site at the far edge of the Polynesian world, that rewards the sailor who crosses the vast empty eastern Pacific with an experience of profound cultural and natural wonder.