Emerging dramatically from the South Pacific Ocean, Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is a remote, windswept speck of land situated around 3,700 kilometres off the coast of Chile. Despite being just 163 square kilometres in size, it’s home to a staggering trove of archaeological wonders that have long captivated the imaginations of explorers, historians and the curious alike. With direct flights from Chile's capital, Santiago, accessing this remote diving paradise has never been easier.
Now designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Rapa Nui National Park is quite literally an open-air museum, boasting an estimated 20,000 individual archaeological sites scattered across its volcanic terrain. Many of these sites predate the Incan citadel of Machu Picchu by over two centuries, offering a fascinating glimpse into the sophisticated culture and advanced engineering of the island's indigenous inhabitants, the Rapa Nui people. From moai statues - the island's most recognisable feature - to cave dwellings, ceremonial platforms and mysterious petroglyphs, there is evidence of this lost civilisation around every turn.
Equally impressive is Rapa Nui’s underwater world, which offers a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for scuba divers. The island’s isolation has helped to preserve its pristine marine environment while the arid climate (lacking significant runoff) means the waters surrounding Rapa Nui boast exceptional visibility (it can reach up to around 60 metres (200 feet)). In these crystal-clear waters, divers can encounter more than 100 endemic fish species that have evolved in isolation, as well as iconic moai statues that have been submerged offshore.
In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about planning a sustainable dive vacation in Rapa Nui (Easter Island), including what you can expect to see, the best dive sites and eco-friendly places to stay. We’ll explain why this Pacific Island destination is perfect for divers looking for an eco-conscious scuba escape and touch on the above-water cultural treasures that also await.
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What you can expect to see diving in Rapa Nui
While the overall biodiversity of Rapa Nui may not be as rich as other Pacific islands, the few coral species found here (such as the massive Porites lobata that can grow up to five metres in diameter) are breathtaking in their scale and development. In fact, a quarter of the 160 marine species observed in the waters around Rapa Nui are found nowhere else on Earth, making the island an incredibly unique place to dive. The area is also renowned for its sightings of honu (sea turtles), which can frequently be seen cruising the waters around Hanga Roa Bay.
Adding to Rapa Nui’s appeal are its mesmerising geological formations - from vast caves and natural arches to towering cliffs and expansive lava platforms that have been sculpted and moulded by tectonic activity over countless millennia. No discussion of Easter Island diving would be complete without talking about the underwater moai statue that lies submerged offshore, a man-made remnant of the island’s fascinating cultural heritage.
Some of the best dive spots around Rapa Nui include the islets of Motu Nui, Motu Kao Kao and Motu Iti, all of which are within easy reach of Hanga Roa Harbour. Conveniently, there are several well-equipped diving centres located in the coves of Hanga Piko and Hanga Roa Otai, all of which offer regular courses, introductory dives and guided excursions led by experienced and knowledgeable professionals.
Best dive sites in Rapa Nui
The Cliff
Aptly named, The Cliff is a wonderful introduction to diving in Rapa Nui, with its volcanic limestone walls populated by a diverse array of corals that provide habitat for several endemic fish species.
The Moai
One of the most popular dive sites in Rapa Nui, this enigmatic moai is located in the Ahu Tahai area. It appears to be propped against a volcanic rock and is surrounded by clusters of native coral.
Motu Nui
This uninhabited islet is considered sacred to the local people and was where the Tangata Manu would swim to collect sooty tern eggs before swimming back to Rapa Nui. Sea turtles are often spotted here.
The Cathedral
This famous lava tube features several overhangs and caverns that make it ideal for experienced divers. It’s worth keeping in mind that the currents here can be strong at times.
Motu Kao Kao
This seastack is decorated with hundreds of coral heads, as well as providing habitat for sea urchins and spiny lobsters. Yellow and black-backed butterfly fish can often be seen patrolling the waters.
Dive vacation in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Eco-friendly hotels in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
With its luxurious rooms, outdoor pool and onsite spa, Nayara Hangaroa is the place for an upmarket yet sustainable stay in Rapa Nui. The green roofs help to maximise the heating effects of sunlight and ventilation while the wastewater treatment plant recycles water for the gardens.
"A little slice of paradise on an amazing island.” - Allie (read more reviews here)
Diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
A communal lounge at Nayara Hangaroa - an eco-friendly hotel in Rapa Nui/Easter Island (photo courtesy of Expedia)
Located just 15 minutes’ walk from the centre of Hanga Roa, this Rapa Nui ecolodge receives rave reviews for its cosy rooms and resident horses. Stays in Pikera Uri’s double or family rooms include a delicious buffet breakfast each morning and equine adventures can be booked onsite.
"Beautiful place to stay.” - Bouman (read more reviews here)
Designed with a philosophy of minimising its environmental footprint, this Rapa Nui eco-hotel offers simple but clean and comfortable rooms. There’s a sun-dappled terrace where you can enjoy breakfast in the morning and a small boutique stocked with local goods, all just a short walk from the harbour.
"Accommodations are simple but more than sufficient. The room was quite large. The grounds are very nice. Breakfast is very good.” (read more reviews here)
Diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Scuba diving and sustainability in Rapa Nui
Scuba diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island) is not only a captivating experience but a journey centred around conservation and environmental stewardship. Most of Rapa Nui’s dive companies have firmly embraced their duty as caretakers of the ocean, implementing protocols to minimise diver impact and educate their guests on sustainable dive practices. Through collaborative partnerships with local conservation groups, they instil a deep sense of appreciation and responsibility, empowering divers to be ambassadors for the protection of Easter Island's irreplaceable marine wonders.
Dive centres in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
One of the first dive centres established on Easter Island, Orca has a wealth of experience in these waters and is dedicated to marine conservation. Over the years, its team has participated in several scientific expeditions and helped in the creation of the book and documentary “The Undersea World of Easter Island”.
Aside from offering daily dives to all of Rapa Nui’s top sites, this established dive centre also runs snorkelling trips to the nearby motus. A range of PADI certification courses are available, from Open Water and Advanced Open Water to Rescue Diver and Master Diver.
This PADI 5 Star dive centre is staffed by highly experienced instructors and guides who are all about making your time in Rapa Nui fun, safe and memorable. In addition to daily dives and specialised PADI courses, Mike Rapu also offers “baptisms” or initiation dives for a taste of the island’s underwater world.
Diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
How to get to Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
There are regular flights from Santiago de Chile to Rapa Nui with LATAM Airlines, arriving at Mataveri International Airport (IPC) in Hanga Roa. This waterfront town is home to the majority of Easter Island's population, as well as most of its dive operators. Taxis are readily available from the airport to your accommodation, although many hotels organise airport transfers for guests.
Getting around Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Most dive excursions depart from Hanga Roa Harbour, which is a short walk from the majority of hotels in the town. Hanga Roa itself is very walkable and most of the dive sites are around five minutes from the harbour, so you don’t have to spend a long time getting there and back.
If you want to explore the island on non-diving days, you can opt for a full-day guided tour to discover some of Rapa Nui’s largest moai and see the mythical place where they were made. On a two-day tour of the island, you’ll have additional time to visit Anakena Beach (a cultural cradle of Easter Island) and the extinct volcano of Puna Pau, as well as the ceremonial complex of Ahu Tahai.
Guided tours are a great way to really immerse yourself in Rapa Nui’s cultural heritage, with most run by locals with a wealth of knowledge. If you prefer to explore independently, it’s easy to hire a car, a motorcycle or a quad bike from one of the local rental companies. While rental cars aren’t cheap on Easter Island, they do give you the flexibility to visit sites at your leisure and to take advantage of the best photography conditions.
Best time to dive in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
While it’s possible to dive in Rapa Nui throughout the year, the best time is generally considered to be from November through to March, coinciding with the summer season. Windy conditions can play havoc some days and cause dives to be cancelled, so it’s best to build some flexibility into your itinerary.
Maintained by the South Pacific currents, the average water temperature ranges from around 20°C (68°F) up to 24°C (75°F) in the summer months. Most divers are comfortable in a 3mm wetsuit during the summertime while a 5mm is best in the winter.
Diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
FAQs about diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
What can you see diving in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Rapa Nui may not boast the same level of biodiversity as some other Pacific islands but the incredible visibility is what really sets it apart. Many of the coral species present here are quite stunning in their size and growth while about a quarter of the 160 marine species found in Rapa Nui are unique to this location. Additionally, the area is famous for its honu (sea turtles), which are often spotted gliding through the waters of Hanga Roa Bay.
Aside from Rapa Nui's marine life, the island is notable for its captivating geological features, including expansive caves, natural arches, towering cliffs and extensive lava platforms shaped by tectonic forces over millions of years. Adding to this underwater wonder are the moai statues, man-made artefacts that have been sunk offshore, serving as a testament to the island's rich cultural history.
How much experience do you need to dive in Rapa Nui (Easter Island)?
You don’t need any prior experience to dive in Rapa Nui, with shallow and sheltered sites that are ideal for beginners. Many of the island’s dive operators offer Discover Scuba Diver experiences, which are perfect for those who want a taste of the underwater world, without committing to a certification course.
That being said, there are also deeper (40 metre/130 feet) dive sites and challenging underwater terrain that will appeal to experienced divers. This includes caves, caverns and lava tubes that require an Advanced Open Water Diver qualification. As with any dive destination, the more experience you have, the greater opportunities you will have to explore.
When is the dive season in Rapa Nui?
Diving in Rapa Nui is possible all year round, but the prime time is typically from November to March, aligning with the summer season. Keep in mind that windy conditions can disrupt diving plans on certain days, so it's wise to allow for some flexibility in your schedule. Thanks to the South Pacific currents, the average water temperature hovers between 20°C (68°F) in the winter and about 24°C (75°F) during the summertime. Most divers find a 3mm wetsuit sufficient for summer while a 5mm wetsuit is recommended for the winter months.
About the authors
We are a team of passionate divers and surfers with decades of combined experience in the water and travelling to all corners of the globe. After years of chasing waves and descending into the deep blue, we've created this resource highlighting sustainably run surf camps, eco-friendly dive resorts and conservation-focused ocean trips to help inspire your next adventure.
Eco Ocean Escapes was born out of a love of the ocean, an obsession with travel and a concern about the impacts of our adventures on the environments we explore. Despite the benefits that surf and dive tourism can bring to local communities, we recognised that ocean-based adventures are not always managed in a sustainable manner.
Through our articles, we hope to inspire those seeking a responsible surf or dive trip that is all about supporting local communities, preserving our coastal environments and the incredible marine species that inhabit our oceans.