2-Day Easter Island Astrophotography Tour: Stars to Sunrise

A couple of nights chasing stars and moai at first light

A 2-day astrophotography tour on Easter Island combines a shared stargazing experience near Anakena beach with a private sunrise photography session at Ahu Tongariki. Night one includes telescope observation, a talk on Polynesian navigation, and coffee. Day two photographs the largest moai platform at dawn. An English-speaking guide leads both, with pickup from your lodging and a focus on capturing light rather than narrating history.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1: The Rapa Nui Stargazing Experience

• Meet in town
• Stop near Anakena beach
• Talk on Polynesian navigation
• Telescope observation and coffee break
• Go to Anakena for photos
• Return to lodging

Day 2: Astrophotography in Easter Island

• Visit Ahu Tongariki for photos
• Option to visit Ahu Anakena instead

The experience

Night one starts in town and moves to a site near Anakena beach, where you'll learn how Polynesians navigated by stars before moving to the telescope. The guide walks through the night sky layout and points out constellations while you observe through the scope, then breaks for coffee. After that, you head to Anakena itself for photographs. The guide positions you for the best framing as the light shifts. The whole night runs about three hours including the drive back to your lodging.

Day two is the astrophotography session at Ahu Tongariki, the island's largest moai platform. You'll shoot either at sunrise or at night depending on what works for your schedule. The guide can also substitute Ahu Anakena if you prefer. The National Park ticket (80 USD per person) is separate and you'll need to buy it online before the tour starts. Your edited photos arrive by email in about five days.

Both nights are led by someone who knows the island's history and can talk about it, but the real focus stays on the photography itself. The stargazing night is shared with up to ten others. The astrophotography session is private. You need to be at least 14 to join, and the tour suits all fitness levels.

What’s included

• A private astrophotography guide with English-language instruction and photography focus.
• a shared stargazing experience with telescope observation and Polynesian navigation talk.
• coffee during the night session.
• pickup and return transport from your lodging.
• one location per night for astrophotography (Ahu Nau Nau or Ahu Tongariki).
• special permit to enter the National Park at night.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except SaturdayDeparts at 20:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (14 and older) · Under 14: can't be booked

GroupUp to 10 · max 3 per booking

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends at a different place from where it starts.You can choose from 31 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effort

Operated by Rapa Nui Stargazing

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to photograph Easter Island's moai under stars and at sunrise with a guide who knows the light and the island both. The two-day structure lets you shoot the night sky one evening and return to the same platform at dawn, capturing the same monuments in completely different light.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What do I photograph on the astrophotography night at Ahu Tongariki?

Ahu Tongariki is the largest moai platform on Rapa Nui, so you'll frame the statues either under the night sky or at sunrise depending on which time slot you choose. The guide positions you for the best light and composition at whichever hour you pick.

How does the stargazing experience on night one work?

You meet in town, travel to a site near Anakena beach, and spend time with a telescope observing the night sky while the guide explains Polynesian navigation techniques and the constellations overhead. A coffee break is included before you move to Anakena for photographs.

Do I need to buy the National Park ticket separately?

Yes, the National Park ticket costs 80 USD per person and is not included in the tour. You'll need to purchase it online before the tour begins to enter Ahu Tongariki or Ahu Anakena.

When will I receive my photographs?

Your edited photos are sent to you by email about five days after the tour. Internet on the island is slow, so delivery takes longer than it would on the mainland.

Can I use my photographs commercially?

No, photography tours are for personal use only. Your photos cannot be used for profit or commercial purposes.