The waters around Easter Island offer several excellent boat and snorkeling opportunities, with the Tour to the Motus standing out as the best marine excursion. This small-boat adventure combines underwater exploration with expert cultural commentary – a perfect mix for curious travelers. For land-based options, we love the 8-hour Rapa Nui Culture tour for its comprehensive coverage and the 7-hour private Moai Trail tour for its archaeological focus. Both give you quality time at key sites without feeling rushed. Budget-conscious travelers will appreciate the efficient Grand Tour, while history buffs shouldn’t miss the fascinating Cult of the Bird-Man excursion. Let’s explore the top-rated boat and land tours available in Hanga Roa.
Key Points
- The Motus tour offers a 2-3 hour immersive marine life exploration with snorkeling, fishing, and cultural insights, catered to private groups.
- Small group and cruise ship tours provide options like the 8-hour Rapa Nui Culture Sightseeing Tour and the 2-Day Easter Island Highlights Tour.
- The Grand Tour (T1) is a private 10-day guided tour with access to all island sites and transportation, suitable for non-cruise visitors.
- The Cult of the Bird-Man (T6) is a 4-hour private guided tour exploring the island’s cultural and archaeological highlights, not wheelchair accessible.
- The Island Tour: Main Sites (T4) is a 7-hour private tour that visits iconic landmarks like the Rano Raraku quarry and Rano Kau volcanic crater.
Tour to the Motus: Boat Trip and Snorkeling in Rapa Nui
One of the must-do activities in Hanga Roa is the Tour to the Motus: Boat Trip and Snorkeling in Rapa Nui. This 2-3 hour excursion offers an immersive experience to explore the island’s stunning marine life.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel 10 minutes before the scheduled time, and your guide will be easy to identify with their company ID.
The private tour is exclusively for your booked group, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. You’ll have the chance to go snorkeling and fishing, while also learning about the island’s rich culture and history through your guide’s insightful commentary.
The scenic views of the Motu rocks and surrounding areas are truly breathtaking.
The tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and most travelers are eligible to participate. You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for your travel plans.
With an overall rating of 4.7 out of 6 reviews, this tour is a must-try for anyone visiting Hanga Roa.
Read our full review: Tour to the Motus: Boat Trip and Snorkeling in Rapa Nui Review
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Small Group (8 PAX) / Cruise Ships Tours at Easter Island
For those looking to explore Easter Island‘s stunning landscapes and cultural wonders via smaller group tours or cruise ship excursions, Hanga Roa offers several captivating options.
Get up close with the iconic moai statues on an 8-hour Rapa Nui Culture Sightseeing Tour, with pickup service and a 4.7-star rating from 80 reviews.
Or learn about the island’s highlights over 2 days on the Easter Island Highlights 2-Day Tour, which includes pickup and has a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
If you prefer a more personalized experience, the Highlights Private Tour offers 7 hours of sightseeing with a 4.8-star rating from 24 reviews, or you can discover the Moai Trail on a 7-hour private archaeological tour rated 4.9 stars from 8 reviews.
For a truly unique adventure, the Volcanic Refuges excursion takes you underground to explore the island’s ancient subterranean civilization over 3 hours.
With these diverse small-group and cruise-friendly options, you’re sure to uncover the best of Rapa Nui.
Read our full review: Small Group (8 PAX) / Cruise Ships Tours at Easter Island Review
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T1-THE GRAND TOUR (Non-Cruise Visitors)
Stepping into the heart of Rapa Nui, the “T1-THE GRAND TOUR (Non-Cruise Visitors)” offers an unparalleled exploration of the island’s cultural treasures. Priced at $80 per adult and $40 for ages 7-17, this private guided tour grants you access to all the island’s sites for 10 days.
You’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable French-speaking guide, who’ll lead you through the fascinating history and mythology of this unique destination.
Convenience is key, with private transportation provided throughout the tour. Fuel your explorations with lunch options, either at the on-site restaurant or a picnic.
Pickup can be arranged from your hotel, residence, or campsite, ensuring a seamless start to your day at 9 AM. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and infants must sit on laps, it’s open to most travelers seeking an exclusive, high-quality experience.
Read our full review: T1-THE GRAND TOUR (Non-Cruise Visitors) Review
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T6-THE CULT of the BIRD-MAN (Non-Cruise Visitors)
Enjoy the captivating Cult of the Bird-Man during the “T6-THE CULT of the BIRD-MAN (Non-Cruise Visitors)” tour. This private guided experience lasts approximately 4 hours and focuses on the intriguing cult practices of Rapa Nui.
You’ll enjoy private transportation and the expertise of a French-speaking tour guide.
The tour costs $80 USD per adult and $40 USD for ages 7-17, with entrance tickets valid for 10 days across all sites. Pickup is available from your hotel, residence, guesthouse, or campsite at either 9:15 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
The tours are conducted exclusively for your group, ensuring a personalized experience.
Please note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the activity. Cancellations and amendments aren’t permitted, so it’s essential to be aware of the policy before booking.
Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of Rapa Nui and the captivating Cult of the Bird-Man on this unforgettable tour.
Read our full review: T6-THE CULT of the BIRD-MAN (Non-Cruise Visitors) Review
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T4-ISLAND TOUR: MAIN SITES (Non-Cruise Visitors)
Explore the captivating main sites of Rapa Nui on the comprehensive “T4-ISLAND TOUR: MAIN SITES (Non-Cruise Visitors)”. This private tour, lasting approximately 7 hours, takes you on a journey through the island’s most iconic landmarks.
With a French-speaking guide, you’ll explore the island’s rich history and culture, visiting sites such as Rano Raraku, the quarry where the famous moai statues were carved, and Rano Kau, a volcanic crater with stunning views.
The tour also includes stops at Rano Raraku, the Rano Kau crater, and Rano Raraku, where you’ll witness the enigmatic moai statues up close.
Lunch options range from a restaurant to a picnic, allowing you to savor the local cuisine. With private transportation and flexible pickup locations, this tour caters to your needs, ensuring a personalized and unforgettable experience.
Secure your spot on this comprehensive island tour and uncover the treasures of Rapa Nui.
Read our full review: T4-ISLAND TOUR: MAIN SITES (Non-Cruise Visitors) Review
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The Sum Up
You’ll find plenty of exciting boat tours and cruises in Hanga Roa, Rapa Nui. Whether you want to explore the island’s main sites, discover the Cult of the Bird-Man, or snorkel around remote motus, there’s an option to suit your interests. Choose from small group tours or cruise ship excursions, and get ready for an unforgettable adventure on the waters surrounding this fascinating island.