Electronic Chart Inaccuracy Notice:

Note that some electronic charts (including C-MAP and possibly Navionics) are reported to be inaccurate around Easter Island. A recent report stated that the charts in some areas of the South Pacific are off by 1500 meters (0.9 miles) i.e., the charts may show the entirety of Easter Island as much as 1500 meters (0.9 miles) south of where it really is. Great caution should be exercised when navigating in this area.

Anchoring:

Shifting winds can chase you around the Island. However, SV Migration created this excellent anchoring guide between April and June 2008, which will be helpful for those wanting to spend more time at Easter Island.

Cruisers who visited in December 2022/January 2023 reported this guide as being perfect for finding the right spot to anchor when clearing in at Hanga Roa.

Hanga Roa:

With winds blowing from the E-SE, the best anchorage is off the main settlement of Hanga Roa. On the south side of the anchorage are several coral formations marked by buoys.

There can be quite a swell in this anchorage. Be sure to anchor well away from the surf area. Good holding in compact sand can be found in depths of 20-25 meters (65 – 80 ft). The water here is very clear.

Getting Ashore:

Landing the dinghy in Hanga Roa can be difficult if there is a big swell, although there is a small and shallow basin, protected by a breakwater, which is used by the fishing boats. Because of the difficulty in landing, it is recommended to use the services of a local fisherman, who will use his own high-powered boat to land the crew. This can be arranged via the Port Captain on VHF Channel 16.

It helps to have a dinghy capable of running at the same speed as the swell. Timing your approach is important if much swell is running. Locals report that the swells run in sets of nine fairly consistently.

The area designated for visiting boats is the furthers right spot upon entrance along a concrete wall and next to rocks which the local children climb along.  A stern anchor and/or long rope is a must.  Be prepared to have these local children using your dinghy as a trampoline. 

If Hanga Roa is untenable, it may be possible to land at Hanga Piko a mile northeast from the main settlement around Point Roa.   However, Hanga Piko can be dangerous as well in the severe swell.

Hanga Piko:

The small harbour at Hanga Piko (27° 08.7’S 109° 26.3’W) has been enlarged and dredged to about 2.0 meters (6.5 ft). The Port Captain insists on boats using a pilot because the entrance is very difficult. There is a fee for using the harbor, but no fee for the services of the pilot.

The RCCPF recommends only using the harbor in emergencies.

Boats up to 18 meters (60 ft) and about two meter (6.5 ft) draft can find shelter inside, but only in extreme circumstances. There is space for two or three boats. The final decision whether a boat will be allowed in or not depends on the Port Captain and the Armada.

The harbor is sheltered from all wind directions, but a SW wind causes serious problems with a surge, so boats must be tied fore and aft to rocks ashore. If one of the inside boats wishes to leave, all others have to move too. Some boats have been trapped here in the past in unusually bad weather with no way out because of huge swell for many days or weeks at a time.

The harbor should be abandoned under heavy surge conditions as yachts can be damaged when this occurs.

For many years now, there have been different projects of building a small marina around the other side of the harbor but so far lack of funds have delayed these projects.

The only buoy here is bright orange and owned by a fishing boat. The Armada may grant permission to use it whilst the boat is away but only in case of emergency.

There is a report of some services in this harbor, including a water hose near the dock. Only attempt to fill up with water on a calm day. Haul-out using a mobile crane may be possible in case of emergency, but may be limited to approximately 10 – 12 meters (35-40 ft) LOA.

This harbor is not to be considered a safe mooring for any yachts to be left for any length of time, even if access can be negotiated.

Hanga Vanilla:

Position:  27° 10.66’S 109° 24.14’W

A protected anchorage in west or north winds and reasonable protection in north-east winds.  12 – 15 meters (40 – 50 ft) with a rock and sand bottom.  Prone to some swell regardless of wind direction.  Water is clear.  Avoid anchoring to the east of the small jetty where two buoys mark an underwater pipeline.  Land dinghy at small jetty.  Tie off on shore and set a stern anchor to hold the dinghy of the wall to avoid damage.  Alternatively, land on the stony beach to the south of the jetty under the red cliff or use the water taxi service to get ashore.

Anakena Bay:

In settled weather, there is a small loading dock in Anakena Bay. This is a beautiful anchorage with a white sandy beach.

Last updated:  January 2023

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