Easter Island Cruise Port
Hanga Roa, Chile · Pacific
Cruise ships anchor offshore in Hanga Roa — tenders ferry passengers to the port.
Plan my port daysRemote Pacific island port requiring tenders ashore; moai statues and Rapa Nui culture make it unmissable.
At a glance
Port summary
Easter Island (Rapa Nui) sits 3,700 km west of continental Chile and is one of the world's most isolated inhabited islands. Ships anchor offshore at Hanga Piko and tender passengers to the small pier near Hanga Roa. Time is precious here — the island is large relative to a port day and most sites require transport. Book a guided tour or rent a vehicle in advance. The island accepts both Chilean pesos and US dollars; cards work at most businesses in town but ATMs are limited and can run dry. Sun, wind, and sudden showers are all possible on the same day — layer up and bring sunscreen. The 90-minute return buffer is non-negotiable; tender queues build quickly near all-aboard time.
Cruise dock
Hanga Piko — Cruise Tender Landing
The main commercial harbour used for cruise ship tendering. Passengers land on the concrete pier and walk about 200 m to where taxis and tour operators wait. Hanga Roa town center is roughly 2 km north.
Latitude: -27.154261, Longitude: -109.439077
See dock on port map →Getting to Hanga Roa
From the cruise terminal to the city centre
Most taxis on Easter Island accept cards but confirm before departure. Fares are not metered; agree on the price before you leave.
Taxis wait at the exit of Hanga Piko pier and in the main street of Hanga Roa town.
Rental cars give you freedom to explore at your own pace — essential for reaching remote sites like Ahu Tongariki and Rano Raraku. Roads are paved to main sites but rough on the north coast. Book in advance as stock is limited.
Rental agencies are located in Hanga Roa town; some offer drop-off at Hanga Piko pier on request.
Pre-booked guided tours are the most efficient way to cover Easter Island's key sites in a single day. Most operators include Ahu Tongariki, Rano Raraku, Anakena and Ahu Tahai with an English-speaking guide.
Tour operators and guides can be found along the main street of Hanga Roa; many hotels also arrange tours. Book at least a day in advance.
Map & things to do
Money & payments
Bring some US dollars or Chilean pesos in cash for entry fees and smaller vendors. Cards work at most Hanga Roa businesses.
Things to do
Papa Vaka Petroglyphs
Short stop⭐ Highlight
Pre-Columbian rock carvings of fish, turtles and canoes — an evocative north-coast stop.
🕐 Any time; morning light best for photography
Rano Raraku
⭐ Highlight
Where Easter Island's moai were born — nearly 400 statues still in the hillside.
🕐 Early morning for soft light and fewer visitors
Orongo Ceremonial Village
⭐ Highlight
Pre-Columbian stone village on the Rano Kau crater rim — ancient Birdman site with petroglyphs.
🕐 Midday for clear views; avoid foggy mornings
Ahu Tahai
Short stop⭐ Highlight
Three restored moai platforms on the Hanga Roa waterfront — the island's best sunset spot.
🕐 Late afternoon and sunset
Ahu Tongariki
⭐ Highlight
The most dramatic moai platform on Easter Island — 15 giant statues facing the Pacific.
🕐 Sunrise (6–8am) for the best light; avoid midday heat
Hanga Roa Waterfront Walk
Short stop🚶 Walk
A relaxed coastal stroll through Easter Island's only town — past the fish market and craft stalls.
🕐 Morning for the fish market; sunset for Ahu Tahai
Anakena Beach
🏖️ Beach
Easter Island's only white-sand beach — palm-backed and framed by the Ahu Nau Nau moai.
🕐 Morning for calm water; midday for swimming
Museo Antropológico P. Sebastián Englert
Short stop🏛️ Museum
Essential museum covering moai carving, Rapa Nui history and the island's Polynesian roots.
🕐 Any time; air-conditioned inside
Rano Kau Volcano
🌿 Nature
Massive extinct volcano with stunning crater lake — one of the Pacific's most dramatic viewpoints.
🕐 Midday for the clearest views; morning can be foggy
Build your perfect day in Hanga Roa
Tell us your cruise line, ship and departure date and we'll give you a complete set of full port information and playbooks of how to spend your day.
Frequently asked questions
- Where does my cruise ship dock in Hanga Roa?
- Hanga Roa is a tender port: your ship anchors offshore and passengers transfer to shore by small boat.
- Can I walk from the cruise port into Hanga Roa?
- Walking into Hanga Roa from the cruise port isn't practical. Plan to use a shuttle, taxi, or public transport.
- How do I get from the cruise port to Hanga Roa centre?
- Typical options include Taxi, Car rental, Other transport. Durations and costs are listed in the transport section above.
- How much time do I need in Hanga Roa?
- Plan for at least 4 hours ashore to see Hanga Roa independently and return to the ship with a safe buffer.
- What currency is used in Hanga Roa and are cards accepted?
- Hanga Roa uses the Chilean Peso. Carry some cash for markets, taxis, and smaller vendors — cards aren't accepted everywhere.
- Is there Wi-Fi at the cruise port?
- Wi-Fi isn't reliably available at the Hanga Roa cruise terminal. Consider a local SIM or your cruise line's data package.
- When should I be back at the ship?
- Cruise lines usually require all passengers on board about 30 minutes before scheduled departure. Confirm the exact all-aboard time on your daily programme.
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