Cruise port Hangaroa
Port information & tips for Hangaroa
Hanga Roa is the fascinating gateway to Easter Island and welcomes travelers with the mysterious aura of one of the most remote inhabited islands in the world. The idyllic capital of Rapa Nui impresses with its relaxed Polynesian flair, gentle volcanic hills, and the omnipresent presence of the monumental Moai statues directly on the coast. Highlights in the immediate vicinity include the ceremonial site Ahu Tahai with its famous stone statues, as well as the ornately decorated Santa Cruz Church and the informative Anthropological Museum. As ships anchor off the coast, the shore excursion takes place by tender boat to the central Muelle de Hanga Roa. This landing pier is located right in the lively town center, allowing charming cafés, local markets, and cultural treasures to be comfortably explored on foot thanks to short distances.
Hangaroa on Easter Island is an extraordinary tender port that, due to its isolated location in the middle of the Pacific, is primarily reached by plane. Arrival takes place via the local harbor area in the center of the island's capital, where the cruise ships' tender boats dock directly.
Airplane
Mataveri International Airport (IPC) is located only about two kilometers from the port and serves as the gateway to Easter Island. Travelers from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland usually fly via Santiago de Chile (SCL) and reach the island after a roughly six-hour onward flight with LATAM Airlines.
Transfer & Shuttle
Thanks to the short distance, you can reach the Hangaroa harbor basin from the island's airport in less than ten minutes by taxi or private transfer. Many cruise lines coordinate pickups directly upon arrival at the airport; additionally, local hotels often offer complimentary shuttle services for their guests.
Pre-Cruise Hotel
Due to the long flight duration from Europe and the unique logistics, a stay in a hotel in Hangaroa before the start of the cruise is highly recommended. This guarantees a relaxed start to the journey and simultaneously provides time to visit the famous Moai statues in the immediate vicinity of the harbor.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will generally receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is mandatory for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and keep in mind that the latest embarkation time—depending on the cruise line and destination—is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the journey: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
