Easter Island is the peak of an underwater volcano that rises as a mountain 1,700 feet (518 meters) above the ocean’s surface — and 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) below. Due to the lack of plankton, visibility in the surrounding ocean ranges from 120 to 200 feet (40 to 60 meters). The absence of rivers, ports, and dumping of sewage and industrial waste keep the water crystal-clear. The average water temperature is 71E F (22E C).
Coastal divers have sampled 144 species of algae and approximately 111 species of tropical and pelagic (open sea) fish. About 20% of both the marine flora and fauna is native to the island.
As Rapa Nui has no coral reef, there is extreme coastal erosion. Still, six species of corals do grow in shallow water around the island. There are extensive submarine cliffs with a plethora of caves. Divers are warned to proceed with caution.
There are numerous locations around the island for scuba-diving (see list below) but, despite strong winds and large swells, the southeast coast is a favorite when north winds sweep across the island. Endless lava fields with few coral outcrops stretch along its 13-mile-long coastline. The west coast, home to Hanga Roa, also features some of the island’s most striking scuba-diving sites, with immense underwater rock formations covered with coral of all varieties.
Other sites for diving include...
...off the west coast:
• Mataveri
• Motu Tautara
• Te Peu
...off the northwest coast:
• Omohi
...off the north coast:
• Anakena
• Ovahe
• La Pérouse
...off the southeast coast:
• Hotu Iti
• Akahanga
• Vaihu
• Vinapu
...and the islets (off the southwest coast):
• Motu Kao Kao
• Motu Nui
A good source of information on Easter Island marine life, with an emphasis on scuba-diving, is Michel Garcia’s Underwater World of Easter Island / El Mundo Submarino de Isla de Pascua (S.E.E.M. Orca Ltda., 2000).
There are two dive shops on Easter Island, both in Hanga Roa:
Mike Rapu Diving Center
Te Pito o Te Henua
phone: 551-055
e-mail: mikerapudiving@entelchile.net
www.mikerapudiving.cl
Orca Diving Center (Michel García)
Caleta de Hanga Roa
phone: 100-375 or 100-877 / fax: 100-448
e-mail: seemorca@entelchile.net scuba
www.seemorca.cl
Both shops are completely equipped with tanks, suits, and accessories. Excursions cost around $45-60 per person and certification is mandatory.
