Easter Island, or Rapa Nui, is a surreal destination where ancient mysteries and the vast Pacific stretch endlessly before you. Though it officially belongs to Chile, this island sits over 3,700 kilometers from the mainland, making it one of Earth's most isolated yet intriguing places. For those seeking the ultimate sense of adventure, few destinations rival the experience of discovering Easter Island from the deck of a luxury yacht.

Best known for its enigmatic Moai statues, which have earned the island UNESCO World Heritage status, Easter Island is steeped in history and cultural intrigue. Almost 900 of these massive stone figures were carved from volcanic rock presumably around the 11th and 14th centuries. Their presence is enough to leave every visitor in awe, and the mystery behind their origins only adds to the island’s almost magical atmosphere.

Arriving by yacht allows for a unique perspective as you approach the island from the open sea, just as the Polynesian settlers did centuries ago. Hanga Roa, the island's only town and main harbor, offers a warm welcome with its charming waterfront, local eateries, and relaxed island vibe. Dropping anchor here provides easy access to many of the island's top attractions. One of the must-visit sites is Ahu Tongariki, where 15 massive Moai statues stand in a row, facing inland with their enigmatic expressions. This is the largest ceremonial platform on the island, and seeing it at sunrise is a sight to behold.

Despite its small size—just 14 miles long and seven miles wide—Easter Island is packed with natural wonders. Extinct volcanoes mark the three corners of the island's triangular shape. At the same time, its coastline is framed by spectacular white-sand beaches like the Anakena Beach with powerful Pacific waves along the western coast, making it a good spot for surfing. There are no forests here, adding to the island's stark beauty, and its raw, unspoiled terrain is best explored by foot, bicycle, or horseback.

A short trip inland leads to Rano Raraku, an ancient quarry where the Moai were originally carved. Scattered across its grassy slopes are dozens of unfinished statues, some half-buried in the Earth. Another awe-inspiring stop is Rano Kau, a vast crater with a shimmering lake at its center, surrounded by lush vegetation. On its edge lies Orongo, a sacred ceremonial village with well-preserved petroglyphs.

For those looking to explore this captivating region by sea, there are plenty of superyachts available for charter throughout South America; view all that's currently available!