Easter Island, otherwise known as Rapa Nui, is the world’s most remote inhabited island and it is an island full of mysteries. There have been a number of theories on how the island was discovered and how the culture grew. Some of them are quite farfetched, such as an alien collaboration project or the remnants of a lost continent, and others are more reasonable, such as being settled by Polynesians.
Archaeological evidence suggests it was indeed the Polynesians who first discovered and inhabited the island and may have done so as far back as the fourth century. That culture remained alive and well into the 18th century when the first Europeans came, bringing disease and taking many of the people of the island as slaves. Sadly, there is little of that culture left, but there are many remnants from that time. One of the most famous archaeological wonders of Easter Island is the stone Moai statues that line the coastline and dot the countryside as if they are standing guard. There were literally hundreds of these statues made. There are also Ahu, which are stone platforms that the Moai were perched on and that were also used as burial sites. Near the largest Ahu, Ahu Tongariki, which was destroyed by a tsunami in 1960, are the remains of curious boat-shaped houses.
Diving in the waters off Easter Island is ideal because the clarity of the water is like nowhere else in the world. Untainted by pollution and by the presence of large communities of humans, the water is so crystal clear that the visibility is 36 m on a bad day. Temperatures are warm all year round and, although there is not the abundance of marine life seen at other Pacific dive sites, turtles, tropical fish, moray eels, big yellow fin tuna, and sharks are easily found. There are also some beautiful corals to be found.
Many divers may not think that they are going to see beneath the surface what those walking around on dry land will see, but in the case of Easter Island they have a unique opportunity to do just that. However, it is the formations, both natural and manmade that really stand out when diving at Easter Island. Tunnels, caves, walls, and amazing lava formations are just the beginning. The guide will take divers through, showing them the solidified lava flows and the stunning submarine scenery, but then there is the grand finale. Just when you think you have seen it all and you are fully satisfied, there it is in front of you – the underwater Moai!
This underwater Moai is an incredible sight. At around 7 m in height, this huge carving is sitting on the ocean floor staring blankly into the abyss that surrounds it. Upon seeing it, it is easy to question how it got there and why it was put there. Did it fall into the ocean from the coastline above? Was it put there intentionally? What purpose does it serve being so far beneath the surface? Perhaps it fell in, but if so it landed so perfectly upright.
Unfortunately, the underwater Moai may not even be genuine and it is rumored that it was actually a prop from Kevin Costner’s failed movie, Rapa Nui. Another story is that a local dropped it down there as a remembrance, although a remembrance of what is still a mystery. Divers who see it can accept one of these explanations or they can come up with their own theory as to how the great statue came to its final resting place. The dive operator on Easter Island may know very well how the giant statue came to be at the bottom of the ocean, but if so, he likes to keep an air of mystery about it. No matter what story you believe, it is still an impressive site to see a giant stone statue as big as a bus staring at you under the water.
The original Moais were carved from stone in a quarry on the northeastern part of the island and there is great speculation as to how these huge statues were moved to their final resting places. Some say they were rolled on wooden logs, but there are many other explanations. It is known that the statues were carved out of the stone by stone and a visit to the quarry will reveal half finished Moais and Moais that were finished yet never moved. One unfinished Moai is actually still lying down in the rock face from which it was carved.
Divers need to have their Open Water certification to dive on Easter Island, but for those that don’t have it, there is training available on the island. This is fabulous because if you are a novice diver, you won’t want to miss out on the underwater Moai or any of the other wonderful treasures and views waiting below the surface. The only town on the island is Hanga Roa, which is where the only dive center is located; this is the base of operation for just about any activity on the island.
Diving in Easter Island is an experience not to be missed. Just diving in such clear water is a treat, but the rock formations and the incredible underwater Moai are unique to the area and seen nowhere else in the world. Plus, diving off of the most remote island in the world has a certain appeal. Any diver that is traveling to South America will find that the detour to Easter Island, although long and expensive, is certainly a worthwhile journey.