Anakena (Easter Island)
- Shortboard, Beginners
- Best for
- Beginner to Advanced
- Skill Level
- Small waves, Ocean
- Spot Type
- Moderate
- Crowd Level
This spot information is AI-assisted and has not been human verified. It may be incomplete, outdated, or incorrect. Verify safety, access, local rules, and current conditions with official or local sources before riding.
About
Anakena is a well-known, scenic north-coast beach on Rapa Nui (Easter Island), centered on a white-sand cove and historic surroundings. For surfing, it’s best described as a beach-break with consistently small surf, but the wave quality is highly inconsistent from day to day. Most guidance points to summer as the best season, when the spot’s surf chances improve. The most favorable setup is typically linked to northwest (and related north) swell, combined with south or southeast winds that tend to be offshore/cleaner for the wave face. Even when it works, rides are usually short and the peaks can close out as they run into the shallow sand. Safety is a major theme: when swell arrives, strong rip currents can form, and the surf can surge toward the rocks flanking the cove. The beach is also used daily by swimmers and sunbathers, especially during peak tourist hours, so riders should yield and stay within designated surfing areas. Overall, Anakena can be a good choice for surfers seeking a gentle-looking sandy beach-break environment—provided you’re ready for inconsistency, shallow closures, and rapidly changing rip conditions when larger sets arrive.
- White-sand north-coast beach setting with scenic Moai/archaeological backdrop
- Typically clear water with high visibility
- Beach-break surfing with short, inconsistent rides; best odds in summer with the right swell/wind window
- Strong rip and rock-edge hazards when swell arrives
- Classic white-sand, scenic north-coast beach setting with generally clear water
- When conditions align, provides a beach-break session with occasional lefts and rights
- Summer is commonly cited as the best time for surf viability
- Highly inconsistent surf; works mainly on specific swell/wind combinations
- Shoreline hazards: strong rips can develop when swell arrives
- Shared beach use (swimmers/sunbathers) increases the need for careful line selection and yielding
Wind, water and seasons
Wind
- Direction
- S, SSE
- Offshore directions
- SSE
- Wind Range
- 10–20 kts
- Wind Type
- Mixed — Sources describe predominantly South Pacific trade-wind influence, with conditions varying on the north coast (often requiring specific approaches for offshore winds).
- Reliability
- low
- Gust Factor
- Moderate gusts
- Best Months
- January, February, March
- Shadow Zones
- The bay/nearby high ground can shelter the area and create turbulence.
Water & beach
- Water Type
- Small waves, Ocean
- Beach
- Sand — White sand / coral sand descriptions common for the beach.
- Beach Size
- Medium
- Waves
- Small — Small, inconsistent surf.
- Launch
- Medium — Wide sandy beach launch on the north coast; space can be limited by archaeological zones and beachgoers.
- Launch Difficulty
- Moderate — Launch difficulty varies by source: one describes easy access, while another rates it moderate due to space limits and conditions.
Through the year
Peak tourist crowds from December to February; surfing lineup is rarely crowded.
May to August (winter months), when rain is most frequent and intense.
By sport
What to expect for each.
North-coast sandy beach break that is scenic but highly inconsistent. When it works (often summer with northwest swell), it can produce short, sometimes both-direction rides; larger swell tends to bring messy conditions and stronger rips near the shoreline and rocky edges.
- Wave Direction
- Both
- Optimal Swell
- N, NW
- Swell Height
- 1–2 m
- Optimal Tide
- Mid — One source specifies best at mid tide.
- Shelter
- Exposed — Exposed north-coast beach break; when swell arrives the cove can become noticeably more exposed and hazardous near the side rocks.
- Wind Effect
- Southeast (and south) winds are described as providing cleaner offshore conditions; onshore wind can disturb the wave face.
- Bigger Swell
- Closes out or becomes messy with very large swells; when swell arrives, strong rips can form and the beach becomes more exposed.
- Wave Quality
- Average — Wave quality is described as average and inconsistent; peaks can close out in shallow sand.
- Wave Power
- Moderate — A second source rates it as soft with mushy/low-energy surf.
- Wave Shape
- Mixed — Also described as mushy; expect inconsistency.
- Peel Speed
- Medium — Sources describe medium peel speed; another description characterizes it as slow.
- Ride Length
- Short — Typically short and inconsistent; quick peaks often close out on shallow sand.
- Typical Ride Length
- 30–50 m
- Ride Length Details
- Typical ride length reported as short and inconsistent; one source estimates about 30–50 meters (quick peaks).
Check the forecast before you go
See wind, waves, weather and session windows for Anakena (Easter Island) in the full forecast view.
Other spots in the area
What to know before you launch
Safety, access, restrictions, rescue, and local rules can change. Treat these details as informational and confirm them locally before launching.
Hazards
- Strong rip currents when swell arrives
- Exposed surf with explosive crashing on rocks at the sides of the cove
- Rocks at the edges of the bay
- Submerged rocks near the headlands
- Crowded swimming area during peak tourist hours
Rescue & support
- Lifeguard
- Seasonal
- Rescue & Self-Rescue
- No — No dedicated water sports rescue service or coastguard patrol for the north coast; be self-sufficient and capable of self-rescue.
- Emergency Info
- No dedicated water-sports rescue availability for the north coast; the nearest medical facility is Hospital Hanga Roa (~20 minutes by car). Chile emergency numbers include 131 (ambulance) and 137 (maritime emergencies).
Rules of the spot
Yield to bathers and follow local rules. Respect National Park / archaeological site rules (do not climb on stone structures or Moai). Surfing should be in designated areas away from heavy swimmer concentrations.
- Surfing restricted to designated areas away from heavy swimmer concentrations
- Launching kites or large equipment may be restricted due to proximity to archaeological sites
- Rapa Nui is a National Park: respect all archaeological sites and Moai statues; do not climb on any stone structures
- Best in summer when southeast winds are offshore
- Arrive early to avoid peak tourist crowds that use the beach daily
- The spot works most on rarer north/northwest swell windows; if swell arrives, expect stronger rips
Getting there & access
- Nearest City
- Hanga Roa
- Nearest Town
- Hanga Roa
- Nearest Airport
- Mataveri International Airport (IPC) ~19 km
- Parking
- A dedicated parking lot is available near the beach entrance.
- Public Transport
- Public transport is non-existent; visitors typically use rental cars, scooters, or bicycles.
- Access
- North coast at the end of the northern road; accessible by a paved road from Hanga Roa and one of the few beaches on the island accessible by car. Dedicated parking near the beach entrance.
- Cost Level
- Expensive
- Local Language
- Spanish, Rapa Nui
What's on the beach
- Accommodation
- Near — Most accommodation is located in Hanga Roa; the beach is about an 18 km drive from there.
- Food & Drink
- Small stalls near the beach serve local empanadas and drinks; a few restaurants, vendors, and a food truck nearby.
- Equipment Rental:
- Basic surfing and paddleboarding gear is available for rent in Hanga Roa; specialized equipment must be brought.
- Gear Storage
- No dedicated public gear storage facilities on the north coast beaches.
Off the water
A compact north-coast area anchored by Anakena’s sandy beaches and nearby Moai/ceremonial landscapes, supported by beach day and respectful cultural exploration.
The island’s best-known sandy beach and a major sightseeing stop in the same coastal area.
A smaller pink-sand cove known for its wild setting and clear water.
Ceremonial platform overlooking the beach with Moai statues.
One of the first Moai to be re-erected on the island during the 1956 Heyerdahl expedition.
Coastline associated with early Rapa Nui settlement and historic ceremonial landscapes.
Clear, warm water and reef-like conditions described as suitable for snorkeling.
Water clarity and marine environment described as suitable for diving.
World-class diving in high-visibility waters, often involving underwater Moai replicas.
Two beaches can be linked by a short walk along the coast.
Small local stalls serving traditional empanadas de atún and fresh fruit juices.
Large shaded palm groves with tables suitable for family gatherings and relaxation.
Scenic day-visit destination for beach viewing and light coastal exploration.
From riders who've been here
Latest reported conditions
Spot questions
Frequently asked questions
When is the best season at Anakena (Easter Island)?
The best overall months at Anakena (Easter Island) are January, February, March.
Which wind directions work at Anakena (Easter Island)?
Anakena (Easter Island) works with S, SSE winds. Offshore directions are SSE.
What skill level is Anakena (Easter Island) suitable for?
Anakena (Easter Island) suits these riding levels: Surfing: Beginner to Advanced.