ENIGMATIC EASTER ISLAND, RAPA NUI
》TRIP INFO
LOCATION: EASTER ISLAND/RAPA NUI
DATES: JAN 12-18, 2028
DURATION: 7 DAYS
GUIDES: PAUL ZIZKA + CURTIS JONES*
PHOTOGRAPHY LEVELS: ALL
PHYSICAL RATING: MODERATE
MAXIMUM NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS: 12
COST: $8,950 CAD
≈$6,490 USD
≈€5,596 EUR
*USD and EUROS are provided as rough currency conversions only
A payment plan is available for this workshop. See below.
Join Paul Zizka and Curtis Jones on a once in a lifetime remote Polynesian journey. From the famous ancient Moai carvings to the volcanic landscape and dark starry skies, adventure awaits us at every turn. We will have the opportunity to experience Rapa Nui’s monoliths, and discover why they remain one of the world’s greatest mysteries.
Together, we’ll explore the ancient spirit of Rapa Nui, immersing ourselves in a land shaped by mystery, isolation, and raw natural beauty. Far from the noise of the modern world, the island’s profound stillness creates the perfect setting for meaningful storytelling and extraordinary photography.
Designed for adventurous creatives, this workshop invites you beyond the ordinary, off the beaten path and deep into the soul of the island. Whether photographing towering monoliths at sunrise, volcanic craters under shifting light, or the Milky Way above the Pacific, you’ll experience Rapa Nui in a way few ever do!
》YOUR OFFBEAT guides
PAUL ZIZKA // GUIDE
Specializing in photographing in difficult conditions and hard-to-reach places, Paul has a passion for shooting alpine sports and backcountry experiences, capturing the spirit of adventurers and finding unusual angles of common mountain subjects. As a landscape photographer, he particularly enjoys the challenge of capturing nature’s beauty at night and the unique features that come with a dark sky – stars, Northern Lights and dramatic silhouettes. Paul’s award-winning photos have been featured in a variety of publications, including National Geographic, Maclean’s, Alpinist, Huffington Post, The Guardian, Islands, and Climbing magazine.
CURTIS JONES //GUIDE
Curtis is an adventure, landscape and portrait photographer from Newfoundland and Labrador who considers Nunavut his second home. Never tiring of seeing the sun rise from a new horizon or watching a contagious smile grow on the faces of friends and strangers alike as they step out of their comfort zone, Curtis seeks to tell stories with his photographs as he lives out his own. Throughout his career, he has had the pleasure of working with worldclass athletes, artists, and production teams while shooting in some of the globe’s most raw, wild, and challenging locations. Equal parts adventurer, artist and clown, he is never far from a camera, a tent or a good punchline.
* As per our Terms and Conditions, OFFBEAT reserves the right to change, at any time, the tour leader of any workshop.
》INS AND OUTS
What’s Included:
Daily instructions/mentorship with Paul Zizka and Curtis Jones
Accomodations for 6 nights
Airport transfers
All Breakfasts
All on-island transportation
Park Pass to Rapa Nui National Park
Night excursion to photograph Moai
Location scouting and itinerary planned by OFFBEAT instructors.
What’s Not Included:
International flights to Easter Island
Lunches and dinners
Additional hotel stays
Travel Insurance
Souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Tips
》WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
1. How to capture the majesty of the moai sentinels, both in the daytime and at night.
2. How to make the most of the dynamic skies and seas of one of the world's most remote locations.
3. How to capture the cultural essence of Rapa Nui, from the locals, to the free-roaming horses, to the colourful landscape.
4. How to emphasize the incredible, unique geography and geology of Easter Island.
5. How to create epic, magical nighttime imagery among some of the world's starriest skies.
6. How to adopt an efficient workflow when abroad and on the go.
》ITINERARY
The itinerary is subject to change.
Day 1 - Wednesday, January 12, 2028
After arriving on the remote shores of Easter Island, guests will settle into the hotel before gathering for our official workshop kickoff at 3:00 PM. We’ll introduce the journey ahead, discuss photography goals, and begin immersing ourselves in the unique culture and atmosphere of Rapa Nui.
We’ll share our first group dinner together before heading to the iconic ceremonial site of Ahu Tahai for sunset. Here, the Moai come alive in the warm evening glow, offering our first opportunity to photograph these legendary monoliths against the vast Pacific horizon.
If skies are clear, the adventure continues into the night with an astrophotography session at Hanga Kio’e, where the island’s isolation and lack of light pollution create extraordinary conditions for capturing the stars above ancient volcanic landscapes.
Day 2 - Thursday, January 13, 2028
We will depart for one of the most awe-inspiring locations on the island: Ahu Tongariki. Watching the first light of day rise behind fifteen towering Moai is an unforgettable experience and an opportunity to get portfolio worthy photos.
After sunrise, we journey back toward town along the island’s rugged southern coastline, experiencing the dramatic scenery in daylight before returning for a relaxed late breakfast.
The afternoon offers time to explore the village, enjoy lunch, or simply rest before regrouping for an early dinner at Haka Honu. From there, we hike along the quieter eastern rim of the legendary Orongo crater, discovering sweeping ocean views and volcanic textures rarely seen by visitors.
We finish the evening at Rano Kau, photographing sunset and stars from one of the island’s most dramatic landscapes before returning back to the hotel.
Day 3 - Friday, January 14, 2028
The morning begins with breakfast before heading north to the white sands and turquoise waters of Anakena Beach.
We continue to nearby Ovahe, known for its vivid red cliffs, colourful rock formations, and secluded shoreline, providing unique opportunities for both landscape and detail photography.
After returning to town for lunch and downtime, we regroup for dinner before setting out to explore the ceremonial village of Orongo at sunset.
If conditions allow, the evening evolves into an unforgettable astrophotography session split between the mystical quarry of Rano Raraku and the iconic silhouettes of Ahu Tongariki beneath the Milky Way.
Day 4 - Saturday, January 15, 2028
Today we explore the island’s archaeological and geological wonders, beginning with the inland Moai platform of Ahu Akivi, followed by the lava cave systems of Ana Te Pahu and the remote coastal ruins of Ahu Tepeu.
Later, we experience the island from a completely different perspective during a boat excursion along the coastline, photographing volcanic cliffs, caves, and the open Pacific from the water.
Depending on weather and light conditions, we may revisit Ahu Tongariki at sunrise or Ahu Tahai at sunset to capture scenes we may have missed earlier in the journey.
The evening concludes with a memorable group dinner at Neptune Island, with another optional astrophotography session if skies align.
Day 5 - Sunday, January 16, 2028
This morning we head to the remote Poike Peninsula. Far from the more visited areas of the island, this rugged region offers dramatic cliffs, rolling volcanic terrain, and a profound sense of solitude.
Over the course of a 5–6 hour hike, we’ll photograph windswept coastlines, ancient landscapes, and sweeping Pacific vistas while experiencing a quieter, more untouched side of Rapa Nui.
After returning to town for a late lunch and well-earned rest, we gather for dinner once more at Haka Honu before heading to the rugged coastline near Nayara Hangaroa for sunset photography.
If needed, this evening also offers another chance to capture the island beneath the stars.
Day 6 - Monday, January 17, 2028
Our final full day begins with an early breakfast followed by a photography session in the beautiful mid-morning light, focusing on storytelling, culture, and creative connection.
We then venture to the coastal cave region of Ana Kai Tangata, where volcanic formations, crashing waves, and dramatic cliff scenery provide a fitting final landscape experience.
The afternoon is left open for lunch, shopping, or quiet reflection around town before we come together for a farewell evening at Te Ra'ai.
Day 7 - Tuesday, January 18, 2028
We share one final breakfast together before the workshop concludes. Guests will transfer to the airport for late-morning flights back to Santiago.
WHAT OUR PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO SAY
ABOUT OFFBEAT WORKSHOPS
”
“Attending this workshop turned into a key moment in my life and one that I will forever remember. The camaraderie, generosity of time and spirit that was shared among the leaders, photographers and the models were very impressive and added to an extremely rewarding experience. Not only are the leaders of OFFBEAT very good photographers, they are very, very good people and yes, I definitely plan on attending future OFFBEAT workshops.”
-M. Ricco
“I felt the level of collaboration and support among the participants in this one was exceptional and so was the size of the group. It is easier to hide in bigger groups when I feel insecure with my skills and talent. The content was timely, appropriate and exceedingly well organized. The facilitators’ presentation skills were exceptional. I came away with a little more confidence and a lot more knowledge. Thanks, Dave and Paul!!!”
-Jan L.
“I've done four OFFBEAT trips so far—all to spots that I never thought I'd see. And I will keep coming back. The quality of the experiences, the photography, and the people are without peer.”
-B. Dodge
PRICE/PAYMENT SCHEDULE
Total Cost: $8,950 CAD
Spousal/Partner Supplement fee available: $6,950CAD (includes everything indicated in the list above except photography instruction). Please register with deposit only & contact Nelly at admin@offbeatphoto.ca to adjust payment schedule.
Payment options: Full payment or $1,500 CAD non-refundable deposit to secure a space with three further installment payments:
Non-Refundable Deposit: $1,500 CAD
Single Supplement: $2,950 CAD
Installment schedules:
Payment Dates
October 15, 2026 - $1,450 CAD
March 15, 2027 - $2,000 CAD
July 15, 2027 - $2,000 CAD
October 15, 2027 - $2,000 CAD
Note: failure to pay by payment due date means forfeiting deposit and spot will be freed up and potentially sold to another interested participant (see more in cancellation policy below).
If unforeseen circumstances arise, participants are welcome to transfer/sell their space to another interested participant.
》IMPORTANT INFO
Please visit our FAQs for more information on What to Bring, our Physical Ratings and Photography Levels.
IS THIS WORKSHOP FOR YOU?
Physical Rating
MODERATE
Hiking experience // Minimal.
Pace // Slow.
Distance/Description // Mainly roadside with some hiking (3-5 hours).
Footwear // Light hiking shoes or sneakers.
Photography Level (All): This workshop is open to both amateur and professional photographers.
See these ratings described in our FAQs.
INSURANCE POLICY
It is not only advised but required that participants have trip cancellation/interruption insurance, as well as emergency medical/illness insurance and rescue coverage (proof required within 4 months of departure).
Weather and other unforeseen factors can cause delays in travel, particularly from some of our more remote locations. It is the participant’s responsibility to cover any costs in the case of a travel delay of any length. Please ensure your trip cancellation/interruption insurance accommodates this possibility.
By purchasing a spot you are acknowledging that you accept these conditions.
Please see our Insurance page for more information about our insurance partner, World Nomads.
》OFFBEAT TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please take the time to reviewOFFBEAT’s Terms and Conditions, including our Cancellation Policies. You are required to agree to these in order to confirm your registration. Effective June 16, 2022.

