As of today, out of season, returns ~September. Earth Exhibit tracks the live conditions and flags it the moment it is on.
Sooty terns (manutara) once arrived in huge numbers to nest on Motu Nui off Rapa Nui, and that arrival drove the island's historic Tangata Manu (Birdman) ceremony.
The terns have since largely abandoned Motu Nui because of predators, habitat loss, and past egg harvesting, and a small remnant colony now nests on remote Motu Motiro Hiva (Salas y Gómez), roughly 400 km away.
Today the manutara is mostly a cultural and historical story on Rapa Nui rather than a reliable seasonal spectacle at Motu Nui.
Where to see it
A taste of where to see it. The full map, exact coordinates and the best timing for each spot live in the app.
| Viewing spots |
|---|
| Motu Nui (islet) - nesting islet |
| Orongo ceremonial village and Rano Kau cliff viewpoint |
| + 1 more spot, with exact coordinates and timing, in the app → |
This is the short version
This page shows a taste. The app has the full list of where to see this, the exact timing, and live conditions for 1,000+ natural phenomena worldwide, so you know the moment one is genuinely worth the trip.