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Timor-Leste Expedition

This October, I'll be returning to Timor-Leste, one of my favourite places in the world.  Timor-Leste is one of the worlds youngest nations, only formally gaining independance from Indonesia in 2002.  I spent over a year working as a diving instructor so I know it well and can't wait to share its waters with you.

 

For this expedition I've partnered with Mara Ocean Adventures, Laura is a Freediving Instructor, Scuba Instructor and Expedition Leader from the UK. Bringing  with her a lifetime of experience working in the water facilitating safe and enjoyable ocean experiences. Laura is extremely passionate about Timor-Leste, splitting her time between Atauro Island and Oban, Scotland. Laura brings her Tetun language skills, knowledge of the island and passion for running Timorese freediving social enterprises and marine conservation NGOs. Laura is also a yoga teacher and breathwork coach so will be happy to guide you through freediving, breathwork and yoga. 

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During this expedition we will split our time between Dili, the nations capital and Atauro Island a remote paradise, sitting on the edge of the Banda Sea. We will be working with local partners and trusted established businesses to support the Timorese economy as much as possible. Our goal with this trip is to create an authentic 'Timor experience' where we will offer much more than just a whale swimming trip.  

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Itinerary 30/10/2026 - 08/11/2026

  • 30/10 - Arrive in Dili, check into our accomodation, group dinner and briefing.

  • 31/10 - Meet with a local guide to search for crocodiles and learn about Timor's connection to these animals. Followed by a presentation from one of Timor-Leste's whale scientists at their research base in Manatuto.

  • 01/11 - Full day whale swim charter.

  • 02/11 - Full day whale swim charter.

  • 03/11 - Transfer to Atauro Island, followed by whale swim charter.

  • 04/11 - Atauro Beloi freedive and island exploration

  • 05/11 - Atauro Beloi freedive and island exploration

  • 06/11 - Hike across the island to Adara shore diving possible

  • 07/11 - Wawata Topu experience and freedive West Atauro

  • 08/11 - Return to Beloi, whale swim charter and transfer back to Dili accomodation and farewell dinner

What’s Included:

  • Transportation

  • All Meals

  • Water, Soft Drinks

  • Accommodation (double occupancy)

  • Experienced Guide's

  • All boat trips and snorkels

  • Cultural experiences

  • Trip photography and opportunitys for coaching/editing

  • Freediving, yoga, breathwork etc

What’s not included:

  • Airfare

  • Travel/Dive insurance - highly recommended

  • Personal expenses

  • Gratuity

  • Alcoholic drinks

What to Bring:

  • Personal Freedive/snorkel equipment

  • We suggest full-footed fins and rash guard/leggings for sun protection or a 3mm wetsuit if you get particularly cold - the water is usually at least 28c +

  • Hat, sunglasses, reef safe sunscreen

  • Windproof jacket and insect repellant

  • Reusable water bottle, Cash

  • (there are no ATMS on Atauro Island)

The waters of Timor-Leste are a cetacean super highway, with numerous species residing in and migrating through these waters. Most famously the Ombai and Wetar straights are known for the pygmy blue whales, which tend to pass through these waters on their way south, after calving in the Banda Sea.  However it is possible to encounter more than 20 different species of cetacean here, including sperm whales, killer whales, beaked whales and a number of different species of dolphins. 

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The whale swimming industry is still relatively young in Timor-Leste and as of yet there are no official regulations. Alongside scientists and operators, we have been actively pushing for the industry to become regulated and for the current guidelines to be made law. We have partnered with Reverse Timor-Leste for our whale swimming charters, who have been operating whale swimming in Timor for a number of years now and are striving to do so ethically. Entering the water with these animals is a huge privelage and we will be doing so in in such a way to minimise any disturbance to these animals - if it is unethical or the animals appear stressed or change their behavior, we won't be getting in.

We will be staying in a few different accomodations in both Dili and Atauro. In Dili at Sunset Inn, managed by Pro Ema, an organisation training Timorese woman in chefing and hospitality. Comfortable and conveniently located in Dili. Once on Atauro Island, we will spend some nights in Beloi at Barry's Place. An eco lodge setup in 2004, where you can really connect to nature, the ocean and community.  Barry and his family have thought of everything to keep our environmental impact low and experience high. Composting toilets, bucket showers and solar panels are all part of the experience. We will also visit Mario's in Adara on the western coast of Atauro, truely remote and beautiful this village was only connected by road to the rest of the island in 2025. All the food is fresh, healthy and delicious, we will enjoy 3 meals a day. 

For bookings enquiries and more information, please complete this application form:

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