migration : october to november
TIMOR-LESTE: BLUE WHALE HIGHWAY
Blue whales traverse the Timor Strait as they migrate the Banda Sea to their feeding grounds in West Australia.
IN BRIEF
Timor-Leste sits at the crossroads of one of the planet’s great ocean migrations. Each year, blue whales, the world’s largest animals, move quietly through these deep tropical waters, passing close to shore along steep underwater canyons that rise abruptly from the abyss. It is a place defined by depth, distance, and the feeling that something vast is moving just beyond the horizon.
This is not a destination shaped by tourism. It is raw, understated, and still largely overlooked, an edge-of-the-map setting for encounters that are measured not in numbers, but in magnitude. Join us in one of the world’s youngest independent countries to get in water with blue whales and more.
ITINERARY
OCTOBER 25: Arrival in Dili. Participants arrive independently in Dili on October 25. There are straightforward flight connections via Bali, KL and Darwin. This evening, we gather for a trip orientation, and a full gear check to make sure everyone is dialed in before heading offshore.
OCTOBER 26-30: On water. From October 26 through October 30, the group will head out for five consecutive mornings on the water. Each day consists of approximately six hours at sea, typically from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, focused on searching for blue whales and sperm whales in Timor’s deep offshore waters.
Afternoons are reserved for on-land exploration in and around Dili. These outings are designed to provide context beyond the ocean, offering insight into the country’s history, culture, and the complex legacy of conflict and independence that has shaped one of the world’s youngest nations.
OCTOBER 31: Atauro Island excursion. On October 31, we travel by private speedboat to Atauro Island for a full-day excursion. The day includes snorkeling, time on quiet beaches, and optional scuba diving for certified divers. Scuba diving is available at an additional cost and can be arranged in advance.
NOVEMBER 1: Departure. Guests may schedule flights out of Timor-Leste at any time today.
ON WATER
Our expedition days are conducted from Shanti, a purpose-built coastal vessel. Designed for comfort and stability in offshore conditions, Shanti is a 9-metre fiberglass dive boat with shaded seating, secure tank racks, and seating for up to eight guests, two guides, and their gear. Its configuration makes it well-suited to long sea passages along Timor’s deep coastal waters, from nearshore canyons to the island communities and open ocean habitats we explore.
ACCOMMODATION
During the expedition, we base ourselves at Sunset Inn by Pro EMA, a comfortable, well-located hotel in Dili that aligns closely with our values around community-led travel. The property is operated by Pro EMA, a local social venture focused on professional training for Timorese chefs.
The hotel is home to (arguably) the best restaurant in the country, with a strong emphasis on local ingredients and contemporary Timorese cuisine. Reservations are typically essential, but as guests of the property we receive preferred access.
Accommodation is based on twin shared rooms as standard. A limited number of single rooms may be available for those seeking additional privacy, subject to availability and at an additional cost. Final room configurations are confirmed closer to departure.
OCT 2026 DATES
Click on the session you want to join to sign up.
COSTS
CORE PROGRAM COSTS
Main Program: $4490
OPTIONAL UPGRADES
+$490 single supplement room.
INCLUDED
7 nights accommodation in Dili (twin shared rooms).
5 on-water expedition days (~ 6 hrs per day).
Full day trip to Atauro Island
Boat snacks and drinks.
All in-water guiding, photography, and safety support.
Airport transfers and daily transfers between the accommodation and dock.
Breakfasts (everyday) and lunches (on all water days and in Atauro).
EXCLUDED
Flights to/from Dili.
Gear (must bring your own, but at cost rentals are available). You need a mask, snorkel, fins, rash guard, swim suit and weight belt.
Timor-Leste VOA fee if required (EU citizens are exempt, most others must pay a $35 USD fee).
Travel/cancellation insurance.
Personal spending and gratuities (optional).
Dinners.
FAQ
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Five full days on water (~6 hours per day) aboard a private 9m vessel.
Licensed captain, spotter and guide on board.
Accommodation in Dili at Sunset Inn by Pro-EMA (air-conditioning, hot water, Wi-Fi, daily cleaning, in-room tea/coffee), mini fridges.
Breakfasts daily.
Lunches on boat days (5) and on the excursion day to Atauro (1).
Airport transfers (on arrival and departure day only)
Day trip to Atauro Island.
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International flights to Dili.
Timor-Leste VOA fee if your nationality requires it (EU citizens are exempt, most others must pay a $35 USD fee for a visa on arrival).
Gear (except for dive weights).
Dinners.
Personal travel insurance (required)
Alcohol and personal snacks
Tips/gratuities for crew and guides
Optional room upgrades if available
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Timor-Leste’s sea temperatures average 28–29°C (82–84°F) in October and November. A swim suit and rash guard are sufficient for most people. We also recommend using a light hood and full length rash guard top (bottom optional) to protect from UV, as the sun is very strong.
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Guests are housed in twin rooms at the Sunset Inn by Pro-Ema in Dili. Rooms are simple but comfortable; have a/c, a small fridge, en suite bathrooms, and hot water showers.
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Typically 6 hours per day on the water, depending on whale activity, conditions, and weather. The boat has a covered section to help you get out of the sun.
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All in-water activity is conducted under unofficial guidelines that all operators have agreed to follow. This includes the following rules:
Only four guests in the water at one time with one guide
Boat standoff distance of at least 30 m
Total group capped at 8 participants (i.e. two drop groups).
Strictly no chasing or pressuring the whales and no boat cutting in front of their swimming path.
No diving on mothers with calves.
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Yes. Our in-water guides carry cameras and document encounters when possible. We do not guarantee coverage, as their priority is safety and leading the group. However, when photos or video are captured, they are shared with all guests at no extra cost. These are for personal use and sharing only—not for commercial publishing or resale.
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Swimming with sperm whales is a safe activity. The boat is run by an experienced captain and crew, with a licensed whale guide and your team leader on board. In-water groups are small, encounters are respectful, and guidelines are strictly followed. Sperm whales themselves are very docile around humans.
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No, we can never guarantee wildlife encounters. Timor-Leste is one of the world’s most populous blue whale migration corridors, but the migration volume and timing are notoriously difficult to predict. That being said, last year (2025) we saw blue whales every day, as well as some sperm whale and melon headed whale sightings. Drops require a lot of patience, as timing is challenging and the whales do not spend long at the surface, as this is a purely migratory path and they will also opportunistically feed for deep sea krill.
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This is a snorkeling/freediving trip—not scuba. You need to be comfortable swimming at least 100 metres unaided in open water and able to pull yourself back onto the boat (flat platform on the back). Freediving experience is welcome but not required. The focus is slow, quiet encounters at the surface.
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Breakfasts are included daily, and packed lunches are included on all boat days (5 days) as well as on Atauro Island. For dinners, we will bring you to local restaurants (optional, no pressure, but you’re welcome to join) where you can order island-style cuisine (not included, but it’s not expensive, think 15-30 USD a meal). Please inform us of dietary needs in advance so we can accommodate.