Timor-Lesle:
Expedition to the blue whales


Discovering new unique whale spots!
2026
November 3–10
November 10–17
  • 8 days
  • Snorkeling with blue whales
  • Easy level of difficulty
  • 3800 EUR
How does the tour take its course?
The coastal waters of Timor-Leste are considered a "global hot spot" for cetaceans. According to scientific research, at least 1/3 of all known species of whales and dolphins in the world can be found in these waters. Some of these species are migratory, while others can be seen all year round.
Once a year, in October/November, a huge number of migrating pygmy blue whales, a subspecies of the largest animals ever to inhabit our planet, come to the shores of Timor-Leste!
Few other places in the world offer the opportunity to see these rare and endangered ocean giants so close and numerous. Come with us on one of our tours to see if you can be one of the lucky ones to join the small percentage of people in the world who have seen a blue whale!
  • Paradise in a small exotic country
    Timor-Leste is a young island country in Southeast Asia with underdeveloped infrastructure, which is not yet popular with tourists, but is popular with our team:) And no wonder why: this is the place where whales and dolphins migrate in the fall! We already have been here as a part of our secret tour: we swam with blue whales, took a lot of pictures, and now we are ready to open this place for you too!
  • Rare pygmy blue whales
    Each year, hundreds of pygmy blue whales pass through Timor-Leste waters on their annual migration route. They move between feeding grounds off the southwestern coast of Australia and, it is believed, breeding grounds and subsequently the birth of calves in the Banda Sea.

    Annual sightings indicate that whales migrate northward through Timor-Leste waters in June-August and then migrate southward toward Australian waters in October-December. Because of weather and ocean conditions, these whales are easier to observe from Dili during their southern migration.
  • Super packs of dolphins
    Sometimes in the waters off the southwest coast of Atauro Island, you can see huge "super packs" of dolphins congregating in the same place. Quite typical is the simultaneous accumulation of several species in this area, which is presumably due to the high density of nutrients and food in the water.

    This highly productive area is where the Ombay Strait intersects with the Vetar Strait. Located within the so-called "Indonesian Throughflow," the largest water movement on the planet, this area connects two very large water basins: the Banda Sea and the Savu Sea. The narrow and very deep straits produce enormous concentrations of nutrients and food for marine animals.

    Among the dolphin species that are found in these waters are: short-finned grinde, bottlenose dolphin, long-beaked, bottlenose, large-toothed and gray dolphin.
  • Climate and accommodation conditions
    Air temperature: 28–31°C. Water temperature: 27–29°C. We’ll stay at a hotel and take a 6–8 hour boat trip out into the ocean. The program includes 4–5 ocean excursions (depending on weather conditions).
  • Risks
    There is always the risk of not meeting animals in the ocean. Nevertheless, we rely on our years of experience and luck to choose the best season to visit. We cannot guarantee that we will see whales, but regular participants of our trips know that we will definitely see them :)
Itinerary
Day 1. Arrival. Transfer to the hotel
After a short drive from the airport to the hotel, we’ll settle in. This evening, during dinner, we’ll get to know each other, and you’ll hear about our plans for the coming days.
Days 2-4. Whale watching
We’ll dedicate these days to the ocean. We’ll spend 6–8 hours at sea, searching for whales. We may encounter blue whales, sperm whales, pilot whales, and several species of dolphins. In the evenings, we’ll share our impressions of the day over dinner.
Day 5. Ground program
Today we’ll take a bit of a break and then head out for our land program. We’ll explore the history of this distant place and enjoy the unspoiled nature of our secret location.
Days 6-7. Back to the whales!
You can never have too many whales, right? More incredible encounters out on the ocean await us!
Day 8. Transfer to the airport. Flight home
Breakfast, then transfer to the airport.
Price: 3'800 EUR

Dates:
November 3–10
November 10–17

  • Included:
    • Transfers
    • Breakfast at the hotel
    • Snacks on the boat
    • Renting a whale watching boat
  • Not Included:
    • International flight
    • Insurance
    • Meals
    • Single occupancy supplement
    • Snorkeling equipment rental
  • Additional information
    • Water temperature +27˚+29˚C;
    • Air temperature +29˚C +31˚C
    • Currency: USD and EURO
    • Power outlets: we'll let you know before departure.
  • To pack list
    • Passport, tickets
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses
    • Head cover
    • Light wetsuit, flippers, mask, snorke
It's easy to book with us!
The process of booking becomes easy with Whale Watching Russia.
  • Contact us
    However you like: cell phone/WhatsApp/Telegram +79265663991, email info@whale-expeditions.com
  • We will call you back
    Or write a message. We will answer all your questions, explain all the details and discuss your personal wishes
  • Deposit payment
    When you are ready to book expedition, we would ask you to pay the deposit, usually it's 50% of the price. You can pay the rest later, the last payment day is 60 days before expedition start.
  • Done!
    You got your space on the trip, it's time to buy plane tickets! By the way, we can help you with tickets and visas if needed.
Book expedition!
Contacts
+7 926 566 39 91 (cell/whatsapp/telegram)
info@whale-expeditions.com
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