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Wildlife

Whale & Dolphin Package

October and November: a full day on the Wetar Strait looking for whales and dolphins, plus return ferry tickets. Book early.

Wetar Strait, Atauro
From$350/person
Minimum 5 people
Duration
2 days
Group size
5-8 people
Difficulty
Easy

About This Experience

October-November only. A full-day boat trip (about 7 hours) into the Wetar Strait for pygmy blue whales and resident dolphin pods: in-water encounters when conditions allow, snacks and lunch aboard, plus return ferry tickets. Run by our own crew with English-speaking Timorese guides; small groups. October and November dates fill early, so book as far ahead as you can.

What's Included

Snorkelling gear
Snacks and lunch
Professional guide and a briefing about the whales
In-water whale encounter when conditions allow
Towels
Drinking water for refills

Not Included

Accommodation. Mysaffy has backpackers beds at USD 18 per person and private rooms from USD 35 a night, without meals.

Good to know before you book

  • USD 350 per person for each whale day. Want more than one day on the water? Extra days are arranged day by day at the same price.
  • Each day runs 8:00 to 15:30, about 7 hours on the water.
  • In-water whale encounters depend on conditions on the day.
  • Season is October to November; boats go out daily once the first sightings are reported.
  • Children under 10 pay USD 200. Children under 6 may join on the boat but not in the water.
  • Can you take photos or video of us with the whales? There is no professional photographer on board, but the crew has a GoPro and films the whales and guests; bring your own camera or phone in a waterproof case if you want your own shots.
  • What is included in the whale tour? The full day tour, 8am to 3.30pm and about 7 hours, includes snorkelling equipment with life jackets, mask and fins, snacks, lunch, a professional guide and a pre-trip briefing.
  • Boats go out with 5 to 8 guests. Travelling alone or as a couple? You can join a shared boat on a day that has space: ask us which dates are open.

Getting to Atauro

Atauro is 25km north of Dili, accessible by ferry or light aircraft.

  • Public ferry

    Tuesday to Sunday (no Monday)

    Leaves Dili 08:00 · Leaves Atauro 15:00

    Berlin Nakroma ~2 hrs 15 min · MV Success ~3 hours

    Dili port: Porto Dili, Farol (Berlin Nakroma) · Kolmera, Dili (MV Success)

    Fares $4 to $5 one way. Tickets are sold for cash at the port on the day, so arrive early.

  • MAF light aircraft

    Monday 07:30, Wednesday 10:00 and Friday 16:30 · $80 one-way

    Flights back from Atauro leave Monday 08:10, Wednesday 10:40 and Friday 17:10.

    About 20 minutes from Dili. Book directly with MAF Timor-Leste, and reserve early because seats are limited.

  • Private boat

    $70-$75 per person one way

    Run by the lodges (Compass, Atauro Dive Resort, Beloi Beach Hotel). A private charter starts at about $200 an hour. Arrange it when you book.

No ferry sails on Monday, in either direction.

The boat back from Atauro reaches Dili in the early evening, too late for a same-day flight to Darwin. Plan your last night in Dili.

What to Bring

SunscreenA refillable water bottleSome cash for souvenirs

Where you'll go

Atauro Dive Resort, Atauro Island

View on Google Maps

Planning details

Meeting point
Atauro Dive Resort, Atauro Island
Starts and ends

Based in Atauro Island

Group size
5 to 8 guests per departure
Child price
$200
Booking cutoff

Book online up to 36 hours before the start (Dili time).

How late you can book
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 48 hours before the scheduled start.

Booking request

Request a booking with Mysaffy Atauro Island Adventures

Rezerva reviews your booking request and coordinates availability with the operator. We try to update you within 24 hours.

Whale & Dolphin Package

From $350 USD / person · 2 days

Book online up to 36 hours before the start (Dili time).

Up to 8 people

Minimum 5 people

Rezerva reviews your request and coordinates with the operator.

Free to enquire, no payment required. Rezerva will confirm payment details once availability is confirmed.

How booking requests work

Send a request and Rezerva coordinates everything. We keep you updated throughout.

Curated listing

We've researched and verified this operator before listing them on Rezerva.

Rezerva-managed

Rezerva reviews your request, coordinates with the operator, and keeps you updated.

Human coordination

Rezerva staff review availability, pricing, and trip details before updating you.

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