Alor
Remote Blue Whale swim destination as well as big animal scuba
One of the newest and most remote destinations in Asia, and maybe the only one that allows the combination of our two passions - scuba diving and whale swimming!
Alor is a hidden gem in southern Indonesia, with increasing fame on scuba diving with amazing macro life as well as Hammerheads, Mola Mola and other pelagics. As a scuba destination it is up and coming and it’s remoteness adds to the appeal. The diving has a lot of currents and is heavily dependent on tides, so it is important to have some experience in diving. The same blue whales that we see on our popular Timor Leste expeditions also travel past Alor. Here the best time to see them is in May-June which coincidentally is also the best time to scuba dive here.
Combing the two discipines therefore seems like a match made in heaven.
ETHICAL ENCOUNTERS
We at Insider Divers follow a strict animal‑led approach. We avoid forced or intrusive interactions, focusing instead on encounters that are tolerated or even welcomed by the animals. This ensures a positive experience for guests while protecting the animals’ natural behaviours. The resort’s founding partner co-founded the non-profit Planet Deep foundation. Planet Deep focuses on the conservation of oceanic whales and dolphins, and the protective management of their deep-sea habitats. This partnership will assist SAVU South Alor dive resort to conduct responsible whale watching activities, as well as whale monitoring projects and study weeks in our diverse local waters.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Savu - Alor
Surrounded by sheer natural beauty of white sands, volcanic rock and turquoise waters, SAVU, our barefoot luxury resort in Alor, will become your home-away-from-home. Powered by the sun and self-sufficient through its own permaculture farm and deep wells, it is a place where rugged luxury meets pure nature. Your footprints will be the only traces left behind on the white sandy beach.
Savu - Alor
Beach Bungalow
Spacious and grand, each of the one-bedroom cottages features a queen-sized bed, a daybed and a desk. There are breathtaking and unimpeded views over the ocean from the bedroom as well as the en-suite bathroom. Outside you will find your own private ‘bale’ with an outdoor shower nestled in your lush tropical garden. Down on the beach two sunbeds with parasols complete the scene.
Cliff Villa
Perched at the highest point of our resort, each of the Cliff Villas features an exquisitely appointed master bedroom that opens out onto a deck with sunbeds and an upholstered ‘bale’ next to a private plunge pool. It is the perfect vantage point to watch schools of dolphins or whales passing by and to take in the vibrant Indonesian sunsets.
Activities
WHALE SWIMS
WHALE SWIMS
We will bring you close to big whales - above and below the water.
Our mission will always be responsible, ethical encounters. When the whales give us the impression that they do not mind our presence in the water we will gently approach their space.
We will aim to see various behaviours such as socializing, singing, courtship and juveniles
Whale watching
Whale watching
You will be out on the water with the whales all day - closer and more intimate than anywhere else in the world. The Humpback whales will allow the boats close and often choose to come even closer to the boats for inspecation. You will hear their blows, smell their breath and feel the awe of their enormous size.
We will be observing the behaviours all day, finding the right time to swim with them. We do this in a respectable way, not interfering in their behaviour, keeping the distance when they begin to form bait balls of herring
Scuba Diving
Scuba Diving
Dive into the stunning reefs with vibrant corals and many pelagic fish all around.
Visit Whale NGO
Visit Whale NGO
You will visit a local NGOs engaged in whale research and conversation. We have been supporting this group for years.
They will give you an overview of their work and you will be able to exchange with the students working in the initiative
Trip leader
Simon Lorenz
Simon is an award winning photographer and PADI scuba instructor. He is the founder of Insider Divers and the main group leader on our trips. Having dived all over the world he often felt unsatisfied by the dive operations, by the background knowledge of the guides and by the inflexibility of the itineraries. This inspired him to create Insider Divers, where groups of fun international divers get the best possible itinerary.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations
- Snorkel and photography coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
Itinerary
INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
- Accommodation based on twin share
- All ocean safaris & scuba diving
- Full board
- Briefings and whale talks
- NGO visit
- Group transfers
- Professional photography
- FREE T-Shirt
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- Flights and Hotel in Kupang (during transfer)
- Rental equipment
- Dinners
- Tips
Reviews
My trip to Timor Leste with Insider Divers was more than I could have asked for both in terms of the wonderful group of people I met and the amazing in-water experiences we had with the whales.
Prior to booking Simon was very upfront about expectations and communicative throughout. Aaron took expert care of us throughout the trip and handled all glitches smoothly and expertly. Loved the photo talks and the photo sharing.
I would highly recommend!!
The Timor Leste Expedition 2025 was a mindboggling beautiful experience. It‘s a dream come true to swim with bluewhales. Thank you Aaron, Simon and Evan and the whole crew for making this possible. Aaron took so much time to organize everything and manage the challenges of a third world country, all the while giving good attitude and great nature talks.
Also really appreciated the NGO visit!!
I had encounters of a life time.
I joined insider divers for their Timor Leste trip. The whole expedition was superbly organised by Aaron and Simon.
The initial booking was made very easy, and payment options favourable. Local conditions are basic so it was great they took care of everyting.
I was very happy with the logistics, and planning. This will only get better with the further trips plan ned.The tour leaders were awesome. Simon and Aaron were the perfect mix of efficiency and relaxed fun.I would have no problem with recommending them for your holiday needs.
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FAQ
How likely will I see the whales underwater?
It is a fair enough question but it is impossible to guarantee sightings with elusive animals like whales. We work diligently to improve our chances by going to the right place at the optimal time to achieve success, as long as ethically possible. We will not push an encounter, if the whales do not give us the feeling they will tolerate us in the water.
The blue whales north migration is June and July, so our dates are ideal. We work with marine observation groups to fine tune our dates every year. Sperm whales are resident so can be encountered if they are within the vicinity of our base.
What experience level do I need?
For scuba diving you should have 50 dives, Advanced Open Water and feel confident in currents.
For snorkeling the requirements are that you can swim and snorkel. This is open sea swimming, so if you are not comfortable swimming you should get some training. Please talk to us for recommendations on how to get ready for this expedition. We recommend that you have familiarized yourself with your equipment.
We do not support swimming with buoyancy aids like vests or boards.
What equipment do I need?
You should bring your own mask and snorkel and dive computer. Preferably you have your own dive gear, but it can be rented. The water will be warm so sun protection is more important than exposure protection (rash guard is usually enough). We recommend simple freediving fins as well as a rubber belt for weights.
When is the best time to visit Alor for whale swims?
The North migration is in June and July which the South migration is from October through December, when blue whales migrate through here. Sperm whale, marine mammals and dolphin superpods are most reliably encountered now as they move through the strait during typically very flat sea conditions.
What marine life can I expect in Alor?
The highlight is in-water or close surface encounters with blue whales and sperm whales, along with dolphin superpods numbering into the hundreds or thousands. Dugongs, pilot whales, false killer whales, and other cetacean species are possible, and the region sees very little other boat traffic.
How do I get to Alor?
From anywhere in Indonesia you usually have to connect in Kupang and spend the night. We will coordinate the hotel as group.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.