Timor Leste
Remote whale-swim destination with blue whales, sperm whales, and other marine mammals
As one of the newest countries on Earth (founded 2003), Timor-Leste attracts less than 100,000 visitors a year. The reason for Timor-Leste’s marine riches lies in the Ombai-Wetar Strait boasts the largest movement of water on the planet and attract life in abundance and 24 species of dolphins and whales.
Blue whale migrate predicatably through the narrowing channel in front of Dili migration making them easy to locate and observe. Sperm whale are semi-resident in these water ways and hunt here regularly allowing for human in-watwer observation.
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.
Overview
Animals
Accommodation
Palm Springs - Timor
We will be staying at the Palm Spring Hotel in Dili. This newly opened hotel offers an the top comfort experience in Timor Leste. Located short distance from the ocean this hotel offers amenities such as air-conditioned rooms, fitness center and rooftop pool and restaurant where you can enjoy the views of Cristo Rei and Atauro Island.
Palm Springs - Timor
Twin Room
Deluxe room with twin beds, sitting area, balcony and deluxe ensuite bathroom
Double Room
Deluxe room with a king bed, sitting area, balcony and deluxe ensuite bathroom
Single Room
Deluxe room with a king bed, sitting area, balcony and deluxe ensuite bathroom
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
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
Presentations
Presentations
Your Insider will host various wildlife talks about whale swimming, whale biology, blue and sperm whales as well as photo sharing presentations.
Trip leader
Aaron Gekoski
Aaron Gekoski is an award-winning environmental photojournalist, film-maker and TV presenter, specialising in human-animal conflict. He fronts environmental film series and is founder of Raise the Red Flag, a global campaign to end cruelty in the Wildlife Tourism industry. Aaron's articles and images regularly appear in the international press and have won numerous awards, including the coveted Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.
REsponsibilities
- Briefings
- All organisation and logistics
- Wildlife presentations
- Snorkel and photography coaching
- Taking and sharing professional underwater photography
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
- Accommodation based on double share
- All ocean safaris
- Weights and weight belts (own belt recommended)
- Briefings and whale talks
- NGO visits
- Breakfasts and lunch on the boat
- Group transfers
- Professional photography
- FREE T-Shirt
- Access to Insider Divers Portal
- Flights
- 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.
videos
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 migration is October to December, 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?
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. 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 Timor-Leste for whale swims?
The main cetacean season in the Ombai-Wetar Strait runs roughly 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 Timor-Leste?
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 Dili?
Fly into Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL) in Dili. Common connections are via Bali (DPS), Singapore (SIN), or Darwin (DRW). Insider Divers will share transfer and accommodation recommendations once you book.
We’re here to help — reach out with any question you may have.