If you like the following, this trip might be for you:
Whale Migration
Our main goal is to get in the water with the biggest animal on earth, the blue whale. There is also chances to see humpbacks, sperm whales, beaked whales and Orcas.
Small group travel
On this tour we will have a small group of 7 ocean lovers to offer the best experience in the water.
Eco Resort
Our home for 10 days is not a luxury 5 star resort, more an eco hide-away. Simple but beautiful.
Freediving & Snorkeling
This itinerary is made for Snorkeling and Freediving in the blue waters of Wetar Strait.
Scuba Diving
On 7 days we're planning to do 2 scuba dives, either morning or afternoon around the beautiful reefs of Atauro Island.
Team Spirit
A relaxed atmosphere, pristine dive conditions and light hearted conversations form the pillars of our ocean adventures.
Coral Triangle
We expect to find a beautiful and healthy marine life, coral gardens & critters as well as bigger stuff in the reefs.
Conservation
Respect for wildlife and for each other is a matter of course for us. Animals are never being chased or forced into interactions.
Unknown territory
Let's explore a new destination like Timor-Leste where not too many people had the chance to dive and travel there.
This trip is open for everybody
Viewpoints from cultures all over the globe inspire us, that’s why we love bringing people from different backgrounds together. The more diverse, the better we feel.
Expedition Character
Please note that this trip has a true "expedition character" and the resort is simple and basic. You will be at the end of the world (from our perspective) where everything works on "island time". Activities are weather dependent and can be changed through group decisions or by the authorties.
Swimming with whales
"The first time in the water with a big whale is still something I like to remember. What an impressive feeling, hardly to describe. The moment you see this huge beautiful animal you realize how small und unrelevant you are yourself. I clearly hope to swim with a blue whale one day that's why I want to go to Timor and try my luck"
Marcel - Behind the Mask
Meet your BTM Trip leader

Marcel Wilpernig
Travel Butler
Atauro Island, Timor-Leste Whale-Expedition II
Nov 9 - 19, 2022
Trip price:
- per person (see details below for what is included in this price)
Included:
- Transfer from/to Dili Airport (Timor-Leste) with speedboat and land transfers
- 10 nights Atauro Dive Resort
- Garden View rooms with shared facilities (private showers/shared toilets)
- Full board
- 7 days private boat charter for the group for diving & whale watching full day
- 2 tanks per charter day (up to 14 dives in total) with guide, weights, tanks
- Tour guide from Behind the Mask
Not included:
- Flights from Bali Denpasar to Dili and back with Sriwijaya Air ~ 600 € per person
- Flights from/to Bali Denpasar depending on your origin (from/to Europe starting from ~ 750 € per person)
- surcharge Superior Bungalow (private shower, shared toilets) € 100 per person / 10 nights
- stopover night in Bali
- single-occupancy on request (due to limited Bungalows)
Important: min. 6 bookings to confirm this group. We highly recommend DiveAssure insurance which also covers force majeure and single missed days of diving due to sickness. Feel free to ask us about it. Further extensions in Bali or around Indonesia are always possible we’re happy to assist!
Our terms & conditions apply!
November 9 – 19, 2022
You will have to be in Bali at least one night before the departure to Dili. There is a daily nonstop flight to Dili, Timor-Leste we will take on Oct 31st. From there we will get picked-up by the Resort and spend 10 nights on this remote island.
Our main focus on this trip will be snorkeling, freediving or diving with whales if we’re lucky enough to find them. The strait between Timor-Leste and Ataúro Island is a migration route for many whales such as humpback whales, blue whales, sperm whales, beaked whales and also Orcas. Please be aware that there is never a guarantee for that but the chances are good between October and December to find them.
We will be a small group of max. 8 people with a private boat charter for 7 days. 2 tanks of diving included in the morning and the whole afternoon our boat brings us out to the open ocean to look for whale interaction.

Blue whales, Humpbacks, Pilots & Sperm whales
The Wetar Strait between Timor‐Leste and Ataúro Island has only recently been found by scientists to be a migration route for a vast variety of whales journeying between the Antarctic and the warmer waters in Indonesia.. These migratory populations are heading for waters in and around the Banda Sea (Indonesia) to mate and bear their young before heading back to Antarctica and their feeding grounds.
It’s possible, when conditions are right, to see humpbacks, blue whales, sperm whales, beaked whales and also, possibly orcas. We all know there’s never a guarantee with Mother Nature …. but, recent history shows that between October and December the chances are excellent. (The sperm whales, other smaller whale species and most of the dolphins seem to be resident pods, which means you may see them at most any time of the year. Scientific studies are still in their infancy and more is being learned with each passing year.)
You can also add to your “wish list” at Timor multiple sightings of spectacular pods of dolphins and small whales, Including Fraser’s, dolphins, bottle-nose, spinner& spotted dolphins … melon-headed, pygmy killer and pilot whales You might also catch sight of a resident dugong.