expedition
Timor-Leste: Blue Whale Highway

Follow the pygmy blue whale migration in Timor, where they pass from their calving grounds in the Banda Sea to their main feeding grounds off western and southern Australia.

2026 EXPEDITION DATES

October 25 - November 1 (8 spots remaining)

Apply for 2026 Sessions

Blue Whales

Each year, as pygmy blue whales migrate between their calving grounds in the Banda Sea and their primary feeding areas off western and southern Australia, the waters of Timor-Leste become a quiet migratory corridor for the largest animals ever to live. Deep offshore canyons rise sharply toward the coast, creating rare conditions where blue whales pass close to shore in warm tropical seas.

Moving slowly and deliberately, pygmy blue whales travel alone or in loose associations, their immense bodies surfacing with long, lingering blows. Sperm whales share these same deep waters, diving for squid along the trench edges. Rather than a feeding frenzy, this is a moment defined by scale and stillness, a fleeting window into an ancient migration that spans entire oceans.

Join us in the tropical waters of Timor-Leste to witness one of the ocean’s most elusive great-whale movements, the migration of pygmy blue whales between their calving grounds in the Banda Sea and their primary feeding areas off western and southern Australia. This quiet passage brings the largest animals ever to live remarkably close to shore, moving through deep-water corridors framed by rugged coastlines and one of the world’s youngest nations.

This land-based expedition includes approximately 6 hours on the water per day over five consecutive days. Water temperatures hover around 27–29 degrees Celsius, creating comfortable conditions for long hours at sea and in the water. When blue whales appear here, the scale is humbling, the encounters unforced, and the experience unforgettable. We work with our captains to set pass-by drops.

BASICS

Guests: Maximum 8 participants per session, plus staff.

Duration: 8 days, 7 nights.

Location: Dili, Timor-Leste

Activities: 5 days of snorkeling with blue whales plus 1 land excursion to Atauro Island.

Experience Level: Perfect for all experience levels but requires good physical fitness— snorkelers looking to get their feet wet, free divers, and photographers. No scuba qualification is required. All participants should feel comfortable swimming at least 100 meters unaided in open water.

Admission: By invitation or application only. Apply to join here.

ITINERARY

Arrival in Dili – October 25

Participants arrive independently in Dili on October 25. There are straightforward flight connections via Bali, KL and Darwin. This evening, we gather for a trip orientation, and a full gear check to make sure everyone is dialed in before heading offshore.

Dili-based whale days – October 26–30

From October 26 through October 30, the group will head out for five consecutive mornings on the water. Each day consists of approximately six hours at sea, typically from 7:00 am to 1:00 pm, focused on searching for blue whales and sperm whales in Timor’s deep offshore waters.

Afternoons are reserved for on-land exploration in and around Dili. These outings are designed to provide context beyond the ocean, offering insight into the country’s history, culture, and the complex legacy of conflict and independence that has shaped one of the world’s youngest nations.

Atauro Island excursion – October 31

On October 31, we travel by private speedboat to Atauro Island for a full-day excursion. The day includes snorkeling, time on quiet beaches, and optional scuba diving for certified divers. Scuba diving is available at an additional cost and can be arranged in advance.

Departure – November 1

Guests may schedule flights out of Timor-Leste at any time today.

  • Pier Nirandara

    Pier Nirandara is an award-winning author, travel writer, film producer, and underwater photographer. A PADI AmbassaDiver™ and TEDx speaker, she founded Hollywood Sharks, the first diving club in the industry. An advocate for solo female travel, Pier has visited over 100 countries across 7 continents. Her work is featured in BBC, AFAR, Lonely Planet, Oceanographic Magazine, Adventure.com, and more.

  • Matt Reichel

    Matt, from Vancouver, Canada, is a nature enthusiast, geopolitics nerd, and documentary photographer. A Brown University graduate in International Relations, he leads oceanic programs and geopolitical trips, documenting wildlife and humanity since 2017. His work has been featured in National Geographic, The New York Times, The Washington Post, BBC, Al Jazeea, VICE, Reuters and more.

Tuition: $4,490 (USD)

Due at the time of booking: $2,000 deposit.
Balances are due 4 months before departure.
See Terms and Conditions for more info.

INCLUDED

  • 7 nights accommodation (shared, single supplement upgrades available on a first-come first-serve basis).

  • Self-serve breakfasts.

  • Professional whale guide and trip leader.

  • 5 days on-water in a covered dive boat.

  • Day trip to Atauro Island

  • Full boat crew.

  • Airport transport on the trip start/end date

  • Dive weights

EXCLUDED

  • Flights.

  • Gear rentals.

  • Lunches and dinners.

  • Personal spending.

  • Gratuities for the local team (optional).

  • Travel and medical insurance.

Apply for 2026 Sessions