Swim with Blue whales- East Timor
Swim with the blue whales of East Timor
The blue whales of the Banda Sea make one of the shortest migrations of any population on earth — an eight-week window as they move southwest toward the Southern Ocean. We've spent years timing our expeditions to the historical peak of this movement, which falls across the four weeks of November.
This is when you want to be in the water.
Timor-Leste sits directly in their path. We've been running these expeditions since 2019 and work with the original team who discovered this opportunity. Groups are kept to to a few people in the water at a time, no SCUBA required.
Sperm whales, pilot whales, and false killer whales are regularly encountered alongside the blues.
Five days on the ocean. The largest animal that has ever lived on this planet.
Why choose us for your Blue Whale Experience?
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We've been running blue whale expeditions in Timor since 2019. It was only in 2016 that our local team first approached these whales in the water. We've been here from the beginning.
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Two years ago we split our in-water groups to 3-4 people because the encounters were better — for the whales and for our clients. That decision is now written into Timor's operating regulations for 2026. We didn't follow the rules. We helped write them.
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Timor's sperm whales are far less habituated than other populations. Getting close requires patience and the ability to read subtle behavioural cues in real time — when to move, when to stay still, when to let the whale decide. Our guides have spent years developing that skill. The encounters you get here are earned, not guaranteed.
2026 Expedition dates
Session 1 - November 1 - 7 (Sold Out)
Session 2 - November 8 - 14 (Sold Out)
Session 3 - November 15 - 21 (3 spots left)
Session 4 - November 22 - 28 (2 spots left)
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-5 days on the ocean looking for blue whales and other marine life, with a high chance of seeing sperm whales too!
-Airport transfers on expedition dates
-6 nights accommodation on land (breakfast included), twin share
-Lunches each day on the water
-Digital access to photos taken by us on the trip for you to keep
-Photography Tuition
-Experienced Local Guide and captain
-Non-alcoholic drinks on board
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-Airfares
-Gratuities
-Additional expenses (alcoholic drinks, gifts, personal expenses)
-Travel Insurance (Required)
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-Day 1. Arrive in Dili and transfer to accommodation
-Day 2-6, 5 days on the water looking for blue whales and other marine life
-Day 7. Transfer back to airport for flights home
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- Rash vest, or thermal top although water is around 28-30 C
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Rain Jacket (water proof/windproof shell)
- Camera!
Expedition Guide 2026
Aimee Jann - bio here
Reviews
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Timor Leste 2025
We had a great time in Timor Leste and amazing encounters with the Blue Whales. Aimee as our Guide was fantastic und the whole crew from Aquatica Dive perfect. We will never forget the moments when jumping in the water and suddenly seeing these giants passing by. Thanks for everything. By Melanie I on Nov 19, 2025
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Timor Leste, 2024
Fantastic week, the most ethical encounters - with Caine as a wonderful guide. By Madeline S on Nov 29, 2024
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Timor Leste, 2024
Everything was awesome! Aimee is an absolute joy - so professional and kind. Caine was so easy to work with and aquatica is a first rate operator! Swimming w the blue whales a life changing experience!!! Can’t wait to come back :) By Lady F on Nov 29, 2024
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Timor Leste, 2023
This trip, swimming with Blue Whales, was an extraordinary experience. I was privileged to have done the Dominican Sperm Whale trip with Just the Wild and Aimee earlier in 2023. The trip was very well planned and executed, the captain, skilled and professional, and our guide Aimee showed excellent and compassionate leadership along with infectious joy and excitement. Traveling to Timor-Leste from the east coast of the US is no small trip. Trust was a significant issue in my decision to undertake such a journey. Trust that the trip would be safe, well planned, and staffed by the best. I would not have made the journey without that trust, trust gained through my prior experience with Just the Wild and Aimee. Travel and pickup at the Timor-Leste airport went smoothly, and accommodations, while basic, were clean and cool, with a working AC, and kind and attentive staff. Caine had made certain we had the best captain on the island, (thank you, Des) who had contacts on land and water keeping an eye out for whales. Des also used drones to help find and track whales. Our boat had almost full shade, was in very good condition, and had a smooth running engine that received regular service. Weather was perfect and whales were plentiful and friendly (prior success—no guarantee of future performance). We saw 8 species(!) over the week, including Blue, Sperm, Cuvier’s Beaked, Pilot, Spinner Dolphins, Mellon-Headed, Frasier’s, and one other the name of which I’m blanking on as I write this. I really can’t say enough about my experience on this trip without sounding hyperbolic, but it was exceptional. My swimming mates were brilliant, supportive, and lovely, and we still keep in touch. Aimee is the best in the biz: skilled, experienced, fun, and joyful. Our captain, Des, was the best and a lot of fun This was a life affirming experience. Just go.By Matthew G on Dec 14, 2023
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Timor leste, 2023
Fabulous! This was an incredible trip, well organised but mostly with amazing people. Aimee as a guide is incredible and as a person even more incredible. Desmond is the best whale watching skipper I have seen. And the people like me on this trip were amazing, which shows that it is an amazing community in Just the Wild. By Vasco D on Nov 28, 2023
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Timor Leste, 2023
Caine is such a phenomenal person, and amazing photographer. Choosing to go on one of his trips was a no brainer for me. Ironically, he wasn’t even guiding, and I was introduced the what must be the kindest and most amazing person, Ocean Aimee, one of his guides. Not only did she do a fantastic job organizing the trip, keeping us supported, but she also is an award winning photographer! How amazing is that to have. Couple all this with a completely unique, one of a kind experience in the little known country of Timor-leste and phenomenal blue whales and that alone would have been 11/10 on the trip. To add even more to all that, I was blessed with the best group one could hope for, an amazing on site guide captaining, and we saw 8 different cetaceans in 7 days! While 7 days might sound like a lot, trust me, everyday was full and left me wanting more drops. Blue whales. Sperm whales. Melon headed. The list goes on. What an adventure. What an experience! *important to note we had an amazing experience and saw a lot of things incredibly, and we all were of the same idea and understanding that the ocean doesn’t owe us anything and no interaction is promised. I think living in this perspective will help make sure you have the best time! By Zac S on Nov 28, 2023
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PAYMENT POLICY
A deposit of $1500 is require to reserve your booking
The balance is due 180 days prior to departure.
No surcharge fees for credit card payments
CANCELLATION POLICY
All cancellations made more than 150 days prior to departure will receive a refund (less an administrative fee of $500 USD per person). This fee is non-refundable and non-transferable.
Cancellations made <150 calendar days prior to departure will not be refunded. It is advised and recommended that you get travel insurance.
We are not responsible for cancellations due to medical or other reasons.
No fees will be refunded if you withdraw after an expedition begins.
We are not responsible for any fees associated with non-refundable air travel.
Buy Travel Insurance.