East Timor comprises the eastern half of the island of Timor, the coastal exclave of Oecusse in the northwest of the island, and the outer islands of Atauro and Jaco. Dili is the country's capital and largest city. East Timor is the only sovereign country in Asia where Portuguese is an official language.

Almost half of the country has a slope of at least 40%. This makes the country very vulnerable to flooding and landslides caused by heavy rains. The highest point is Tatamailau (also known as Mount Ramelau) at 2,963 meters.

Together with the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Australia, the country is part of the Coral Triangle with the highest biodiversity of all the world's coral reefs.

The highest number of species recorded from a single site in East Timor was 642 different fish species. Ataúro ranks second among the world's most investigated sites after Indonesia's Raja Ampat. The country is not yet associated with diving and diving trips as it has just started to get tourism going. East Timor thus has enormous potential but infrastructure, mainly electricity and water, would need a little push in the right direction.

How much does a diving trip to East Timor cost?

A diving trip to East Timor can vary a lot in price and it is difficult to give a general answer about how much it costs. A diving trip to East Timor costs from about 40 – 50 000 SEK / person and upwards for flights, transfers, accommodation and diving. More information is needed about what you want it to include, how long you want to be away, the structure of the trip, etc. There are many variables and you can find them here on our website. The best thing you can do is contact us for a free proposal and we will put together a proposal for you.

When is the best time to go to East Timor?

The best time to dive in East Timor is generally from May to November, which corresponds to the dry season. Visibility is usually best then, the sea is calmer and you can experience the coral reefs and marine life better. The period from September to November/December is ideal for seeing migrating blue whales and sperm whales, as well as other whales and dolphins.

o Dry season, May – November
o Rainy season, December – April/May

What can I see when I dive in East Timor?

The waters of East Timor are teeming with marine life, including various species of coral. There are over 1,200 species of fish, of which at least 640 species have been documented around the small island of Ataúro. Common animals to see include whale sharks, manta rays and dugongs, along with many whales and dolphins. You can encounter large schools of fish such as Big Eye Trevally and Dog Tooth Tuna, as well as Napoleon Wrasse and various species of rays. Mola mola are occasionally seen and here several species of sharks, especially reef sharks, are very common. The rich ecosystem is filled with various invertebrates, from crabs, and shrimp to sea cucumbers, starfish and various mollusks such as octopuses and colorful nudibranchs or nudibranchs.

Animals and nature

East Timor and the island of Ataúro have an incredibly rich marine biodiversity. The country is located within the Coral Triangle and is home to many whale and dolphin species, several sea turtles and a variety of fish. The area around Ataúro in particular has exceptional biodiversity. There are mangrove forests and many unique birds. Ataúro is a global hotspot for whale and dolphin migration and marine ecotourism, with pristine beaches, clear waters and a community committed to the conservation of animals and nature. 

Where is the best diving in East Timor?

The best diving in East Timor is generally considered to be around Ataúro Island. Here you will find clear waters and incredible marine diversity. Here in the Coral Triangle there are more species than anywhere else on earth. Some places near the capital Dili also have good diving with pristine walls, coral reefs full of life and here you also have the chance to see whale sharks and larger pelagic species, sharks, mola mola or lumpfish, whales and swordfish and more. The advantage of diving in East Timor is fewer crowds than other popular diving destinations.

Is there liveaboarding in East Timor?

No, there are no liveaboards currently operating in East Timor. For those of you who want to go on a liveaboard in another destination or are considering alternatives for diving in East Timor, please contact us with your wishes and concerns on tel: 0301-22100 – Departures

Great species richness

The island of Ataúro in East Timor is known to be one of the most biologically and species-rich in the world. A survey conducted shows that there are on average over 250 species of fish per dive site. This is the highest average number of fish species ever recorded. The island's waters are rich with a variety of fish and corals and the deep waters here mean that migrating whales are common at certain times of the year. Various cartilaginous fish are common and there is an abundance of invertebrates.

For those of you who don't dive

If you're not diving in East Timor or Ataúro Island, you can still enjoy hiking and walking.andaActivities. Swim, snorkel, relax on the beach or explore local villages and markets. Experience the island's natural beauty and hilly terrain with several viewpoints. You can hike along the coastal paths and visit the Saturday market in Beloi.