WHALE MIGRATION SEASON
WE'VE GOT THE BLUES!
Once a year, between the months of October and November, Timor-Leste is graced by the vast & distinctive presence of migrating Pygmy Blue Whales - a subspecies of the largest animals to ever roam our planet!
Very few other locations in the world offer the chance for such close and numerous encounters with these rare & endangered gentle giants of the ocean. Follow us on one of our tours to see if you could be one of the lucky ones to join the small percentage of humans in the world to have set eyes upon a blue whale.
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We are now accepting inquiries and group bookings for the 2022 season!
WHALE TOUR OPTIONS
We are the only operator in the country offering a variety of tour options aboard different vessels running parallel slots each day. All our vessels are maintained and run to international maritime safety standards and we pride ourselves with the operation of safe and responsible tours alongside a dedicated crew.
CATAMARAN CRUISE
Search for whales in comfort aboard our spacious catamaran Sundance, for a relaxing time on the water. Great for larger groups. 3.5 hour duration.
2 sessions daily - 8am or 3pm. Child friendly
Max capacity: 15pax + 5 extra <15 yrs old.
On-board toilet facility
Includes hearty snacks, water, soft drinks and coffee.
PIWWE SWIM TOUR
For the fit and confident swimmer interested in attempting a Passive In-Water Whale Encounter (PIWWE) experience. Terms & conditions apply. 5.5 hour duration. 1 session daily (7am)
Max capacity: 4pax
Professional in-water guide & snorkel equipment rental included
Includes hearty snacks, water, soft drinks, and coffee.
WHALE SIGHTINGS 2021
Below are records of Compass' ten latest whale sightings encountered by our crew.
FROM 13/SEP
TO 16/NOV
THE TOTAL NUMBER OF PYGMY BLUE WHALES SPOTTED BY OUR TEAM
Our conservative estimations lead us to confirm the sighting of at least 93 Pygmy Blue Whales so far this season. Not to mention pods of Short-finned Pilot and Melon-headed Whales, Spinner, Patropical Spotted, Roughtoothed and Risso's Dolphins.
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We all know, though, it isn't about the sheer number of animals sighted, but instead the magnificent opportunity to be here in Timor-Leste witnessing such a wonderful event. Truly a whale of a time!
7-NOV-21
SUNDAY
8:00am to 7:00pm
10 Pygmy Blue Whales sighted on different whales tours. All traveling west. 4 mother-calf pairs
Boat: Sundance and Sea Eagle, whale tour
Crew spotter: Edna, Cassio, Matias and Kib
6-NOV-21
SATURDAY
8:00am to 7:00pm
9 Pygmy Blue Whales sighted on different whale tours. All traveling west; 3 mother-calf pairs.
Boat: Sundance, whale tour
Crew spotter: Matias, Cassio, Rob and Kib
3-NOV-21
WEDNESDAY
10:30am
3 Pygmy Blue Whales sighted during a crossing from Ataúro to Dili. All traveling west.
Boat: Lancet, crossing from Dili to Ataúro
Crew Spotter: Matias
3-NOV-21
WEDNESDAY
7:45am
2 Pygmy Blue Whales, mother and calf pair, sighted during a crossing between Dili and Ataúro. Traveling west.
Boat: Lancet, crossing from Dili to Ataúro
Crew spotter: Fizzy
2-NOV-21
TUESDAY
8:00am to 7:00pm
6 Pygmy Blue Whales, two mother-calf pairs, sighted during whale tours. Traveling west.
Boat: Sundance and Sea Eagle, whale tours
Crew spotter: Cornelio
1-NOV-21
MONDAY
8:00am to 7:00pm
9 Pygmy Blue Whales; 3 mother-calf pairs. All traveling west close to the shore.
Boat: Sundance and Chae, whale tours and crossing between Ataúro and Dili
Crew spotter: Cornelio, Bernardino and Cassio
31-OCT-21
SUNDAY
8:00am to 7:00pm
WHALE BONANZA! This has been a fairly incredible day, with up to 22 Pygmy Blue Whales sighted during our whale tours. Simply unbelievable to witness such event happening in Timor-Leste.
Boat: Sundance and Sea Eagle, whale tours
Crew spotter: Cornelio, Fizzy, Tony, Edna, Matias
30-OCT-21
SATURDAY
8:00am to 7:00pm
7 Pygmy Blue Whales sighted during our catamaran tours. All traveling west, with a few doing deep (possibly feeding) dives around the region of Hera.
Boat: Sundance and Sea Eagle, whale tours
Crew spotter: Fizzy, Cornelio and Edna
29-OCT-21
FRIDAY
4:00pm
3 Pygmy Blue Whales: one mother and calf pair. Traveling west, close to shore.
Boat: Sundance, whale tour
Crew spotter: Cassio
Some Fun Facts!
TIMOR-LESTE CETACEANS
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MARINE MAMMAL HAVEN
The coastal waters of Timor-Leste is recognized as a ‘global cetacean hotspot’, with scientific surveys identifying that at least 1/3rd of all known species of whales and dolphins in the world, can be found in these waters. Some of these species are migratory, whilst the rest can be spotted year round.
You will have plenty opportunities to encounter these beautiful animals on one of our dedicated, seasonal whale tours, or during our boat rides between Dili and Atauro.