What to Pack for Swimming with Blue Whales in Timor and Alor

The Ultimate Gear List for Ocean Expeditions in Indonesia and Timor-Leste

Swimming alongside the largest animal on Earth is one of the most profound marine experiences possible. In the waters between Timor-Leste and Indonesia’s Alor archipelago, blue whales pass through remote channels each year—untouched, raw, and teeming with life. Whether you’re joining a freediving expedition, scouting for blue whales, or diving and spearfishing with local fishermen in Alor, preparation is everything.

This guide covers everything you need to pack for a November ocean expedition in Timor and Alor, with a focus on in-water comfort, respect for local culture, and staying safe in tropical, rugged environments.

Why Timor-Leste and Alor?

Timor-Leste and Alor offer some of the most biodiverse and least crowded ocean experiences in the Indo-Pacific. Between October and December, blue whales migrate through the deep channels separating these islands, offering rare surface encounters in warm tropical seas. Sperm whales are also resident in the region year-round. Alor is also known for world-class diving, with incredible drop-offs, cold upwellings, and vibrant reef life. It’s one of the few places where cultural spearfishing traditions still thrive—and where ocean expeditions feel genuinely untamed.

Weather and Water Conditions in the Migration Season (Oct-Dec)

• Air Temperature: 30–33°C (86–91°F), hot and humid, occasional afternoon showers increasing as you get closer towards December.

• Water Temperature: 28–30°C (82–86°F), with occasional cold currents down to 24–26°C in Alor.

• Conditions: Calm seas with occasional tropical showers; transition between dry and wet season.

You’ll need lightweight, breathable clothes on land, and sun and sting protection in water.

Essential In-Water and On-Boat Gear

• Freediving Mask, Snorkel, and Fins
  Bring your own high-quality low-volume mask, dry snorkel, and long fins (fiberglass or carbon for advanced divers). These are essential for freediving with whales or exploring Alor’s coral walls.

• Rash Guards or Dive Skins (Full-Length)
  Wear a rash guard and swim suit, or full-body lycra suit or rash guard with leggings to protect against sun, stingers, and occasional cold spots. A second set is great for rotation.

• Fishing Hoodie, Shorty or Neoprene Top (Optional)
  A 0.5–2mm top helps during long swims or windy boat rides. Especially recommended for those sensitive to colder water or planning deeper dives, but conditions are warm and a fishing hoodie would work very well

• Weight Belt (Optional)
  For freediving only—bring your own soft weights if you want better underwater control. Neutral bouyancy (surface) is permitted, negative bouyancy is not (in Timor Leste).

• Reef-Safe Sunscreen + Zinc Stick
  Avoid harming marine life with chemical sunscreens. Reef-safe, mineral-based options only. Zinc sticks work great on the face for long hours.

• Quick-Dry Towels (optional)
  Great for staying warm and dry between sessions.

• Dry Bag
  Waterproof 10–15L dry bag for phone, camera, and dry clothes during boat transfers.

• Camera with housing (optional)

Surface Essentials

• Windbreaker, Fishing Hoodie, or Light Boat Jacket – protects against wind chill after swims

• Polarized Sunglasses – better visibility when scanning for whale blows

• Wide-Brim Hat or Cap – essential for tropical sun

• Electrolyte Packets – dehydration creeps up fast in heat and salt

• Reusable Water Bottle – stay hydrated on boats and hikes

• Headlamp or Waterproof Flashlight – some areas have unreliable electricity

Clothing & Landwear

• Lightweight, Long-Sleeve Clothing – for modesty and sun protection in villages

• Sarong or Quick-Dry Pants – respectful wear when visiting inland areas or local communities

• Rain Jacket or Poncho – tropical showers can arrive fast in November

• Reef Booties or Water Shoes – rocky shore entries and wet boat docks are common

• Sandals or Flip Flops – breathable and easy to pack

Safety & Medical Essentials

• Mosquito Repellent (DEET or Picaridin) – especially for inland Timor

• Motion Sickness Tablets – useful on small ferries or windy crossings

• Personal Medications & Basic First Aid – limited access in rural Alor or Timor

• Antihistamines or After-Sting Gel – minor stingers occasionally appear in currents

Tech & Travel Tools

• Power Bank – charging isn’t always reliable

• Plug Adapters – Indonesia uses 220V, Type C/F plugs

• Offline Maps & Google Translate (Tetum & Bahasa) – cellular service is limited in many regions. Portuguese is decently understood in Timor-Leste.

• Notebook & Pen – for wildlife notes, stories, or sketches

7 Pro Packing Tips for Whale Swimming in Timor and Alor

1. Don’t underestimate the sun, even in the water. Wear your rash guard or wetsuit top on the boat. The Banda Sea sun is intense, and boat rides can be long. Keep your core warm between swims, especially when upwellings bring cooler water.

2. Protect your electronics with a dry bag – Salt spray is inevitable. Use a 5–10L dry bag for phones and camera gear. Never open your camera housing while wet.

3. Pack motion sickness meds – Long crossings, strong currents, and small boats can challenge even strong stomachs. Dramamine, Gravol, or Bonine are your best bet.

4. Test your gear before leaving – A leaky mask or loose fin strap can ruin your whale swim. Practice with your equipment in a pool or local ocean swim before flying.

5. Carry key items in your carry-on – Checked baggage delays happen. Pack your mask, rash guard, and any camera gear in your hand luggage just in case. In a pinch you can easily rent fins and a snorkel, but to not have your own mask would be a shame.

6. Respect cultural norms on land – Modest clothing, patience, and a respectful attitude go a long way in both Timor and Alor.

7. Avoid flashy colours or white gear – Bright white fins or suits reflect light and can disrupt photos underwater. Stick to matte blues, blacks, or earthy tones.

FAQs: Packing for Whale and Ocean Expeditions in Timor and Alor

Can I rent gear on-site instead of bringing my own?
Rentals are extremely limited in both Alor and Timor, and quality may be basic. We strongly recommend bringing your own well-fitted mask, snorkel, fins, and rash guard. Your experience will be vastly better in gear you trust.

Do I need a wetsuit or can I get by with just a rash guard?
Most days a rash guard is enough, and adding leggings for sun and jellyfish protection isn’t a bad idea, but having a 1–2mm neoprene top, fishing hoodie, or shorty wetsuit is helpful, especially in Alor where colder currents occasionally roll in.

Is a basic snorkel set okay?
You can use one, but long fins and a streamlined snorkel improve performance and help keep pace with fast-moving blue whales. Freediving fins make a big difference.

Do I need permits to swim with whales in Timor-Leste or Alor?
No tourist permit is required for swimming with whales, but operators have to follow a strict protocol that means max 4 people in the water at a time with a whale and no negative buoyancy. However, responsible operators should follow marine guidelines. If spearfishing or freediving with locals, arrangements should be made with community leaders or fixers in advance.

Quick Tips

• Test all gear before the trip, especially masks and fins

• Carry essential gear (mask, camera, rashguard etc) in your hand luggage—Alor flights sometimes misroute checked bags

• Respect local customs in dress and behavior, especially when visiting villages.

• Stay hydrated, stretch daily, and go slow: this trip is about presence, not pace
  

Final Thoughts

This isn’t a luxury dive resort trip. It’s raw, real, and one of the most extraordinary places left in the world to swim with blue whales and see traditional sustenance spearfishing using old school techniques.

For more info on how to prepare, visit our main Timor and Alor expedition page or reach out with any questions.