Just the Wild
- Email address verified
49 reviews
Nov 2 - 16, 2025
Group size: 1 - 16
Swim with Blue Whales - Timor Leste, November 2025
East Timor
Just the Wild
- Email address verified
49 reviews
Nov 2 - 16, 2025
Group size: 1 - 16
About this trip
Have you ever wanted to experience the awe of being present with the biggest animal that ever lived?
This is a unique opportunity to do just that.
Each year populations of blue whales travel south from the warm water of Indonesia to the southern ocean where they spend most of their year.
Join us for 5 days of swimming with these amazing giants of the sea. No SCUBA certification needed.
What’s included
- 5 days on the waterWe go out each day from about 730 am- 4pm
- 6 nights accommodationAccommodation is twin share rooms
- MealsBreakfast at hotel, and lunch on board
- Airport transfersTransfers to and from airport (on expedition dates only)
- Digital photosAn online drive is shared for you to access photos taken by our guides
What’s not included
- AirfareInternational flights
- Travel InsuranceWe cant stress it enough, please get this
- GratuitiesFor the crew
Available Packages
Session 1 - November 2 - 8
Deposit: $1,500
6 left
$4,850
Deposit: $1,500
Session 2 - November 9 - 15
Deposit: $1,500
Sold Out
$4,850
Deposit: $1,500
Available Add-Ons
Single Supplement - Session 1
$650
Only 3 left
Book a single room for your session if you're a solo traveler and don't wish to share. These are limited.
Single Supplement - Session 2
$650
Only 1 left
Book a single room for your session if you're a solo traveler and don't wish to share. These are limited.
Your Organizer
Reviews
NM
Fantastic experience with an emphasis on respectful interactions with the whales. Everybody was great from Caine (who took the time to answer all of my questions and needs), to the owners of the Botazzi company (who made us feel at home and like we were part of the family), to the government guide Hector (who went out of his way to take us on land excursions every night), to the boat captain and safety diver. It was clear that everyone on this trip loves these whales and are proud of their home. The boat was comfortable and spacious and we had plenty of water and snacks. This trip was well thought out and planned through and through. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who has a love for whales, wildlife, and photography.
By Ngoc Minh L for Swim with Southern Right Whales- Argentina 2025 on Jul 17, 2025
It was WONDERFUL! Everything about it - lodging, food, staff, transportation, boat trips, boat captain & crew, trip guide (divine!) sperm whales (oh my!). I wouldn't change a thing. I highly recommend this trip.
By Linda S for Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica March 2025 on Apr 23, 2025
This really was the adventure of a lifetime. Everything was incredibly well planned and executed. Pernell, the whale finder, was dedicated and so adept at locating the whales. He was a master, truly. He found whales 4 out of the 5 days we were on the water.
He kept us at a safe distance from the whales and then when we got in the water Aimee took over and really stole the show. She positioned us for maximum visibility and it was worth it. We were front row to these magnificent animals as they cruised by. We saw them and they saw us !
Its difficult to put into words how awe inspiring it is to be in the water with these whales as they get closer and you can appreciate their size and grace.
My kids and wife all agreed that this was one of the greatest experiences ever !
By John W for Swim with Sperm Whales, Dominica March 2025 on Apr 21, 2025
Sailing the Tuamotus was less a trip and more a dance with nature's rhythms. If there's a masterclass on embracing the unexpected, then this is it! While an itinerary existed, days unfolded by the whims of the weather, tides, or wildlife. Speaking of wildlife, wow, Tiger Sharks, Great Hammerheads, Bottlenose Dolphins, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, Barracuda, more Blacktip Reef Sharks than I could count, and more!
What elevated this experience from "Great" to "Outstanding" was the crew and communities we got to interact with. To the Captain, who sailed with an infectious smile and kept us safe. To the Chef, who kept us well-fed and continually surprised. And to the Guides, whose passions and knowledge seemed as vast as the ocean itself. All of them allowed us to absorb the raw beauty of a lesser-known French Polynesia. This is the type of adventure that wonderfully lingers long after the salt has been washed from your skin – a testament to the magic of true exploration.
By Erich W for Explorer series - Sailing the Tuamotus, French Polyniesa on Mar 28, 2025
Wonderful adventure sailing on a catamaran in French Polynesia. We had an outline of the itinerary and made adjustments depending on weather and snorkeling and diving conditions. We saw 7 different types of sharks and other marine life in pristine waters away from crowds. The boat crew were fantastic, taking wonderful care of us and ensuring our safety. Our two guides were patient, flexible and as excited as the guests to see the abundant life underwater (and dogs on land). Recommend for people who are looking for adventure, open to experiencing the ocean on its terms, and don't require predictability.
By Michelle P for Explorer series - Sailing the Tuamotus, French Polyniesa on Mar 23, 2025
References
I traveled twice this past year with Just the Wild - last January to Dominica to see the sperm whales and this past November to see the big blues in Timor-leste - and it may sound like hyperbole but it was nothing short of life changing!
As a child I was torn between my two loves: art and science, specifically marine biology. I chose art in the end and fast forward 30 years to a somewhat disenchanted life as a Creative Director in advertising looking for a change. I stumbled across Just the Wild and after a few years of following Caine's IG and emails, finally decided it was now or never.
I'm so so so glad I did! It wasn't just the whales - which we're breathtaking, beautiful, mind-blowing and just so, so, so cool - it's the people you meet. The other guests, the boat captain and first mate, the hotel owners and staff, the dive shop instructors - everyone is just amazing. Travel gives you such an amazing perspective of the world and I can't recommend it enough. Caine has taken care to find the nicest and most knowledgable folks to work with and support. Up till last January I had been snorkeling exactly twice, both times in the shallows. But I'd always dreamed of seeing my favorites: the cetaceans. Between the other guests (special thanks to Wayne and Ellyn) and Caine, I quickly acclimated to open water snorkeling and now I can't wait to get back in the water! And speaking of the dude himself, as a wannabe marine biologist, to have a guide that's not only knowledgable but as excited about the animals we're interacting with is infectious.
I have a new found desire to pursue a live that supports swimming in the ocean as much as possible - from getting my scuba certification to exploring the world of underwater photography. And, of course, booking a trip to see the humpbacks in French Polynesia with Just the Wild ASAP!
By Liesje K on 14 Dec, 2024