Why Visit Atauro Island?
Enticingly close to Dili, Atauro Island’s siren song can be heard when the capital seems just too steamy, dirty and loud. Located directly north of Dili, just 30km across the Wetar Strait, this 140 sq km island stretches about 25km north to south and is home to around 8,000 people who mostly live in two villages on the island’s eastern side.
Reachable by ferry or water taxi, Atauro offers a handful of small and delightful places to stay where you can relax while working up the energy for amazing diving, snorkelling, remote trekking, or simply reading. If you like a place where the water is so clear you can see the fish as you arrive, where you can stay in a simple thatched beachside hut with your day entirely your own — you’ll love Atauro Island, where days can easily turn into weeks.
When to Go
Like Dili, the best weather on Atauro Island is during the dry season from May to November. During this period you can enjoy:
- Swimming and snorkelling in calm, clear water
- Trekking the island’s trails
- The tail end of the annual whale migration (late dry season)
As there is really only one road on the island, road closures from rain are not a concern. Be sure to book accommodation in advance — Atauro has become a popular weekend escape for Dili residents and availability is limited.
Diving & Snorkelling
Check with Dili dive shops for regular trips out to Atauro Island. There are dive sites all around the island, with the most popular concentrated along the west coast.
Principal dive sites:
| Site | Location |
|---|---|
| Rob’s Spot | North of the west coast |
| Watertank | Near Atekru |
| Barry’s Barstool | Off Beloi |
| Big Fish Rock | Southern west coast |
| Shark Point | Southern west coast |
| Manta Cove | Towards the southeast point |
Beyond the reef, dolphins and pilot whales may be encountered between the island and Dili. Dugongs are regularly spotted around the island, and humpback whales make an appearance for a couple of months each year.
Getting to Atauro
All services are weather dependent and advance booking is essential. Operators run extra trips when demand warrants it.
Beloi Beach Hotel Boat
Modern motor-launches providing transport across the Wetar Strait for hotel guests and other travellers on a demand basis.
Departure: Dili waterfront, just east of Palácio do Governo
Return: Near the Beloi pier, Ataúro
Charters: Available on request
Owner/Manager: Neyl Moniz Da Silva
Tel: (+670) 7558 3421 / 7729 2222
Website: www.beloibeachhoteltimorleste.com
Location: Beloi beachfront
Compass Charters Water Taxi
Regular water taxi service (approximately 90 minutes) using motor launches. Charter services available.
Departure: Dili waterfront, just east of Palácio do Governo — 7:30am daily
Return: Beloi Beach (Barry’s Place), Ataúro — 9:30am Mon–Fri, 3:00pm Sat–Sun
Owner/Manager: Robert and Tony Crean
Tel: (+670) 7723 0964 / 7723 0965
Website: www.compassadventuretours.com
Dragon Star Fast Boats
Fast boat service taking approximately 1 hour. Extra charter services available.
Departure: Dili Port — 8:00am Saturday and Sunday
Return: Beloi Beach (near Beloi Pier), Ataúro — 3:00pm
Owner/Manager: Dragon Star Shipping Ida
Tel: (+670) 7302 2266 / 7302 2288
Laju Laju Ferry
Vehicle and passenger ferry service. Thursday only.
Departure: Dili Port — 8:00am
Return: Beloi Pier, Ataúro — 3:00pm
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
Owner/Manager: Dragon Star Shipping Ida
Tel: (+670) 7302 2266 / 7302 2288
Nakroma Ferry
Saturday-only government ferry service. Crossing takes approximately 3 hours.
Departure: Dili Port — 9:00am (ticket must be booked the day prior from the wharf office)
Return: Beloi Pier, Ataúro — 3:00pm (tickets purchased on island day of travel, available from 1:30pm)
Owner/Manager: Timor-Leste Government
Tel: (+670) 7723 0965
Timor Holidays (M.V. Ataúro)
Motor-cruiser service taking 2.5–3 hours. Charters available.
Departure: Dili waterfront, just east of Palácio do Governo — 7:30am (Friday or Saturday)
Return: Beloi Beach (Barry’s Place), Ataúro — 6:30am (Monday)
Owner/Manager: Kevin Austin
Tel: (+670) 7738 0000 / 7733 6612
MAF Charter Plane
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) light planes available for charter flights between Dili airport and Ataúro airstrip (located midway between Beloi and Vila). Flight time is 15–20 minutes.
Note: MAF planes may be temporarily unavailable due to medical evacuation commitments.
Owner/Manager: Jonathan Lowe
Tel: (+670) 7732 7771 (English) / 7735 0483 (Tetun)
Website: www.maf-easttimor.org
Local Boats
More adventurous or budget-conscious travellers can arrange outrigger or other boat transport directly with local owners and crew. Local boats usually depart very early when the Wetar Strait is calmer.
Safety note: These boats typically carry no radios, lifejackets, or other safety equipment, and passengers are exposed to the elements. The Wetar Strait can become extremely rough.