2nd Nov - 8th Nov 2025
Just
8
Spots Left
Join us on this 7-day voyage to the untouched waters of East Timor, guided by celebrated underwater photographer. Limited to just 7 guests, this exclusive expedition invites you to swim alongside blue whales in their pristine Timor Sea sanctuary. Marvel at these colossal wonders of the ocean, their sheer enormity leaving you completely frozen. Your days will brim with ocean discovery, navigating East Timor’s remote coastlines by boat, diving into rare encounters with blue whales, and bonding with fellow adventurers over meals and stories. We will provide hands-on underwater photography coaching, equipping you to immortalize the whales’ grandeur while deepening your connection to their aquatic world. On land, bask in East Timor’s raw beauty, from its rugged shores to its rich cultural tapestry. This unique fusion of exploration, artistry, and intimate luxury promises a life-changing journey that will echo in your soul and portfolio long after you surface.
Caine Delacy, a masterful underwater photographer and marine biologist with a PhD, has been captivated by the oceans since childhood—a lifelong passion that drives his every endeavor. With a career dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of the sea, Caine’s journey naturally led him to photography, a powerful tool for documenting the state of the world’s waters and their inhabitants. His stunning imagery, born from this deep-rooted curiosity, has been featured in prestigious magazines across Australia, the UK, South Africa, and the US, including standout assignments for The New York Times. Through his lens, Caine reveals the untamed beauty of marine life, while spotlighting the fragility of these vital ecosystems. Leading expeditions like this one to East Timor, he shares the ocean’s wonders with a select few, offering hands-on underwater photography coaching and a wealth of scientific insight to deepen your appreciation for the sea. Whether you’re a seasoned shooter or a beginner, Caine’s mentorship ignites creativity and connection.
Welcome to the Coral Triangle
Get to know East Timor and your team
Arrive in Dili. There will be transport ready to pick you up from the airport and take you to our Resort. There will be a brief orientation in the evening to prepare for the following days. After you have settled in we will have dinner together and share stories of the ocean.
This is a great opportunity to meet the team and tell stories of the days ahead.
The giant's of the ocean
Typically breakfast will be served in the resort before our boat departure. We’ll spend a full-day at sea, and have a packed lunch on the boat. We have an experienced local captain and crew to assist in finding the Blue Whales.
We’ll enjoy dinners at the hotel, or in town.
You will have free time in the late afternoon each day.
Sadly it's time to say goodbye
Leaving the island
After breakfast we'll depart from Dilli. Transportation will be provided from the accommodation to the airport.
“The ocean’s been my passion since day one—photography lets me dive deeper, sharing the untold stories of its inhabitants and the world they thrive in.”
Optional Extras:
Anyone that wants to spend time with Blue Whales! You do need to be able to swim confidently and be comfortable with snorkelling. We will be out in open water, swimming 100 metres to and from the whales each day.
No! This trip is open to everyone, you just need to be a confident swimmer. Our main focus is on spending time with the whales, and appreciating being in the water with them. Being able to take photos of them is just a bonus! There will be a photography and videography workshop, but these are completely optional.
This is nature, and it is wild. The whales are there every year. But I can't make guarantees! There is no guarantee for how the interactions will be. You can't guarantee anything in nature. We want to experience these animals in the wild, that's what makes it so special!
- Rash vest, or thermal top although water is around 28-30 C
- Mask
- Snorkel
- Fins
- Rain Jacket (water proof/windproof shell)
- Camera!
Your adventure will be guided by a seasoned Airguides Trip Leader, who's an experienced travel guide and your primary contact for any needs or questions during the trip. What sets our trips apart? We'll be joined by a 'Storyteller Guide,' a true expert with deep knowledge and a genuine passion for the destination, adding authentic insights and stories to your journey.
Solo travellers can opt for a private room, which incurs a single-supplement fee. Please contact us for specific pricing details. Alternatively, we may offer a roommate pairing option on a limited, first-come, first-served basis. Reach out to us for availability and more information.
Certainly! If you need help finding the best flights or planning your travel routes, we're here to help. Just reach out to us, and our team will be more than happy to provide guidance and support.
We'd love to speak with you about this trip and answer any questions you have! Feel free to call, text or WhatsApp our friendly team at +61 402 552 918. You'll be connected with a real, knowledgeable person from Airguides, ready to assist. We take great pride in our personal service, ensuring we're with you every step of the way, from planning your adventure to your journey back home.
For our ocean adventures, a moderate level of fitness is ideal to fully enjoy water-based activities like swimming, snorkelling, or diving, often lasting several hours. Being comfortable in the ocean is essential. If you have concerns about your fitness level or abilities in the water, please don't hesitate to contact us for advice.
“Thanking the stars I found Airguides and Jono's trip. We were totally taken care of! Paul answered all our questions and took care of the details so all we had to do was get there. Jono Allen is an amazing, talented photographer who created a special group experience. The WHALES were mind blowing. What a gift to be in Tonga staring into the eye of a baby whale! This trip was a lifelong dream come true. I highly recommend it so much we’ve already signed up again for next year!"
"The Airguides trip to Tonga to swim with humpback whales was the experience of a lifetime. I have traveled all over the world, and nothing compares to being in the wild, rustic, deep blue waters of the South Pacific while interacting with whales and their calves. A wonderful and caring team made our adventures stress free. Absolutely amazing, so much so, that I am doing it again this year! Thanks a million Paul, Jono, Al, Alistair, Christian and Polly!"
"Thank you for your help in putting together our trip to the Northern Territory. Everyone agreed that it was the best family holiday we'd ever had and - even better - everyone nominated something different as 'the best thing'."
"The trip with Airguides was magic. Paul was our kind and patient guide, Mark Fitz was our talented and positive photographer/storyteller. It was a perfect mix of activity and relaxation and I’m already planning my next Airguides trip."
"I recently visited Lady Musgrave Island with Airguides. They have a unique and meaningful approach to travel and travelling with and learning from a world-class photographer, who was on the trip, was incredible."
"I cannot say enough amazing things about Airguides and the amazing honeymoon they planned for us. We began our trip planning by being overwhelmed with travel blogs, not knowing what was actually the best plan for us."
“Just had an amazing trip to Heron Island organised by the Airguides team. Perfect balance of activity and relaxation, they made it so easy. Can't wait until I can do another trip!“
“ We recently organised our trip to Heron Island with Bibi and Paul as a last minute getaway. Seamlessly dealt with and an added bonus of having a world-class photographer/ free-diver as our story teller. The trip has only whet our appetite for more positive and relaxing experiences with the Airguides team- Awesome “