Plongée à Atauro Island — Timor-Leste

A Conservation International survey found Atauro Island holds the world record for reef fish diversity at a single site — 643 species in one hour. These pristine walls drop into deep channels where nutrient upwellings fuel extraordinary biomass. Infrastructure is basic, but the diving is frontier-level spectacular.

Score
67.8
Visibilité
15–35m
Température
26–30°C
Meilleurs mois
April, May, June
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World Class
Intermediate
Atauro Island
Timor-LesteAsia-Pacific
67.8

SCORE

-8.2500°N

125.5800°E

A Conservation International survey found Atauro Island holds the world record for reef fish diversity at a single site — 643 species in one hour. These pristine walls drop into deep channels where nutrient upwellings fuel extraordinary biomass. Infrastructure is basic, but the diving is frontier-level spectacular.

World's Richest Reef Fish Diversity

Visibility15–35 m
Temperature26–30°C
Max Depth40 m
Currentmoderate
2-Tank Dive$80
Best MonthsApril, May, June, July
CertificationOpen WaterIntermediate

Score Breakdown

Click any score to see a detailed breakdown

ML88.0CH80.0VIS78.0SV65.0TMP88.0DA68.0OP62.0TS42.0GT25.0VAL68.0CRD95.0SP55.0

Marine Life

88.0

Species diversity, megafauna encounters, reef fish abundance, macro life, and endemic species.

Species Diversity
95
Megafauna Encounters
75
Reef Fish Abundance
92
Macro Life
78
Endemic Species
82
Marine Life Diversity
88.0
Coral & Reef Health
80.0
Visibility & Conditions
78.0
Dive Site Variety
65.0
Water Temperature
88.0
Depth & Access
68.0
Operator Quality
62.0
Topside Experience
42.0
Getting There
25.0
Value & Cost
68.0
Crowding
95.0
Social Proof
55.0

Dive Types

reefwalldrift

Traveling with Non-Divers?

Your non-diving travel companions will find plenty to enjoy topside while you're underwater. Here are some activities to consider.

Activities for Non-Divers

village homestayshiking to inland springswhale watchinglocal weaving workshops

Nearby Cultural Sites

  • Traditional animist villages
  • Cristo Rei of Dili (mainland)

Non-Diver Score

5/10

Limited topside — plan ahead for non-diving partners.

Family FriendlyNot recommended
Restaurants & Nightlifenone

Safety & Emergency

Dive Insurance

DAN recommends dive insurance for all divers.

Learn more at DAN.org
Hyperbaric Chamber25 km — Australian Military Chamber, Dili
Nearest Hospital25 km

Boat to Dili (1-2 hours); chamber through Australian military presence; very limited local medical

Skill LevelIntermediate
Current Strengthmoderate

Top Operators

Atauro Dive Resort

PADI

4.6
40 reviews

Dive Timor Lorosae

SSI

4.5
35 reviews