Diving in Atauro Island

Best Time to Dive in Atauro Island

The warmest water temperatures in Atauro Island occur in January, averaging 30.1°C. The coolest conditions are in December at 30.1°C.

Monthly Water Temperatures

• January: 30.1°C (air: 24.0°C)
• February: 30.1°C (air: 23.6°C)
• March: 30.1°C (air: 23.9°C)
• April: 30.1°C (air: 24.1°C)
• May: 30.1°C (air: 24.5°C)
• June: 30.1°C (air: 23.9°C)
• July: 30.1°C (air: 23.3°C)
• August: 30.1°C (air: 23.8°C)
• September: 30.1°C (air: 24.4°C)
• October: 30.1°C (air: 25.3°C)
• November: 30.1°C (air: 25.6°C)
• December: 30.1°C (air: 24.4°C)

Marine Life in Atauro Island

Home to 263 recorded species including 241 reef fish, 8 seagrass & algae, 4 sea snails & nudibranchs, 3 other, 2 clams & mussels, 2 sea cucumbers.

Dive Site Difficulty in Atauro Island

Atauro Island has 2 intermediate, 1 advanced dive sites - suitable for experienced divers.

Recommended Packing List for Atauro Island

Based on average water temperature of 30.1°C.

• Shorty or Rashguard - warm 30°C water needs minimal exposure protection
• Mask - essential for every dive
• Fins
• BCD - buoyancy compensator
• Regulator - your most safety-critical piece of gear
• Dive Computer - tracks depth, time, and NDL
• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) - essential for boat pickups
• Dive Torch - useful for crevices and colour at depth
• Underwater Camera - capture your diving memories

Marine Protected Areas in Atauro Island

• Behau - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
• Lamsanak - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
• Lagoa Tasitolu - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)
• Batugadé - Marine Natural Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
• Suco de Vila - Marine Natural Reserve (IUCN Category Not Reported)
• Area Mangal Hera - Protected Area (IUCN Category Not Reported)

Getting to Atauro Island - Nearest Airports

• Presidente Nicolau Lobato International Airport (DIL), Dili - 51 km away, approx 71 min travel time
• Oecusse Route of the Sandalwood International Airport (OEC), Oecussi-Ambeno - 143 km away, approx 171 min travel time
• Commander in Chief of FALINTIL, Kay Rala Xanana Gusmão, International Airport (UAI), Suai - 120 km away, approx 146 min travel time