Looking for a challenge that has never been done before?
Atauro Island is home to one of the most biodiverse reef systems in the world. Imagine becoming one of the first people to swim around the island for the very first time. Covering 60km of pristine waters, coral reefs, and remote coastal villages, this is more than a swim — it’s an adventure of a lifetime.
We are now taking Expressions of Interest for the Atauro Island Swim 2027, an exclusive Open Water Endurance challenge raising funds to establish lifesaving resuce posts and aquatic safety initiatives across the remote island, off Timor-Leste.
About Atauro Island Swim 2027
Atauro Island Swim 2027 is a once-in-a-lifetime open water endurance experience, inviting swimmers to become part of the first organised swim circumnavigation challenge of Atauro Island.
Beginning 22 March 2027, participants will take on an extraordinary 7-day staged swim adventure across approximately 60km of some of the world’s most pristine and biodiverse waters. Designed for both solo swimmers and relay teams, the event combines endurance swimming, cultural immersion, marine exploration, and community impact.
Over seven days, swimmers will journey around the island supported by a local fishing boat acting as an in-water spotter, with a powered support vessel following behind for safety, logistics, and nutrition support. Each swim stage concludes in remote coastal villages, where participants will stay in authentic local homestays, enjoy fresh food sourced directly from the reef and surrounding waters, and experience the warmth of Timorese hospitality.
A dedicated rest day in Adara offers time to recover, explore, and snorkel the island’s iconic shelf wall reef system—widely recognised as one of Atauro’s most spectacular marine environments. Evenings are spent immersed in village life, beneath clear night skies, connecting with local communities and fellow swimmers.
Itinerary
Transit Day - Saturday 20th
Travel Day - Sunday 21st
Day 1 Swim: Beloi to Arkema
Day 2 Swim: Arkema to Adara
Day 3 Rest day in Adara – snorkeling, reef exploration, and free time.
Day 4 Swim: Adara to Makili
Day 5 Swim: Makili to Beloi
Transit Day - Saturday 27th March
Travel Day - Sunday 28th March
More than an endurance challenge, Atauro Island Swim 2027 is a purpose-driven adventure raising funds to establish lifesaving rescue posts and aquatic safety initiatives across Atauro Island. Every participant directly contributes to supporting drowning prevention, rescue capacity, and safer coastal communities for local Timorese people.
This is not just a swim - it is an expedition, a challenge, and an opportunity to leave a lasting impact.
The Atauro Island Swim 2027 will be a fundraising swim supporting Yellow Dove Australia’s ongoing community development, drowning prevention, and education work in Timor-Leste.
The estimated participation cost is $2,000 AUD per swimmer/team, excluding international flights. This includes; Airport Shuttles, Ferry Tickets, 2x Nights in Dili (Arrival & Departure), 3x meals per day on Atauro Island and Accommodation on Atauro Island for 6 days.
Countdown to the Swim
Submit your EOI
Please provide your details below to submit your expression of interest. Information will be collected to attain numbers and safety of the swim. The number of swimmers for the Atauro Island Swim is 15, including; transfers to and from Atauro Island, Food & Accommodation while on the Island, Snorkel and Reef Tax and Dili Accommodation and Airport Shuffle.
