ATMTL, also written ATM-TL (Assosiasaun Turizmu Maritima Timor-Leste), is a non-profit association of people and businesses working in marine tourism: diving, snorkelling and whale and dolphin watching. It is based in Dili and has been led by Professor Karen Edyvane of the National University of Timor-Leste (UNTL).
What it does
- Promotes responsible marine tourism and the sustainable use of Timor-Leste’s reefs and coastal waters
- Runs a “Responsible Whale Tour Operator” certification (since 2020) for operators that follow the national whale-watching guidelines and share sightings data with researchers
- Works with UNTL and coastal communities on whale and dolphin monitoring, including a local whale-spotter network at Subaun
- Speaks for the sector on regulation; national whale-watching guidelines exist, but as of late 2025 binding regulations had not been passed (reported by Mongabay)
For visitors
If you book a whale-watching trip from Dili, ask the operator whether it follows the national guidelines and holds the ATM-TL responsible-operator certification. The main whale season runs from about September to December. See our whale and dolphin watching guide.
Contact
- Phone: +61 424 779 374 (Australian number, as listed on timorleste.tl)