Atauro
Dili to Atauro Ferry (2026): Schedule, Fares and Fast Boats
Last verified: Checked against the Tourism Timor-Leste ferry schedule (verified 30 August 2026) and lodge updates (1 September 2026)
By David · Updated
Quick answer · as of September 2026
As of September 2026, the government ferry Berlin Nakroma sails from Dili to Atauro on Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday (USD 4, about 2 h 15 min), and MV Success on Tuesday and Friday (USD 5, about 3 h). Both leave Dili at 08:00 and return from Beloi at 15:00. There is no ferry on Monday, and the Dragon Star fast ferry has been out of service since late 2025. Fast boats cost about USD 70 to 75.
- Berlin Nakroma
- Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun · USD 4
- MV Success
- Tue, Fri · USD 5
- Times
- 08:00 from Dili, 15:00 from Beloi
- Fast boat
- About USD 70–75 pp
- Tickets
- At the port, same day, cash
On this page
Ferry schedule
Two government-operated ferries run between Dili and Beloi on Atauro, six days a week. Both leave Dili at 08:00 and leave Beloi for the return at 15:00.
| Day | Boat | Departs from (Dili) | Fare (USD) | Crossing time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | No ferry | – | – | – |
| Tuesday | MV Success | Kolmera | 5 | About 3 h |
| Wednesday | Berlin Nakroma | Porto Dili | 4 | About 2 h 15 min |
| Thursday | Berlin Nakroma | Porto Dili | 4 | About 2 h 15 min |
| Friday | MV Success | Kolmera | 5 | About 3 h |
| Saturday | Berlin Nakroma | Porto Dili | 4 | About 2 h 15 min |
| Sunday | Berlin Nakroma | Porto Dili | 4 | About 2 h 15 min |
Children travel free on both boats (up to age 10 on the Nakroma and 8 on MV Success, according to Barry's Place). The two boats leave from different places in Dili: the Nakroma from the main port, Porto Dili, and MV Success from Kolmera on the central waterfront.
Tickets
Buy tickets at the port office on the morning you travel, in US dollars cash. There is no online booking. Arrive at least an hour before departure, bring small notes, and keep your ticket for the whole crossing.
Fast boats and water taxis
Private fast boats are quicker and more flexible, but cost far more and depend on the weather. Prices below are per person, one way, as of September 2026.
| Operator | Price per person (USD) |
|---|---|
| Atauro Dive Resort | 70 |
| Compass Diving | 70 one way / 130 return (12+) |
| Beloi Beach Hotel | 75 (ages 11+); 40 (ages 5–10) |
| Dive Timor Lorosae | On request |
Book through the operator or your lodge. Boats usually leave in the morning and are cancelled in rough seas.
The Dragon Star fast ferry
The Dragon Star fast ferry, which used to run on Thursdays and Saturdays for about USD 10 to 12, has been out of service since late 2025. Barry's Place reported in September 2026 that it was unavailable for maintenance. Older blog posts still describe it; check before relying on it.
Flying
Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) flies small planes to Atauro on Monday, Wednesday and Friday in 15 to 20 minutes. Fares are USD 80 for adults, USD 55 for children and USD 5 for infants, with a strict 10 kg hand-baggage limit (excess USD 2 to 5 per kg).
Where to stay in Dili before the ferry
Stay central if you can: tickets are sold at the port on the morning you travel. See where to stay in Dili before the Atauro ferry for hotels within about 2 km of Porto Dili. From Comoro or the airport side of the city, book a taxi the evening before and leave early.
Arriving in Beloi
All ferries arrive at the jetty in Beloi, on Atauro's east coast, where most places to stay are within walking distance. Some lodges meet the boat. There are no ATMs on Atauro, so bring all the cash you need. See where to stay on Atauro.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the ferry from Dili to Atauro?
About 2 hours 15 minutes on the Berlin Nakroma and about 3 hours on MV Success. Fast boats take roughly an hour.
Can I book the Atauro ferry online?
No. Tickets are sold at the port on the day of travel, in US dollars cash. Arrive at least an hour before departure.
Is the Dragon Star fast ferry running?
Not as of September 2026. It has been out of service since late 2025 for maintenance. Use the government ferries or a private fast boat.
Can you visit Atauro as a day trip?
Yes, on ferry days, but you only get about 3 to 4 hours on the island. Stay at least one night if you can.
Sources
Official sites, operators and references we checked for this page.
Related guides
Atauro
Where to Stay on Atauro Island: Eco-Lodges and Dive Resorts
Where to stay on Atauro Island in 2026: Barry's Place, Atauro Dive Resort, Beloi Beach Hotel and homestays, with prices, meals and what's included.
Atauro
Diving in Timor-Leste and Atauro: Sites, Seasons and Operators
Diving and snorkelling in Timor-Leste: Atauro's record reef fish diversity, Dili shore dives, whale season, dive centres, prices and safety.
Itinerary
Timor-Leste in 5 Days: Dili and Atauro Island
A 5-day Timor-Leste itinerary: two days in Dili with Cristo Rei and the museums, then three days on Atauro Island snorkelling, with costs.
Itinerary
A Diving Week in Timor-Leste: Dili and Atauro
A 7-day diving itinerary for Timor-Leste: Dili shore dives, then Atauro's record-breaking reefs, with operators, seasons, costs and safety notes.
Where to eat
Where to Eat in Atauro Island
Where to eat on Atauro Island: lodge meals in Beloi, Italian-Timorese cooking in Vila, community meals in Makili, and fresh fish everywhere.
Atauro
Atauro Island Guide: Ferry, Diving and Where to Stay
Plan a trip to Atauro Island from Dili: ferry and fast-boat options, snorkelling and diving, whale season, eco-lodges and what to bring.