Adventure Fix
Posts
Issue 179: Atauro Island

Issue 179: Atauro Island

Plus: North Pole Icebreaker, Kasanka Bat Migration, and more.

Amanda Zeisset
January 24, 2025

ISSUE 179

In partnership with

This week’s issue is sponsored by Tovala. Skip cooking and enjoy more, every day.

Hey Explorer,

This is Adventure Fix, the newsletter that helps you discover extraordinary journeys and experiences across the globe.

Here’s what we've got for you today:

Cruises: North Pole Icebreaker
Remote Places: Atauro Island
Migrations: Kasanka Bat Migration

CRUISES

North Pole Icebreaker Expedition

Photo: Waterproof Expeditions

Setting off on a North Pole icebreaker expedition is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore one of the most remote and extreme environments on Earth.

Sitting at 90° North, this legendary spot marks the Earth's axis and is covered in ice year-round, captivating explorers for centuries.

As the ship carves its way through thick sheets of Arctic ice, passengers are treated to stunning views of endless white landscapes, shimmering glaciers, and the mesmerizing beauty of the polar region.

This exclusive voyage offers the rare chance to stand at the top of the world, all while enjoying breathtaking views of the polar landscape.

Along the way, you might spot polar bears, Arctic birds, whales, and walruses, making for an unforgettable wildlife experience.

Explore more:

An Unexpected Ending to Our North Pole Cruise (vlog)
North Pole Icebreaker Expedition (cruise)

TOGETHER WITH TOVALA

Eating better without the work? That’s Tovala.

“What’s for dinner?” That’s a question you never (ever) have to answer again. Tovala is the meal delivery service with its own smart oven and a rotating menu of chef-crafted meals to choose from every week, all delivered fresh to your door and ready in minutes.

Tovala lets you eat well without spending all your time in the kitchen. Sign up now and enjoy:

35+ meals on our weekly rotating menu: from low-cal to high-protein to comfort food faves—we got you
Just 1 minute of prep (that’s it!)
Freshly cooked meals (never microwaved) using precision cook cycles
No sacrifice to quality, taste, or your time!

Eating better has never been so easy. Get your Tovala Smart Oven today!

REMOTE PLACES

Atauro Island

Photo: Atauro Tourism

Visiting Atauro Island is like stepping into a different world, where life moves slower, and nature takes center stage. Just a short boat ride from Dili (East Timor) Atauro is all about raw, untouched beauty.

The island is perfect if you’re into diving or snorkeling – the reefs here are some of the best in the world.

Apart from the coral gardens and colorful reef fish, you’ll find fascinating macro life like nudibranchs, shrimps, crabs, and pipefishes.

If you’re lucky, you might even encounter bigger marine creatures like reef sharks, hammerhead sharks, or the elusive mola mola.

A trip to Atauro is best combined with snorkeling with blue and sperm whales that pass through the nearby Ombai Strait from September to November.

Keep an eye out in upcoming issues for more details on how to have these incredible encounters.

Explore more:

Most Biodiverse Reef on Earth: Atauro Island (video)
Compass Dive Resort (accommodation and dive operator)

TRIP PLANNER

3 Epic Adventure Trips to Take in 2025

If you are planning your next adventure trip and still haven’t decided where to go next, here are some suggestions of epic trips you can start planning now.

Paddling the Rock Islands | Palau

If you are looking for a truly unique, remote, isolated, and stunning place to spend a week kayaking with not many tourists around, the Rock Islands of Palau are simply unbeatable.

I spent 2 weeks in Palau back in 2023 and it was my favorite kayaking trip ever.

Ratua Private Island Resort | Vanuatu

If you are dreaming of an idyllic tropical island but, if you are like me, can’t stand the awkward pampering by staff in white polos that come with resorts, this is the lodge you’re looking for.

It’s a wild, magical place with authentic people who offer a simple yet comfortable stay in a naturally beautiful place with great hiking, diving & kayaking right out the door.

Backpacking the Wrangell St. Elias NP | Alaska

If you are looking for a true wilderness backpacking adventure, head out to the largest protected wilderness on earth: the Wrangells. This trip is straight out of a Nat Geo centerfold.

Our friends at Indigo Alpine Guides are giving Adventure Fix readers an exclusive discount. Use coupon code “ADVENTUREFIX” at checkout and get 10% off this trip.

MIGRATIONS

Kasanka Bat Migration

Photo: Wim Werrelmann

Every year, between October and December, around 10 million straw-colored fruit bats gather in Kasanka National Park. This migration is the planet’s largest mammal migration and one of the natural world’s best-kept secrets.

These bats come from all over Central Africa to feast on the park’s plentiful fruit. They roost in a small forest called the Mushitu swamp forest, where the thick canopy keeps them safe during the day.

As the sun sets, they take off in search of food, turning the skies into a swirling mass of wings and shadows.

Beyond being a jaw-dropping sight, the bats play a vital role in spreading seeds and pollinating plants, helping keep the forests healthy and thriving.

Explore More: