Local Experts
Our team are local guides with years of experience.
Sumbawa, Indonesia
Swim With Whale Sharks in Sumbawa
Experience one of Indonesia's most unforgettable marine adventures. Meet the gentle giants of Sumbawa with a trusted local team and discover the beauty of the sea beyond the ordinary.
Local Experience
Small Group Trips
Responsible Travel
Your Sumbawa Adventure
Meet the Gentle Giants
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Discover Sumbawa
SUMBAWA OCEAN EXPERIENCE
An Unforgettable Whale Shark Adventure in Indonesia
Join our 2-day or 3-day whale shark tours and experience encountering the world's largest fish in their natural habitat at Saleh Bay, Sumbawa.
Why Choose Sumbawa Whale Shark Tours
Safe & Responsible
We promote responsible encounters that respect marine life.
Best Experience
Small-group adventures for a more personal experience.
Comfort & Convenience
Hotel pickup and comfortable transport options.
Great Support
We're here to help you before and during your trip.
Discover the beauty of Sumbawa with a
local team you can trust.
SUMBAWA OCEAN EXPERIENCE
Whale Shark Tour Packages
Discover the magic of Saleh Bay with our guided whale shark excursions. Choose flexible departure points from Lombok or direct from Sumbawa with curated 2D1N, 3D2N, and 4D3N itineraries.
Departure Option
Start from Lombok
Seamless overland and ferry connection from Lombok straight to the whale shark point in Sumbawa.
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Lombok Departure
Whale Shark 2D1N
An efficient ocean journey from Lombok across Kayangan and Poto Tano straight to Saleh Bay for early morning whale shark snorkeling.
Tour Highlights- Saleh Bay Whale SharksSnorkel safely with gentle giants around traditional bagan platforms.
- Cross-Island TransitOrganized private land and sea transfer between Lombok and Sumbawa.
- Ocean DocumentationCapture your underwater encounters in clear coastal waters.
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Lombok Departure
Whale Shark 3D2N
Travel comfortably without rushing. Combines Saleh Bay's whale sharks with scenic stops across West and Central Sumbawa.
Tour Highlights- Prime Snorkeling TimeMore relaxed morning sessions observing whale sharks at sunrise.
- Cultural & Scenic HighlightsExtra time to explore Sumbawa Besar landmarks and coastal beaches.
- Balanced ScheduleRestful overnight stays to enjoy the journey at a relaxed pace.
Departure Option
Start from Sumbawa
Direct pickups from Sumbawa Besar (airport/hotel) or Labuan Jambu for maximum time in nature.
2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT
Sumbawa Departure
Sumbawa 2D1N
The direct gateway option for travelers landing directly at Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin III Airport (SWQ) or staying in Sumbawa Besar.
Tour Highlights- Fast Saleh Bay AccessShorter road transit directly towards Labuan Jambu harbour.
- Whale Shark SwimMorning boat ride to meet whale sharks feeding near traditional bagans.
- Local Airport TransfersSeamless pickup and drop-off in Sumbawa Besar.
3 DAYS / 2 NIGHTS
Sumbawa Departure
Sumbawa 3D2N
Our most popular direct itinerary combining Saleh Bay whale sharks with island hopping across Moyo Island and waterfalls.
Tour Highlights- Whale Shark SnorkelingEarly sunrise boat excursion to Saleh Bay's feeding grounds.
- Moyo Island DiscoveryVisit Mata Jitu Waterfall and pristine coral reefs around Moyo.
- Takat Sagele ReefSnorkel over colorful sandbars and shallow turquoise reefs.
4 DAYS / 3 NIGHTS
Sumbawa Departure
Sumbawa 4D3N
The ultimate Sumbawa adventure. Immerse yourself in whale shark encounters, Moyo Island waterfalls, and historic Sumbawa heritage.
Tour Highlights- Complete Marine TourSaleh Bay whale sharks plus extended snorkeling in Moyo & Takat Sagele.
- Cultural HeritageExplore Dalam Loka historic wooden palace and traditional villages.
- Comprehensive ItineraryDesigned for deep exploration with plenty of leisure and photography.
Need a custom itinerary or private charter?
Contact our local team for tailored dates, group discounts, and custom pickup locations.
Local Experts · Ocean Experiences
Hi! We’re Sumbawa Whale Shark Tours
We specialize in unforgettable whale shark experiences at Saleh Bay, one of the best places in Indonesia to see whale sharks year-round.
Our team is made up of local experts who know the area, understand whale shark behavior, and prioritize both your safety and marine conservation.
With carefully organized itineraries, comfortable transportation, and personalized service, we make your adventure smooth from start to finish.
Meet the Gentle Giants
Discover Saleh Bay, Sumbawa
Your Adventure, Thoughtfully Organized
Local knowledge · Personal service · Ocean respect
Local Experts
We know the area and understand whale shark behavior.
Safety & Conservation
Your safety and respectful wildlife encounters matter to us.
Personalized Service
Carefully planned trips designed for a smooth experience.
About Saleh Bay
A remarkable marine destination in Sumbawa, Indonesia
Discover Saleh Bay
Why Saleh Bay is Famous for Whale Sharks
Saleh Bay is one of Indonesia’s best destinations for swimming with whale sharks. Every morning, these gentle giants are often seen near traditional fishing platforms, creating a rare opportunity to observe them up close in the wild.
A Natural Meeting Place
Whale sharks are often spotted around traditional fishing platforms, offering a special opportunity to observe these remarkable animals in their natural environment.
Not an Aquarium Experience
Every encounter takes place in the ocean, not in a tank. Wildlife sightings are natural and cannot be guaranteed, making each trip a unique experience.
Responsible Whale Shark Tourism
Our guides encourage respectful wildlife observation and responsible behavior to help minimize disturbance to marine life.
Come for the encounter. Leave with a deeper appreciation for the ocean and its gentle giants.
A Simple Journey
Travel With Us
From curiosity to experience — finding your perfect tour and securing your spot is simple and seamless.
01
Choose Your Tour
Explore our tour options and choose the experience that best suits you and your travel party.
02
Tailor Your Journey
Tell us your interests and preferences. Our local team will help arrange an experience that fits your plans.
03
Enjoy Your Experience
Meet your local guide and discover Saleh Bay through a thoughtfully planned and memorable adventure.
Your trip, your pace, your unforgettable Sumbawa experience.
More Than Just Seeing Whale Sharks
Discover the people, nature, and experiences of Sumbawa.
The Difference Is in the Details
What Makes Our Tours Different?
Our tours are designed to create meaningful travel experiences — combining the excitement of meeting whale sharks with genuine local hospitality and thoughtful planning.
- ✓Safe and responsible wildlife encounters
- ✓Authentic local hospitality
- ✓Beautiful sunrise over Saleh Bay
- ✓Comfortable transportation
- ✓Friendly local guides
- ✓Well-planned itineraries
- ✓Personalized service
We believe every guest deserves an unforgettable adventure — not just another tour.
Plan Your Adventure
Best Time to Visit Saleh Bay
Plan your whale shark experience around the conditions that give you the best opportunity for a memorable morning on the ocean.
When Is the Best Time to Swim with Whale Sharks in Sumbawa?
Whale sharks can be seen throughout much of the year in Saleh Bay. Early morning offers a good opportunity for sightings, when the sea may be calmer and the light creates a beautiful setting for your trip.
Our tours are scheduled to make the most of the morning conditions while encouraging respectful interactions with these magnificent animals in their natural habitat.
Our Tip: Start Early
Follow your guide’s departure advice and be flexible with
natural conditions. Whale shark sightings are never guaranteed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the whale sharks located?
Our tours take place in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, Indonesia.
Is swimming with whale sharks safe?
Yes. Whale sharks are gentle giants and are harmless to humans. Our experienced guides will provide a full safety briefing before entering the water.
Can beginners join?
Absolutely. Beginners and non-professional swimmers are welcome.
What's included?
Accommodation, transportation, guide, boat, meals, snorkeling equipment, and all activities listed in your itinerary.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, change of clothes, waterproof camera, sandals, and personal items.
How do I book?
Simply contact us through WhatsApp or our booking form, and we’ll assist you with everything.
How do I get to Sumbawa for the whale shark tour?
Most travelers reach Sumbawa by flying to Lombok or Sumbawa, depending on their travel plans. We can help arrange or advise on the best transportation options to reach the starting point of your whale shark tour.
How long does the whale shark tour take?
We offer two tour options: a 2 Days Whale Shark Tour for travelers with limited time and a 3 Days Whale Shark Adventure for those who want a more relaxed experience and additional time to explore Sumbawa.
Can I join the tour if I am traveling alone?
Yes. Solo travelers are welcome to join our Sumbawa whale shark tours. Depending on availability, you may join a shared tour or arrange a private trip for a more personalized experience.
Do I need to be an experienced swimmer?
No. You do not need to be an experienced swimmer to enjoy the whale shark experience. Our local guides will provide safety instructions and assist you throughout the activity. If you are not a confident swimmer, please let us know before the tour.
What should I bring for the whale shark tour?
We recommend bringing swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, a change of clothes, personal medication, and a waterproof camera if you would like to capture your experience. We will provide information about any equipment included in your selected package.
How far in advance should I book a Sumbawa whale shark tour?
We recommend booking as early as possible, especially during busy travel periods. Early booking helps us secure transportation, accommodation, boats, and the best possible arrangements for your Sumbawa whale shark adventure.