Swimming with whale sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, Indonesia
SUMBAWA WHALE SHARK TOURS

Swim with Whale Sharks in Sumbawa, Indonesia

Discover the gentle giants of Saleh Bay on an unforgettable whale shark experience. Join a locally organized tour and explore one of Indonesia's remarkable marine wildlife destinations with respect for the ocean.

Local Sumbawa Experience
Marine Wildlife Encounters
Responsible Tourism
One Day Tour Private Boat Experience

One Day Whale Shark Tour in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa

Experience an unforgettable One Day Whale Shark Tour in Sumbawa, departing before sunrise from Labuan Jambu Pier aboard a traditional local fishing boat. Cruise across the peaceful waters of Saleh Bay for the chance to observe and snorkel near magnificent whale sharks in their natural marine environment.

Enjoy sunrise views, a simple breakfast on board, an experienced local guide and boat crew, and complimentary GoPro Hero 12 video documentation. With a private boat reserved exclusively for your group and a return to Labuan Jambu Pier, this marine adventure is ideal for couples, families, friends, and ocean lovers exploring Sumbawa, Indonesia.

Saleh Bay Whale Sharks Observe and snorkel near whale sharks in their natural habitat.
Sunrise Boat Adventure Early departure, peaceful bay views, and breakfast on board.
Private Boat & GoPro 12 A private traditional boat with complimentary video documentation.

Departure and return: Labuan Jambu Pier, Sumbawa. This one-day excursion is ideal for travelers seeking a memorable whale shark snorkeling experience without an overnight tour. Explore our other Sumbawa Tour Packages to discover more ways to experience the island.

Tour Highlights

Your One Day Whale Shark Adventure

From unforgettable whale shark encounters to sunrise views, local hospitality, and a memorable morning on the waters of Saleh Bay.

Signature Encounter

Encounter the Gentle Giants of Saleh Bay

Enjoy the opportunity to observe and snorkel near whale sharks in their natural marine environment, subject to their presence and sea conditions.

Flexible Experience

Choose Your Preferred Boat Experience

Choose a shared boat for a more budget-friendly adventure with fellow travelers, or a private traditional boat reserved exclusively for your group.

Sunrise Adventure

Experience the Magic of Early Morning

Depart before sunrise and enjoy the peaceful beauty of Saleh Bay as the morning sky brightens over the ocean.

Local Hospitality

Enjoy Local Hospitality on Board

Refresh yourself with a simple breakfast, hot coffee, tea, and fresh fruits during your morning ocean adventure.

Capture the Moment

Capture Unforgettable Memories

Take home GoPro Hero 12 video documentation of your experience, according to your selected package and recording conditions.

Local Expertise

Discover Sumbawa with Local Experts

Benefit from local crew assistance, snorkeling safety guidance, and responsible whale shark viewing practices.

Easy Morning Excursion

A Convenient Morning Adventure

Start and finish at Labuan Jambu Pier, with an expected return around 10:00 AM, leaving you time to relax or continue exploring Sumbawa.

YOUR MORNING ADVENTURE

Saleh Bay Whale Shark Tour One Day Itinerary

From an early-morning departure to an unforgettable ocean encounter, follow the journey of your whale shark adventure in Sumbawa.

04:00 – 10:00 AM Approximate duration
Labuan Jambu Pier Meeting point & return
01
04:00 AM Meeting Point

Meeting Point & Safety Briefing

Meet your local guide and boat crew at Labuan Jambu Pier. Receive a short briefing on the excursion, snorkeling safety, and responsible whale shark viewing practices. Your guide will help you prepare your equipment and life jacket before departure.

Meet at Labuan Jambu Pier
02
04:15 AM Boat Departure

Private Boat Departure

Board your traditional wooden boat and cruise toward the whale shark viewing area in Saleh Bay. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, depending on the location of the whale sharks and sea conditions. Enjoy the peaceful bay as the sky begins to brighten.

Approximately 1.5 hours on the way out
03
05:45 AM Breakfast

Arrival & Breakfast on Board

Upon arrival at the designated viewing area, enjoy a simple breakfast with hot coffee, tea, fresh fruits, and light snacks. Take in the ocean scenery and observe local fishing activities while your guide prepares you for the main experience.

Breakfast, coffee, tea & fresh fruits
05
08:30 AM Return Journey

Return to Labuan Jambu Pier

After the morning excursion, board your boat for the return journey to Labuan Jambu. Relax, enjoy the final views of Saleh Bay, and take in the calm ocean atmosphere as you cruise back toward the village.

Return cruise to the departure pier
10:00 AM Tour Conclusion

Arrival & Video Documentation

Arrive at Labuan Jambu Pier, collect your belongings, and receive your GoPro video documentation if successfully recorded and included in your selected package. Your one-day whale shark tour concludes at the pier.

GoPro documentation, subject to package and recording conditions
BEFORE YOU GO

Important Information

Everything you need to know before joining your one-day whale shark adventure in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa.

YOUR TRIP AT A GLANCE

Plan Your Morning at Saleh Bay

Start early at Labuan Jambu Pier and head out by traditional wooden boat for a memorable morning on the water.

04:15 AM Departure
10:00 AM Return
Meeting Point Labuan Jambu Pier, Sumbawa

Tour Duration

Approximately 6 hours, including the boat journey and activities.

Boat Type

Private traditional wooden boat reserved for your group.

What to Bring

Prepare these essentials for a more comfortable trip.

Swimwear Change of clothes Sunscreen Personal medication Waterproof bag
Keep valuables protected from water and splashes.
RESPONSIBLE WILDLIFE VIEWING

Respect the Whale Sharks

Always follow your guide's instructions and observe whale sharks respectfully. Never touch, chase, feed, or obstruct them.

WEATHER & WILDLIFE CONDITIONS

Nature Sets the Conditions

The trip depends on weather, sea conditions, and the natural presence of whale sharks. Sightings cannot be guaranteed, and the itinerary may change for safety reasons.

Essential Information

Before You Book

Please read through these guidelines to ensure a smooth, transparent, and memorable journey with us.

1. Booking Policy

1.1 Initial Deposit

To secure your reservation for the Sumbawa Whale Shark Tour, a 20% non-refundable deposit of the total tour price is required. This deposit allows us to arrange your transportation, accommodation, boat excursion, and other services in advance.

1.2 Reservation Confirmation

Your booking will be officially confirmed once both of the following requirements have been completed:

  • We have received the necessary personal details for all participants.
  • Your required 20% deposit has been received and successfully verified.

Once your booking is confirmed, we will provide confirmation of your reservation and the agreed tour arrangements.

1.3 Shared Responsibility

The person making the reservation is responsible for communicating these Terms and Conditions to all participants included in the booking.

By making the reservation, the lead guest confirms that all participants have been informed of and agree to these Terms and Conditions. The lead guest is also responsible for providing accurate booking information and coordinating communications with the group.

All participants are expected to comply with the agreed booking arrangements and follow the instructions of the tour team throughout the trip.

2. Payment Policy

At Sumbawa Whale Shark, we aim to make your payment experience as smooth, secure, and transparent as your whale shark adventure. Please review the following payment terms before confirming your reservation.

2.1 Accepted Payment Methods

We accept the following payment methods for both the initial deposit and the remaining balance:

  • Cash
  • Bank Transfer
  • Wise Transfer
  • Revolut
  • Online Payment Link
  • PayPal: A 4.5% processing fee applies.

2.2 Final Payment

The remaining balance must be paid no later than one day before departure or, if agreed in advance, upon arrival before the tour begins.

Accepted payment methods for the remaining balance include:

  • Cash: No additional processing fee from us.
  • Bank Transfer or Wise: Bank or transfer fees may apply.
  • Credit or Debit Card: A 4% processing fee applies.
  • PayPal: A 4.5% processing fee applies.

Any applicable fees will be communicated to you before payment.

2.3 Bank and Transfer Fees

All bank charges, international transfer fees, currency conversion fees, and other transaction costs are the responsibility of the customer.

Please ensure that the amount transferred covers all applicable fees so that the full amount due is received by Sumbawa Whale Shark.

2.4 Initial Deposit Policy

A 20% non-refundable deposit of the total tour price is required to secure your Sumbawa Whale Shark Tour reservation.

Once your booking is confirmed, we use the deposit to arrange and secure services in advance, including transportation, accommodation, boat excursions, and other tour-related arrangements.

These services may involve advance payments and cancellation restrictions imposed by our local suppliers. For this reason, the deposit is generally non-refundable, including in cases of personal schedule changes or medical emergencies, subject to applicable consumer protection laws.

3. Rescheduling & Cancellation Policy

Rescheduling Policy

Rescheduling may be possible, subject to availability and confirmation from our team. If you request a reschedule within 24 hours of the scheduled departure, the accommodation room charge will still apply because the room may already have been booked and paid for in advance.

Cancellation Requests & Fees

All cancellation requests must be submitted directly to your representative via email or WhatsApp by the person who originally made the reservation and paid the deposit. Once confirmed, the initial deposit is 100% non-refundable.

More Than 24 Hours Before Departure

No additional cancellation fee will apply. The initial deposit remains 100% non-refundable.

Within 24 Hours Before Departure

A cancellation fee of 50% of the total tour price will apply. The initial deposit is non-refundable.

On Tour Departure Day or No-Show

A cancellation fee of 100% of the total tour price will apply. No refund will be issued.

Weather Conditions, Sea Conditions, and Force Majeure: Whale shark excursions depend on weather conditions, sea conditions, and local authorities. The tour may be modified, postponed, or canceled due to rough seas, natural disasters, or port closures. Sightings of whale sharks cannot be 100% guaranteed, and their absence does not automatically qualify for a refund.

4. Photo Documentation Rates (Optional)
Camera Equipment Price Rate Inclusions & Deliverables
Mirrorless (Land Camera) IDR 700,000 / Day Selected curated & edited high-resolution photos
GoPro (Underwater Camera) IDR 150,000 / Day Full raw unedited footage & photo files
Mirrorless + Aerial Drone IDR 2,000,000 / Day Full coverage: edited highlights video & photos

Delivery Information:

  • Edited photos and/or highlight reels will be uploaded to a secure Google Drive link within 3 – 4 days following the end of your trip.
  • If you require the entire collection of raw unedited files immediately, kindly provide a personal USB flash drive (minimum 32GB recommended) and our photographer will transfer them directly.
5. Responsible Whale Shark Tourism & Safety

At Authentic Whale Shark Sumbawa, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and responsible whale shark experience. All excursions are subject to local regulations, the instructions of the boat crew, and applicable wildlife interaction guidelines.

Our team reserves the right to modify or discontinue an activity if conditions become unsafe or if a guest's actions pose a risk to other participants, the crew, or marine wildlife. No refund will automatically be provided for an activity discontinued due to safety violations.

Private & Tailor-Made

Custom Trip Planning

Pricing is fully tailored based on your group size, preferred accommodations, and personalized itinerary requests.

  • ✓ 100% Private Trip — Exclusively for you, never combined with other groups.
  • ✓ Flexible Itinerary — Choose your favorite hotels, pace, and activities.
  • ✓ Transparent Quote — Receive an itemized quote with no hidden fees.
Get Custom Quote via WhatsApp

Instant response 08:00 – 21:00 (GMT+8) • Free Consultation

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