There are some encounters worth traveling halfway around the world for. Swimming with whale sharks is undoubtedly one of them. Saleh Bay, on the island of Sumbawa, is home to the largest fish on Earth—reaching up to ten meters in length—and offers one of the best opportunities to observe them in their natural habitat. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks feed exclusively on plankton and are completely harmless to humans.
Your adventure begins before sunrise. A small boat will take you into the open waters of the bay, where you will arrive just as the first rays of sunlight reveal these gentle giants beneath the surface. Watching an enormous spotted silhouette slowly emerge from the depths and glide effortlessly just a few meters away feels almost unreal—as though you had stepped into the scene of a nature documentary. No previous experience is required—basic swimming skills are enough, and all the necessary equipment is provided.
This journey is built around a single extraordinary encounter unlike any other. Sharing the water with the world's largest fish is a privilege that only a handful of places on Earth can offer.
10:30 AM — Arrival at Sultan Kaharuddin Airport (SWQ), where your program begins.
11:00 AM — Visit to the Sultan’s Palace — a historic wooden complex that reflects the heritage of Sumbawa.
12:00 PM — Lunch in Sumbawa Besar, with a chance to try local cuisine at a city café.
1:30 PM — Transfer to the eastern part of the island, to the village of Labuan Jambu (approx. 2 hours). The road passes through rice fields and coastal areas, offering a glimpse of everyday island life.
4:00 PM — Check-in at Villa Beach Transit 2, located close to the harbor — convenient before the early departure at sea.
7:00 PM — Free evening. Dinner is available at the hotel, with Indonesian dishes and fresh local seafood on the menu.
03:30 AM — Short transfer to the pier and boarding the boat.
03:40 AM — Departure by boat to Whale Shark Point, the main area for spotting whale sharks in the Sumbawa region.
06:00 AM — Arrival at the snorkeling site. Time in the water with whale sharks at dawn — when sightings are most likely in their natural habitat.
08:00 AM — Breakfast on deck: fresh fruit, toast, tea, and coffee with views of the open ocean.
08:30 AM — Return to shore, arriving at Labuan Jambu harbor around 10:00 AM.
11:00 AM — Return to the hotel, packing, and check-out.
11:30 AM — Transfer to Sumbawa Besar (approx. 2 hours).
12:30 PM — Stop along the way for lunch at a local café.
03:30 PM — Arrival at the hotel and end of the program.
Note: The schedule is approximate. Travel times and durations may vary depending on traffic, weather, and sea conditions.
hotel accommodation and transfer on Day 2 are not included in the tour price. For your convenience, you can book our “Sumbawa Island Tour” (2 Days / 1 Night + 1 Day), which includes hotel and airport transfer, or you may arrange accommodation independently.
In accordance with clause 7.3 of the user agreement, MyBaliTrips.com cannot be held responsible for the presence of whale sharks during snorkeling. It is important to remember that the whale shark is a wild and free creature. They choose their own paths and timing, so every encounter is a matter of luck and a true gift from nature, rather than a guaranteed part of the itinerary.
if there are large waves at the snorkeling site on the day of the trip, the company reserves the right to replace the snorkeling location with an alternative for your safety.
The tour with diving to the whale sharks was a real adventure! Thanks to the organizers for providing convenient transport and assistance at every stage. Although lunch was not included, the stop at a local restaurant was a pleasant surprise. I recommend this tour to everyone on the island of Sumbawa!
Great tour! Swimming with whale sharks is an incredible experience! The guide did a fantastic job explaining things and ensuring our safety. I would go again.
We arrived at the boat in Labuan Jambu right on time, and the start of the tour itself was impressive. Swimming with whale sharks was extremely fun, but unfortunately, the weather turned bad towards the end of the tour.
sunscreen with high SPF
easy change of clothes
swimsuit/ swimming trunks / shorts
hat
head lamp
for people with average physical abilities
if necessary take pills against motion sickness
for children over the age of 6
refunds are processed with a 10% deduction if the cancellation is made by the client at least 48 hours before the event or with an official hospital document
refunds are based on the exchange rate set by the Bank of Indonesia on the payment date
full refunds are provided if the provider is unable to deliver the service fully
refund requests are reviewed within 5 business days of the request date
refunds are issued within 5 banking days from the agreement of the refund decision
if the cancellation is made more than 21 days prior to arrival, there is no penalty
if the cancellation is made less than 21 days prior to arrival, a penalty of 100% of the booking cost will be charged
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