What to expect:

After a long travel day from Lombok to Sumbawa and an early wake-up, this is why snorkeling with whale sharks in Saleh Bay was unforgettable for us:

✨ No crowds – Just us, a few other boats & the ocean.

⏳ No rush – We stayed as long as the whale sharks did.

🌊 Kid-friendly – The kids could rest on the boat & hop back in anytime.

👀 Real encounters – Even our youngest got a great look.

💙 Respectful – Locals care about the whale sharks, no mass-tourism vibes.

But what about ethics?

In Sumbawa, whale sharks often visit traditional fishing platforms (bagan), where fishermen release their bycatch in the mornings. If a whale shark appears, they alert nearby tourist boats.

It’s far less crowded than other spots, with strict rules: no touching and keeping distance. But feeding is involved, which can affect behavior!

How to get here:

We take the local bus Titan Mas from Mataram to Sumbawa (price 230k p.P.)

Ferry and a meal is included and it takes about 10h. Hotline NR: 087787536000 / +6285205875604

Tips:

We stayed in Villa Aqila, which was pretty nice.

For the best experience, choose a reputable local guide like Andi @go_whaleshark.sumbawa (Instagram)! He knows the area, the fishermen, and how to keep it respectful.

You can fly back from Sumbawa Besar to Bali or Lombok.