Discover one of Indonesia’s most unique marine adventures on this 2-day whale shark experience from Lombok to Saleh Bay in Sumbawa. This journey gives you the rare chance to swim with the world’s largest fish in their natural habitat while exploring the beautiful waters of one of Indonesia’s hidden marine treasures.
Your adventure begins with an evening departure from Lombok, travelling to Sumbawa by land and ferry. After arriving near Saleh Bay, you will board a local boat and head into the calm waters of the bay before sunrise.
Saleh Bay is known as one of the best places in Indonesia to encounter whale sharks. The area is home to traditional fishing platforms called “bagan,” which attract small fish and plankton at night using lights. These conditions naturally draw whale sharks to the area, creating an incredible opportunity to observe and swim with them.
At sunrise, the boat will reach the whale shark area. With snorkelling equipment ready, you will have the chance to enter the water and swim alongside these gentle giants as they glide slowly through the clear ocean. Despite their enormous size, whale sharks are harmless filter feeders that eat plankton and small fish.
Between encounters, you can relax on the boat, enjoy the peaceful scenery of Saleh Bay, take photos, or simply admire the surrounding islands and traditional fishing boats. The calm waters make the experience comfortable and enjoyable even for beginner snorkellers.
During the trip you will also experience local hospitality and simple island-style travel, making the journey feel authentic and memorable. After the whale shark experience, you will return to the harbour and travel back to Lombok with unforgettable memories and incredible photos.
This tour is perfect for nature lovers, ocean explorers, photographers, and travellers seeking a truly unique wildlife experience in Indonesia.
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE
Whale sharks are wild animals in their natural habitat, so sightings cannot be guaranteed. Based on experience in Saleh Bay, the chance of encountering whale sharks is around 80–90%.
If whale sharks are not seen on the first day, the search will continue on the second day to increase the chances. If they are still not found after two days, the trip will return to the original pickup point. All operational costs will be covered; however, no refunds will be issued as the full programme has been carried out.
The normal travel duration is approximately 8 hours. However, delays may occur due to ferry schedules, weather conditions, port traffic, and inter-island transport coordination.
Thank you for your understanding. We always strive to provide a safe and comfortable journey for all participants.