A whale shark trip to Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, offers an incredible chance to snorkel or dive with gentle giants near traditional fishing platforms (bagans). The trip is an adventure, 2 days 1 night starts from Lombok Island to Sumbawa Island.
Tours involve boat trips to the bagans, swimming alongside the sharks, and often exploring nearby reefs for a truly unforgettable nature experience.
The best season to join a whale shark trip is from March to November for the best sightings of these plankton-feeding sharks in calm waters, providing a unique marine adventure.
Are whale sharks present in Saleh Bay at all times?
Whale sharks are present in Saleh Bay all year round, but sightings are not guaranteed on every trip due to variations in weather, sea conditions, and the fishermen’s schedules. The presence of the sharks is linked to the availability of small fish and plankton, which local fishermen attract with their bagan (fishing platforms) lights.
Best Season for Viewing:
The prime season for the highest chance of encounters is between April and November. During these months, the seas are generally calmer, water visibility is better, and fishing activity is more consistent.
Off-Season Challenges:
It is best to avoid visiting between January and March. During this period, the weather can be unpredictable with rougher seas and strong currents, which often prevent local fishermen from operating their platforms, thus reducing the number of whale sharks near the surface.
Details itinerary – Whale Shark trip Saleh Bay Sumbawa
Day 1: Hotel–Kayangan Port– Pototano Port, Sumbawa–Labuhan Jambu Transit hotel, Stay overnight
- 08:00-10:30: Pick up at the hotel. Drive to Kayangan Port
- 10:30-12:30 Take the ferry to Sumbawa Island
- 12.30-13:30 Drive to Sumbawa Besar
- 13:30-14:30 Stop at Sumbawa Besar for Lunch
- 14:30-18:30 Drive to Labuhan Jambu Beach and check in to the transit hotel.
- 19:00-03:00 AM. Dinner and Overnight at Transit Hotel
Day 2: Labuhan Jambu port – Saleh Bay – Snorkeling – Transit hotel – Back to Lombok
- 03:00-03:30 AM Wake up and transfer to Labuhan Jambu Port
- 04.00-04:30 AM Sail by motorboat to Saleh Bay
- 05:30-09:00 AM Arrive at Teluk Saleh, snorkeling with whale sharks
- 09:00-10:00 AM Back to Labuhan Jambu Port
- 10:00-11:00 AM: Breakfast at Hotel Transit and shower
- 12.00-14:00 Check out and drive back to Lombok
- 14:00-15:30 Stop Lunch at Sumbawa Besar
- 15:30-16:30 Drive from Sumbawa Besar to Pototano Port
- 16:30-18:30 Take the ferry from Pototano Port to Lombok
- 18.30-19.00 Arrive at Kayangan Port
- 19:00-21:30 Drive from Kayangan Port to the hotel
- 21.30 Arrive at the hotel in Lombok and end the program.
The Price of the Whale Shark trip
- IDR 6.500.000 / person, minimum of 2 people to book this tour
- IDR 6.000.000 / person, minimum 4 people to book this tour
Price inclusive:
- Private Car with Air conditioning
- Private boat for snorkeling with whale sharks
- Full Board Meal
- Ticket Ferry
- Snorkeling gear, mask, fins, and life jacket
- Mineral water, coffee, and tea
- Hotel
- Entrance ticket
Exclude:
- Flight ticket,
- Soft drinks and laundry,
- Personal expenses.
- Alcoholic drink
How to book a Whale Shark Trip?
- You can email or WhatsApp to check the available dates.
- You will receive a confirmation by WhatsApp or email for your booking.
- Secure your tour booking by depositing it into our PayPal or bank account.
- You need to pay the balance in cash upon arrival.
- Confirm your hotel for pick up.
Term of Payment:
- You can make a deposit payment using our bank account or PayPal.
- We are not responsible for any taxes.
- You must pay the balance in cash upon arrival.
Cancellation policy:
- A full refund will be issued for cancellations made up to 15 days.
- A 50% charge applies for cancellations within 10 days.
- A full charge is applicable for cancellations within 7 days.
- We are not responsible for flight or luggage delays.
For Booking or information for the Whale Shark Trip Sumbawa, contact us:
- Email: surfingsenggigi@gmail.com
- WhatsApp: +6281246401009
- Please fill out our booking form.