Sumbawa Whale Shark Tours

Welcome to The Langkah Travel! Get ready for an exciting snorkeling adventure with whale sharks in the exclusive waters of Sumbawa. Enjoy the breathtaking underwater beauty, crystal-clear waters, and unforgettable moments with our expert team guiding you.

Book now for a memorable whale shark snorkeling experience in Sumbawa’s Underwater Paradise!

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A Glimpse into Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa

1. The Uniqueness of Saleh Bay

Saleh Bay in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, is one of the best destinations to see and swim with whale sharks (Rhincodon typus). Unlike seasonal locations, whale sharks can be found here year-round, drawn by the abundance of small fish and plankton near the bagan—traditional fishing platforms used by local fishermen.

2. Other Attractions in Saleh Bay

Beyond whale sharks, Saleh Bay offers breathtaking natural beauty. Towering cliffs, pristine mangrove forests, and white sandy beaches make it an ideal destination for nature lovers.

Visitors can also explore Moyo Island and Satonda Island. Moyo Island is famous for its exotic waterfalls and world-class snorkeling and diving spots, while Satonda Island boasts a unique crater lake and stunning coral reefs.

Whale sharks in Sumbawa can be found in Saleh Bay, the largest bay in Sumbawa, connected to the Flores Sea and close to Moyo Island. With a vast area of approximately 1,459 km², how do you find whale sharks in such an expansive sea? Read on for the complete guide!

3. Whale Shark Sightings in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa

Whale sharks frequently appear in Saleh Bay, a vast marine area. Due to its size, searching for whale sharks by randomly cruising around in a boat is nearly impossible.

The only way to spot them is by visiting the bagan at the right time. Many travelers wish to start their trip at their preferred time and location, but this is not as easy as it seems.

Whale sharks usually appear around 6:00 AM when fishermen lift their nets that have been set overnight. As the nets rise, small fish and plankton—whale sharks’ primary food—get carried to the surface, attracting the sharks to the bagan.

To witness this moment, you need to be at one of the bagan platforms before 6:00 AM. The boat ride to the bagan typically takes about two hours from Labuan Jambu Village.

For this reason, it’s best to arrive at Labuan Jambu before 4:00 AM or, for added convenience, stay overnight in a local homestay.

4. Travel Guide to Labuan Jambu for Whale Shark Tourism

Labuan Jambu, located in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, is one of the best places to witness whale sharks. If you’re planning a visit, here are various route options from key locations like Bali, Lombok, Labuan Bajo, and Sumbawa.

4.1. Traveling from Bali

Faster (but more expensive) option:

• Fly from Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali (DPS) to Sumbawa Besar Airport (SWQ).
• Rent a car to Labuan Jambu (often included in whale shark tour packages).

More budget-friendly option:

• Take a ferry from Padang Bai, Bali to Lembar Port, Lombok (about 4 hours).
• Rent a vehicle to Mataram Public Transport Terminal (about 45 minutes).
• Take public transport from Mataram to Sumbawa Besar (6-7 hours).
• Stay overnight in Sumbawa Besar.
• Depart at 2:00 AM with a whale shark tour package from Sumbawa Besar.

4.2. Traveling from Lombok

2 Days 1 Night Tour Package:

• Book a whale shark tour package starting and ending in Lombok (usually includes transport and accommodation).

Independent travel option:

• Take public transport from Mataram to Sumbawa Besar (6-7 hours).
• Stay overnight in Sumbawa Besar.
• Depart at 2:00 AM with a whale shark tour package from Sumbawa Besar.

4.3. Traveling from Labuan Bajo

Faster (but more expensive) option:

• Fly from Labuan Bajo Airport to Bali (transit), then take another flight to Sumbawa Besar (SWQ).
• Rent a car to Labuan Jambu (often included in whale shark tour packages).

Direct sea route option:

• Take a ferry from Labuan Bajo to Sape Port (8 hours).
• Book a whale shark tour package starting from Sape Port.

More budget-friendly option:

• Take a ferry from Labuan Bajo to Sape Port (8 hours).
• Take public transport to Bima (2 hours).
• Stay overnight in Bima.
• Travel from Bima to Labuan Jambu (4 hours).
• Stay overnight in Labuan Jambu and book a whale shark tour for the next morning.

4.4. Traveling from Sumbawa Besar

• 2 Days 1 Night Tour Package: Depart the day before.
• More budget-friendly: Join a whale shark tour departing at 2:00 AM from Sumbawa Besar.

4.5. Independent Travel by Motorcycle from Lombok

• Ride to Kayangan Port, Lombok (2-2.5 hours).
• Take a ferry to Poto Tano Port, Sumbawa (about 1.5 hours).
• Ride from Poto Tano to Labuan Jambu (4-5 hours).

5. Best Time to See Whale Sharks in Sumbawa

Whale sharks can be spotted in Saleh Bay year-round, but the best time to visit is between April and November. During this period, the sea is calmer, the water is clearer, and the weather is more favorable for snorkeling and diving.

Avoid visiting between January and March, as rough seas and strong currents often prevent bagan fishermen from going out, reducing the chances of spotting whale sharks.

6. Conservation Efforts

Whale sharks are classified as an endangered species by the IUCN due to hunting, boat collisions, and environmental changes. In Saleh Bay, the local community, which once saw whale sharks as competitors for fish, now views them as valuable tourism assets.

Several conservation organizations, such as The Whale Shark Project, conduct research in this area. They monitor whale shark populations, track their movements, and educate both locals and tourists on the importance of protecting this species.

7. Guidelines for Interacting with Whale Sharks

Whale sharks are a rare and protected species. Therefore, it’s essential to follow these guidelines:

• Do not touch the whale sharks. Their sharp placoid scales can cause injury.
• Maintain a distance of at least 3 meters. Their tail swipes can be powerful and dangerous.
• Turn off your camera flash. Sudden bright lights can startle the sharks and lead to unpredictable behavior.
• Follow the local guide’s instructions. This ensures your safety and the well-being of the whale sharks.

8. Additional Tips for Whale Shark Tourism in Sumbawa

• Have breakfast before heading to Saleh Bay or ask your guide to prepare one.
• Use sun protection. Fishermen’s boats (begoq) are quite open, so request a tarp for shade.
• Bring earplugs. Boat engines can be noisy, so carrying ear protection is a good idea.
• Stay calm while snorkeling. If a whale shark approaches, swim away slowly.
• Be mindful when getting on and off the boat. Ask your guide to assist you for safety.

By following this guide, you can enjoy a safe and memorable experience with whale sharks in Sumbawa. Don’t forget to bring a waterproof camera to capture this once-in-a-lifetime moment!

Excited? Start planning your trip and discover the wonders of Saleh Bay!