For travelers seeking an extraordinary marine experience beyond the typical tourist routes, few adventures compare to the thrill of swimming alongside the ocean’s largest fish — the whale shark. Tucked away in the heart of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, Saleh Bay in Sumbawa has emerged as a hidden gem for such encounters. The Saleh Bay whale shark tour offers an authentic, respectful, and unforgettable wildlife experience that’s slowly gaining attention among eco-conscious travelers and adventure seekers alike.
In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know about the Saleh Bay whale shark tour — from how to get there and what to expect, to the best time to go and why this region is unlike any other place in the world to witness these majestic creatures.
What Makes Saleh Bay Special?
Located in Dompu Regency, Sumbawa Island, Saleh Bay (Teluk Saleh) is a vast inland sea surrounded by volcanic highlands and dotted with traditional fishing communities. Unlike popular whale shark destinations like Mexico or the Philippines, Saleh Bay remains unspoiled and crowd-free, giving visitors a rare sense of solitude and intimacy with nature.
What truly sets Saleh Bay apart is its natural interaction between whale sharks and local fishermen. Traditional fishing platforms, called bagan, attract whale sharks that feed on baitfish and plankton dislodged by the fishermen’s nets. These gentle giants return to the same spots regularly, making their presence fairly predictable — a dream come true for responsible marine tourism.
What Is the Saleh Bay Whale Shark Tour?
The Saleh Bay whale shark tour is a half-day or full-day guided excursion from nearby towns like Labuhan Jambu. Departing in the early morning, boats head into the bay and approach the bagan platforms where whale sharks are likely to appear.
Once a whale shark is spotted, guests are allowed to snorkel or swim alongside them — always with safety, conservation, and respect as the priority. Unlike some tourism operations elsewhere, the Saleh Bay experience emphasizes minimal disturbance and education about whale shark behavior.
🐋 Tour Highlights:
- Early morning boat ride through Saleh Bay’s tranquil waters
- Up-close snorkeling with wild whale sharks in their natural habitat
- Cultural insight into Sumbawa’s traditional fishing lifestyle
- Ethical and conservation-oriented marine tourism
How to Join a Saleh Bay Whale Shark Tour
🧭 Getting to Sumbawa
To begin your Saleh Bay whale shark adventure, you’ll first need to reach Sumbawa Island, which lies east of Lombok.
✈️ By Air:
- Fly to Bima Airport (BMU) or Sumbawa Besar (SWQ) from Bali or Lombok.
- From Bima, it’s a 3–4 hour drive to Labuhan Jambu, the launch point for most tours.
⛴️ By Sea:
- From East Lombok, take a ferry to Poto Tano, then continue by land to Dompu.
🛶 Booking a Tour
Several local operators and eco-tour companies offer the Saleh Bay whale shark tour as a day trip or as part of a multi-day adventure across Sumbawa. It’s advisable to book with licensed guides who follow sustainable tourism practices.
Many tour operators now also combine this experience with other activities, such as:
- Mount Tambora trekking
- Sumbawa village homestays
- Lombok and Gili island extensions
Best Time to Visit Saleh Bay for Whale Sharks
Whale sharks in Saleh Bay are non-migratory, meaning they can be spotted nearly year-round. However, sightings are more frequent and reliable between April and November, especially during the dry season.
The early morning hours (4–8 AM) are the best time to begin your tour, as whale sharks tend to feed near the surface before the sun gets too high.
What to Expect During the Tour
A typical Saleh Bay whale shark tour begins before sunrise. After a short safety and briefing session, you’ll head out on a local wooden boat into the bay, watching the horizon light up as you search for signs of whale shark activity near the fishing platforms.
🐠 In the Water:
- You may see one or several whale sharks, depending on the day.
- Swimming is snorkel-only — no diving equipment needed.
- The water is generally calm and clear, offering excellent visibility.
🤿 Tips for Responsible Swimming:
- Keep at least 3 meters from the whale shark’s body and 4 meters from the tail.
- Do not touch or chase the animal.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen or wear protective swimwear.
- Follow your guide’s instructions at all times.
The tour often ends with a visit to a nearby fishing village, where you can enjoy a local breakfast or lunch and learn more about the community’s connection to marine life.
Why Choose Saleh Bay Over Other Whale Shark Destinations?
While destinations like Oslob (Philippines) and Isla Holbox (Mexico) are well-known for whale shark encounters, Saleh Bay offers several advantages:
| Feature | Saleh Bay, Sumbawa | Oslob, Philippines | Isla Holbox, Mexico |
| Tourist crowd | Low | High | Medium |
| Ethics | Natural feeding behavior | Artificial feeding | Seasonal migration |
| Water clarity | High | Medium | Variable |
| Local culture | Authentic & immersive | Commercialized | Tourist-oriented |
By choosing a Saleh Bay whale shark tour, you’re not only enjoying a more peaceful and personal encounter — you’re also supporting community-based tourism that benefits local fishermen and promotes ocean conservation.
What to Pack for the Tour
To make the most of your experience, be sure to bring:
- Swimsuit and towel
- Rash guard or wetsuit
- Snorkeling gear (some tours provide it)
- Waterproof camera or GoPro
- Eco-friendly sunscreen
- Light jacket for early morning boat ride
- Dry bag for electronics
Extend Your Adventure: Explore More of Sumbawa
While you’re in the area, don’t miss the chance to explore more of what Sumbawa has to offer:
- Mount Tambora: Hike the legendary volcano that erupted in 1815.
- Moyo Island: A paradise for divers and nature lovers.
- Lakey Peak: World-class surfing destination on the southern coast.
- Cultural villages: Learn about Sumbawa’s unique traditions, language, and crafts.
Many tour packages can combine these highlights with your Saleh Bay whale shark tour, creating a more well-rounded Indonesian travel experience.
The Saleh Bay whale shark tour is more than just an underwater thrill — it’s a doorway into one of Indonesia’s most magical and respectful marine encounters. By choosing this experience, you’re helping to support a sustainable tourism model that empowers local communities and protects the ocean’s most iconic species.
If you’re planning a trip to Indonesia and looking for something truly extraordinary, set your compass to Sumbawa. The whale sharks are waiting.
