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WHALE SHARK TOUR

Sumbawa Island, Indonesia

Adventure of a lifetime

There are few experiences on this planet that can compare to swimming with whale sharks. These gentle giants are the largest fish in the world, reaching lengths of up to 12 meters. Their graceful beauty and peaceful temperaments have been revered by cultures around the world for centuries.

Come on an adventure of a lifetime and swim with these majestic animals in one of their most beautiful habitats — the pristine waters of Sumbawa Island.

These placid creatures are not dangerous, but they are wild and protected in Indonesia, so the safety and care of both the whale sharks and our guests is our top priority.

The journey

We will escort you from the hotel to the departure port at 1 am (2 hours drive from the hotel to port), where a traditional boat will be waiting for you. Our guides will give you a safety briefing as well as snorkelling instructions. Your adventure will begin at 4 am as we head north into the Saleh Sea.

The journey will take around 90 minutes, and our experienced local guides will strive to find an area without many other boats and tourists. Here you will have around 2.5 hours to swim and snorkel with the whale sharks, as well as enjoying incredible views of the untouched beauty of Sumbawa and its turquoise waters.

We will then begin the journey back to the port with some breakfast sandwiches and refreshments.

The best time to see whale sharks is on or around the new moon. During these darker mornings, they are more likely to come to the surface of the ocean and to floating fishing platforms which attract plankton for them to eat.

Rates

Package «SPEED BOAT»

Speed boat excursion is the best option for comfortable service (max 4 people). This package is the faster and comfortable way to join Whale Sharks tour from Sumbawa Besar beach front hotel. Accommodation is booked separately based on the category of the room. Price start from Rp 600,000 to Rp 1,500,000 per night.
Rp 12,000,000
for 4 person
  • Included in tour:
    • Speed boat excursion (the best option for comfortable service)
    • Transportation to and from hotel (From Sumbawa Besar airport)
    • Water, hot drinks on board
    • Full snorkeling gear
    • Local captains who are highly experienced in this activity, guaranteeing the best possible sightings of whale sharks
    • Friendly, professional local guides
  • Not included in tour:
    • Accommodation: rooms in the hotel (1 room for 2 people: double bed or 2 single bed). This is estimated at around IDR 600,000 — 1,500,000 per 1 night
    • Meals
    • Medical Insurance
    • Airplane ticket from Bali to Sumbawa
    • 1 night accommodation at a hotel near the airport if you are returning to Bali by airplane. This is estimated at around IDR 500,000. Return flights are available early morning the following day
Whale Shark Tour Itinerary
Day 1
11.00 Arrival at the airport in Sumbawa Island (Sumbawa Besar — SWQ)
11.00 — 11.30 Transfer from airport to the hotel
14.00 Check-in in the hotel
Day 2
(Please note this is a 3.30am start)

4.00 — 5.00 Transfer by speed boat to snorkelling location
6.00 — 8.30 Snorkelling with whale sharks
8.30 — 9.30 Speed boat transfer back to the hotel
12.00 ‌Check-out from the hotel*

* Please note that if you are departing on a morning flight from Sumbawa to Bali you will require accommodation for one night in Sumbawa Besar.
Recommendations
  • In the extremely rare case that you don’t see any whale sharks during new moon days. But these are wild animals. We cannot guaranty 100%.
  • Bring a towel, hat and a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.
  • Please bring clothing to protect yourself from the morning chill and the sun heat lately, hat and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting to the environment and hazardous to the whale sharks, and we strongly discourage their use.
  • Please let us know in advance if you require a life vest.
  • For guests travelling from Whales and Waves Resort, an additional 850,000 IDR fee per car will apply. This will be a 120 km journey of approximately 2 hours.
Book here or via WhatsApp
to discuss your specific needs.
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Package «MYSELF»

For tourists arriving in Sumbawa with their own transport by ferry from Bali. This package for you if you have your own transport: car or motorbike to explore Sumbawa.
Rp 2,700,000
for 1 person
  • Included in tour:
    • 1 night accommodation in the hotel Sumbawa Besar
    • Local boat excursion
    • Water, hot drinks on board
    • Full snorkeling gear
    • Local captains who are highly experienced in this activity, guaranteeing the best possible sightings of whale sharks
    • Friendly, professional local guides
    • Staff and crew who have been well trained in health and safety
  • Not included in tour:
    • Meals
    • Medical Insurance
    • Airplane tickets from Bali to Sumbawa
    • Local transfer in Sumbawa area
    • Extra 1 night accommodation at a hotel near the airport if you are returning to Bali by airplane. This is estimated at around IDR 500,000 — 700,000. Return flight are available early morning the following day
Whale Shark Tour Itinerary
Day 1
11.00 Arrival at the airport in Sumbawa Island (Sumbawa Besar — SWQ)
14.00 Check-in in the hotel (Sumbawa Besar)
Day 2
(Please note this is a 1am start)

1.00 Check-out from the hotel (if needed)*
1.00 — 3.00 You will need your own car/motorbike on Sumbawa island.
You need drive to the port by car (approximately 100 km, 2 hour journey)
3.15 — 5.00 Local boat transfer to snorkelling location
6.00 — 8.30 Snorkelling with whale sharks
8.30 — 10.00 Boat transfer back to port
10.00 — 12.00 ‌You will need your own car/motorbike on Sumbawa island. Transfer to Sumbawa Besar* (2 hours journey)

* Please note that if you are departing on a morning flight from Sumbawa to Bali you will require accommodation for one night in Sumbawa Besar.
Recommendations
  • In the extremely rare case that you don’t see any whale sharks, we will take you out to try again the following day free of charge. (This will not include an extra night’s stay at the guesthouse).
  • Bring a towel, hat and a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.
  • Please bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun, hat and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting to the environment and hazardous to the whale sharks, and we strongly discourage their use.
  • We offer a 70% discount for children aged 6 to 12 years.
  • Please let us know in advance if you require a life vest.
  • This activity is suitable for small groups, from 6 — 10 people.
  • For guests travelling from Whales and Waves Resort, an additional 850,000 IDR fee per car will apply. This will be a 120 km journey of approximately 2 hours.

Package «SUMBAWA STYLE»

For tourists who arriving to Sumbawa by airplane and don’t have car or scooter. This package includes transport by car for 5 persons max. From Sumbawa Besar to Whale Sharks location and back. Approximately travel time 2.5 hours / one way.
Rp 3,700,000
for 1 person
  • Included in tour:
    • 1 night accommodation in the hotel Sumbawa Besar.
    • Transfer by car to the Whale Sharks spot.
    • Local boat excursion.
    • Transportation to and from hotel (Sumbawa Besar area).
    • Water, hot drinks on board.
    • Full snorkeling gear.
    • Local captains who are highly experienced in this activity, guaranteeing the best possible sightings of whale sharks
    • Friendly, professional local guides
    • Staff and crew who have been well trained in health and safety
  • Not included in tour:
    • Meals
    • Medical Insurance
    • Airplane tickets from Bali to Sumbawa
    • Extra 1 night accommodation at a hotel near the airport if you are returning to Bali by airplane. This is estimated at around IDR 500,000 – 700,000. Return flight are available early morning the following day
Whale Shark Tour Itinerary
Day 1
11.00 Arrival at the airport in Sumbawa Island (Sumbawa Besar — SWQ)
11.30 Transfer from airport to the hotel
14.00 Check-in in the hotel (Sumbawa Besar)
Day 2
(Please note this is a 1am start)

1.00 Check-out from the hotel (if needed)*
1.00 - 3.00 Transfer by car to the port and boarding onto local boat
3.15 - 5.00 Local boat transfer to snorkelling location
6.00 - 8.30 Snorkelling with whale sharks
8.30 - 10.00 Boat transfer back to port
10.00 - 12.00 ‌Transfer to Sumbawa Besar* (2 hour journey)

* Please note that if you are departing on a morning flight from Sumbawa to Bali you will require accommodation for one night in Sumbawa Besar.
Recommendations
  • In the extremely rare case that you don’t see any whale sharks, we will take you out to try again the following day free of charge. (This will not include an extra night’s stay at the guesthouse).
  • Bring a towel, hat and a reusable water bottle to reduce plastic consumption.
  • Please bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect yourself from the sun, hat and thus avoid the use of sunscreen. Creams (even biodegradable ones) are polluting to the environment and hazardous to the whale sharks, and we strongly discourage their use.
  • We offer a#nbsp50% discount for children aged 6 to 12 years.
  • Please let us know in advance if you require a life vest.
  • This activity is suitable for small groups, from 6 — 10 people.
  • For guests travelling from Whales and Waves Resort, an additional 850,000 IDR fee per car will apply. This will be a 120 km journey of approximately 2 hours.

sharks trip FAQ