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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.
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 between 1 — 2 am (2 — 2,5 hours drive from the hotel to port), where a speed boat will be waiting for you. Our guides will give you a safety briefing as well as snorkelling instructions. Your adventure will begin between 4 — 5 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.
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 (the prce is fixe for 1 — 5 people). This package is the faster and comfortable way to join Whale Sharks tour from Sumbawa Besar.
Rp 18,000,000
1 — 5 person
Included in tour:- Speed boat excursion (the best option for comfortable service)
- 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
- Tour guide
Not included in tour:- Transportation to and from hotel (From Sumbawa Besar airport)
- Meals
- Medical Insurance
- Airplane ticket from Bali to Sumbawa
Whale Shark Tour Itinerary
Day 1−3
11.00 Arrival at the airport in Sumbawa Island (Sumbawa Besar — SWQ)
11.00 — 13.30 Transfer from Sumbawa Besar airport to the Whales&Waves Resort
14.00 Check-in in the Whales&Waves Resort
11.00 — 13.30 Transfer from Sumbawa Besar airport to the Whales&Waves Resort
14.00 Check-in in the Whales&Waves Resort
Day 4
(Please note this is a 3.30am start)
2.00 — 4.30 Transfer by speed car to Sumbawa Besar (2,5 hours drive)
4.30 — 5.30 Transfer by speed boat to snorkelling location
6.00 — 8.30 Snorkelling with whale sharks
8.30 — 10.00 Speed boat transfer back to the Sumbawa Besar
Optional:
12.00 Check-in at the hotel (near airport Sumbawa Besar)
or transport back to Whales&Waves Resort*
* 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.
2.00 — 4.30 Transfer by speed car to Sumbawa Besar (2,5 hours drive)
4.30 — 5.30 Transfer by speed boat to snorkelling location
6.00 — 8.30 Snorkelling with whale sharks
8.30 — 10.00 Speed boat transfer back to the Sumbawa Besar
Optional:
12.00 Check-in at the hotel (near airport Sumbawa Besar)
or transport back to Whales&Waves Resort*
* 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 1,050,000 IDR fee per car will apply. This will be a 120 km journey of approximately 2 — 2,5 hours (one way).
Book an excursion
Snorkeling with whale sharks
sharks trip FAQ
Whale sharks can be seen only around the “New Moon” dates. When the moon is bright, whale sharks are going all over the ocean to find breakfast. During dark moon, they are coming to floating fishing platforms that have strong lights at night attracting plancton and fish that whalesharks love for breakfast. Please contact us to plan your trip at the right time.
It is a one-day overnight excursion from our resort to Whale Sharks spot and then a boat trip to see these rare and wonderful animals.
Package "Speed boat tour"*
Price Rp 18,000,000 includes:
- Whale sharks tour: boat, snorkeling equipment, photo, all local fees and community payments are included
- Local tour guide
Price Rp 18,000,000 includes:
- Whale sharks tour: boat, snorkeling equipment, photo, all local fees and community payments are included
- Local tour guide
It includes simple breakfast, coffee and tea; snorkeling gear, use of a GoPro; boat transfer to Whales Sharks spot, certified tour guide, and conservation fee.
No, accommodation is not included.
We provide all the equipment you need (snorkel, mask and fins), but feel free to bring your own.
No
Yes. This is the best way to interact with this amazing animal.
No. Amongst other reasons, it is a protected marine species and its skin is covered in a sensitive mucus membrane and should not be touched (thank you!).
This Excursion is for families and children over 6 years old. Children must be able to swim/ snorkel.
