Whale Shark Trip 2 days focused on seeing whale sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa. The journey began on Lombok Island, passing through the port of East Lombok (Kayangan) to the port of Sumbawa (Pototano), a two-hour ferry ride away.
This Whale Shark trip is design private trip only from Lombok Island. This trip is categorised as an adventure programme, so we recommend that you are in good physical condition before starting this trip.
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) are slow-moving fish-eating sharks. A single whale shark can reach a length of 18.8 metres (61.7 feet), making it one of the largest fish in existence. There are 129 species of whale sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa.
How does the whale shark survive in Saleh Bay
Whale sharks survive and thrive in Saleh Bay due to its unique status as a stable, year-round feeding ground supported by both natural conditions and traditional human activities.
1. Natural Feeding Ground and Nursery
- Abundant Nutrients: The bay is a semi-enclosed body of water surrounded by extensive mangrove forests, seagrass beds, and coral reefs. These ecosystems provide a constant supply of organic materials that fuel high plankton productivity.
- Ideal Habitat: Its relatively calm, sheltered waters protect young sharks from large open-sea waves and predators, making it a critical nursery ground for neonates (newborns) and juveniles.
- Natural Diet: While they are known for surface feeding, satellite tagging in 2025 revealed that whale sharks in Saleh Bay also hunt naturally at depths of 20–100 meters, chasing fish larvae and zooplankton.
2. Interaction with Fishing Platforms (Bagans)
- The “Bagan” Effect: Local fishermen use floating wooden platforms called bagans that use powerful lamps to attract anchovies and small shrimp (rebon) at night.
- Morning Feast: At dawn, whale sharks gather around these platforms to eat the small fish and shrimp that slip through the nets or are discarded by fishermen.
- Mutual Relationship: Fishermen traditionally view whale sharks as a good omen, believing their presence indicates a healthy catch. This has led to a respectful coexistence that now includes sustainable ecotourism.
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.
Itinerary – Whale Shark trip 2 days.
Day 1: Hotel–Kayangan Port– Pototano Port, Sumbawa–Labuhan Jambu Transit hotel, Stay overnight
- 08:00-10:30: Pick up at 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 is US$ per person
- US $425 Per person; Minimum of 2 people to book this tour
- US$ 375 Per person, Minimum of 3-4 people to book this tour
- US$ 350 Per person, minimum, and up to 5 people to book this tour
Price included – Whale Shark trip 2 days.
- 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 2 days?
- 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 for cancellations made up to 7 days.
- A 50% charge applies for cancellations within 5 days.
- A full charge is applicable for cancellations within 48 hours.
- We are not responsible for flight or luggage delays.
Similar daily tour we recommend to you:
- Fun River Tubing
- ATV Tour Lombok
- Lombok River Fun Rafting
- Snorkeling 3 Gili’s – Visiting Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno, and Gili Air
- Snorkeling to Hiden Island, Gili Nanggu
- Pink Beach Lombok
- Sendang Gile Waterfall
Any questions about the Whale Shark trip 2 days, please text us:
- Email at surfingsenggigi@gmail.com or info@nayakasurfschool.com
- WhatsApp at +6281246401009
- Fill the booking form below: