Snorkeling with Whale sharks at Saleh Bay in Sumbawa, Indonesia, is considered a fantastic and reliable experience. You will have a unique opportunity to witness these gentle giants up close. In addition, it contributes to conservation efforts by raising awareness and supporting responsible tourism practices.

Saleh Bay is located in North Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. It is near Labuan Jambu, a village where whale sharks are commonly spotted. This bay is renowned for its popularity as a snorkeling destination and for offering the chance to spot giant whale sharks.

What are the advantages of snorkeling with whale sharks at Saleh Bay in Sumbawa?

Swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks offer a fantastic experience in your lifetime. Saleh Bay in Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, is one of the best places to spot Whale Sharks.

Here are the advantages of swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks in Salehe Bay, Sumbawa:

• Unique Experience. Swimming and snorkeling alongside giant whale sharks can be a deeply humbling and awe-inspiring experience. It is described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
• Safe and peaceful. Snorkeling and swimming with whale sharks at Saleh Bay in Sumbawa is considered a safe and peaceful experience. Whale sharks are gentle giants and not a threat to humans. Making swimming and snorkeling with them a thrilling yet safe experience.
• Suitable Practice. Swimming with whale sharks also supports conservation efforts, and responsible tourism can contribute to research and habitat protection
• Adventure and Exploration. Swimming or snorkeling with whale sharks at Saleh Bay in Subawa also allows you to explore vibrant corals and diverse marine life in the area

How to Get to Saleh Bay in Sumbawa?

There are a few options to consider. You can go by bus or flight from Bali or Lombok to Sumbawa. Then you can take a boat to Saleh Bay.

Here are the best options to get to Saleh Bay:

• Flight from Bali ( Ngurah Rai International Airport) or other major cities in Indonesia to Sumbawa (Sultan Muhammad Kaharuddin Airport) and then drive from Sumbawa Besar to Labuahan Jambu. From Labuhan Jambu, you can hire a boat to Saleh Bay.
• Ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa. Drive from Senggigi, Mataram, Kuta, or Bangsal to Kayangan Harbor in East Lombok, which takes approximately 2 hours. Then, take the ferry for about 2 hours to Pelabuhan Poto Tano, Sumbawa. Drive from Poto Tano to Labuhan Jambu and then take a boat trip to Saleh Bay. The total spend on car driving and ferry from Lombok to Sumbawa is approximately 4 to 5 hours, depending on the road traffic.
• Join a boat trip from Lombok to Flores or Flores to Lombok. If you are an adventurer and want to explore the Komodo and Whale Sharks, this will be the best option.

When is the best time to snorkel with the Whale Shark at Saleh Bay?

Whale shark sightings in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, occur throughout the year. However, the best time to snorkel or swim with whale sharks at Saleh Bay is from May to October. This period has good visibility and a calm sea. Early morning at 06.00 am is particularly good to do snorkeling and swim.

Here are the details of the time to visit:

• May to October. This period is a peak season for whale sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa. The sea is calm and has good visibility to see the Whale Sharks.
• November to April is also considered snorkeling with whale sharks. This will be the rainy season, however, sightings are still possible during this period.
• In the morning at 06:00 am is the best time to do snorkeling. This is the time when fishermen lifted their nets, Whale Sharks will come to feed on the plankton stirred up by the nets.

Where to book the Snorkeling trip with Whale Shark at Saleh Bay?

Komodo Touristic is one of the tour agencies that offer a few trips to see Whale Sharks at Saleh Bay, Sumbawa Island. We offer both trips, snorkeling with whale sharks and a trek to see Komodo Dragons.

If you want to do an adventure, you can find some options for trips to Whale Sharks at Saleh Bay, including a visit to Komodo National Park. This trip is available for departure from Lombok and Labuan Bajo, Flores Island.

A 4 Days 3 Nights Lombok to Komodo is the best option to explore the whole destination, including Whale Sharks at Saleh Bay, in a one-go trip. The trip departs on Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday. Lombok to Flores by Luxury boat tour departs on Friday, meanwhile, a standard boat departs on Wednesday and Saturday.