2 Days 1 Night Whale Shark Tour From Lombok (Shared Package)
TOUR DESCRIPTION
The 2-Day, 1-Night Shared Whale Shark Tour from Lombok is a fast-paced, budget-friendly group adventure to Saleh Bay in neighboring Sumbawa. Designed for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking to split costs and meet fellow adventurers, this tour combines overland travel, ferry crossings, and an unforgettable sunrise wildlife encounter into an action-packed 48 hours.
Here is what you can expect from a standard 2D1N shared package:
The Main Event: A pre-dawn wake-up call on Day 2 takes you out into the calm waters of Saleh Bay. Here, you will jump in and snorkel alongside majestic, gentle whale sharks as they gather around traditional fishing platforms (bagans) to feed.
Cost-Effective & Social: Because transport and guide costs are split among a small group (usually 4 to 12 people), it is significantly cheaper than a private tour, with the added bonus of traveling with like-minded backpackers and tourists.
Overland & Sea Travel: The journey itself is an adventure. You will travel by shared minivan from your hotel in Lombok, take the public ferry across the Alas Strait to Sumbawa, and drive to a coastal village near the bay.
Basic but Comfortable: Accommodations are typically simple, clean local homestays or budget guesthouses near the harbor in Sumbawa to ensure you are close to the boats for the early morning departure.
Bonus Stops: Most shared itineraries break up the return drive with a stop at Gili Kenawa, a tiny, uninhabited island famous for its grassy savanna hill and excellent snorkeling, before dropping you back at your Lombok hotel.
GALLERY
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Morning pickup in Lombok → Drive to Kayangan Port → Ferry to Sumbawa → Drive to Sumbawa Besar/Tarano →Check into a local homestay and rest.
3:00 AM wake-up → Boat ride to Saleh Bay → Snorkel with Whale Sharks at sunrise → Breakfast → Travel back toward Lombok with a stop at Gili Kenawa → Evening drop-off at your Lombok accommodation.
PACKAGE PRICE OPTIONS
Private Package
The 2-Day, 1-Night Private Whale Shark Tour from Lombok offers an exclusive, comfortable, and personalized wildlife adventure to Saleh Bay in Sumbawa. Designed for couples, families, or photographers who value privacy and flexibility, this package upgrades the standard shared experience with dedicated transportation and a private boat just for your group
Share Package
The 2-Day, 1-Night Shared Whale Shark Tour from Lombok is a fast-paced, budget-friendly group adventure to Saleh Bay in neighboring Sumbawa. Designed for solo travelers, couples, or small groups looking to split costs and meet fellow adventurers, this tour combines overland travel, ferry crossings, and an unforgettable sunrise wildlife encounter into an action-packed 48 hours.
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GOOD THINGS TO KNOW
Preparing for a Whale Shark tour to Saleh Bay (Sumbawa) from Lombok is exciting, but because it involves overland travel, island-hopping, and open-water swimming, knowing what to expect can make or break your trip.
Here are the most important things to know before you go:
1. It is a Very Long Travel Day
While tour operators sell this as a “Lombok Tour,” the whale sharks are actually located in Saleh Bay on the neighboring island of Sumbawa.
The Journey: From Lombok, you have to drive to Kayangan Port (up to 3 hours), take a public ferry to Sumbawa (2 hours), and then drive another 4 to 5 hours to the coastal village of Labuan Jambu.
Expectation: Treat the travel day as part of the adventure. Bring a neck pillow, download podcasts or movies, and carry some snacks for the road.
2. You Will Be Running on Very Little Sleep
To see the whale sharks, you have to be at the traditional fishing platforms (bagans) exactly at sunrise (around 6:00 AM).
This means your tour guide will wake you up between 3:00 AM and 3:45 AM.
You will board a wooden motorized boat in the pitch black and cruise for 1.5 to 2 hours into the bay. Bring a light jacket or hoodie, as the ocean breeze is surprisingly chilly before the sun comes up.
3. You Don’t Need to Scuba Dive
The whale sharks in Saleh Bay come right up to the surface to feed on the plankton and small fish slipping out of the fishermen’s nets.
Snorkeling is Best: Because the action happens in the top few meters of water, snorkeling is the standard and most effective way to experience them.
Skill Level: The bay is generally calm, especially during the dry season, making it suitable for beginner snorkelers.However, you will be jumping into deep open water, so you should have basic swimming confidence. Life jackets are always available if you need one.
4. There Are Strict Rules of Engagement
Whale sharks are a protected species in Indonesia. To ensure eco-friendly and safe encounters, you must follow the local code of conduct:
Keep your distance: Maintain at least 3 to 4 meters away from their body, and 4 to 5 meters away from their powerful tail.
Never touch them: Touching the sharks can remove the protective mucus layer on their skin and cause infections.
No flash photography: The bright lights can disorient and blind them.
Enter calmly: Slide into the water gently from the boat rather than jumping and splashing, which can startle them.
5. What to Pack in Your Day/Dry Bag
Most tours provide basic snorkeling gear and a light breakfast, but you should bring the following:
A Rash Guard or Wetsuit Top: This protects your back from the sun while you float on the surface, and also provides a layer of protection against occasional sea lice or tiny jellyfish stings.
Reef-Safe Sunscreen: Standard sunscreens contain chemicals that bleach and destroy marine ecosystems.
Motion Sickness Pills: If you are prone to seasickness, take medication 30 minutes before boarding the boat in the morning.
A Dry Bag: To protect your phone, wallet, and a dry set of clothes from splashing water on the wooden boat.
Underwater Camera/GoPro: If you don’t have one, ask your tour operator in advance! Many guides will rent you a GoPro or include photo/video services in your package.
WHALE SHARK TOUR SEASON
While you can spot whale sharks in Saleh Bay year-round, timing your trip right makes a massive difference in water visibility, sea conditions, and the likelihood of a great encounter.
Best Time Season: May to October
1. The Best Months: May to October
Peak Season (May – October): This is the dry season in Indonesia. The sea is at its calmest, water visibility is at its clearest, and the weather is ideal for boat travel and snorkeling.
The Sweet Spot (July – September): Some local operators note this as the absolute best window to see large congregations of whale sharks, as it coincides with peak krill season in the bay.
Months to Avoid (January – March): This is the peak of the rainy season. While the sharks are still present, the sea can be rough, visibility drops, and some tour operators even pause their trips due to inclement weather.
2. The Best Time of Day: 6:00 AM (Sunrise)
You need to be an early bird for this tour. The absolute best time to jump in the water is right at 6:00 AM.
The sharks gather around traditional fishing platforms (called bagans) early in the morning.
This is when the local fishermen lift their nets, stirring up plankton and small fish (bycatch) that the whale sharks come to the surface to feed on.
3. The Best Moon Phase: Avoid the Full Moon
Crucial Tip: Check the lunar calendar before booking your dates. It is highly recommended to avoid the full moon.
During a full moon, the bright night sky makes the fishermen’s lights less effective at attracting small fish and squid. Because of this, many fishermen take a break and do not go out to sea. No fishing activity means no bycatch for the whale sharks to feed on, which significantly lowers your chances of an encounter.
BOOK YOUR WHALE SHARK ADVENTURE AT THE BEST TIME – TODAY!
Swim with Giants: Book Your Whale Shark Adventure Today!
Right now is the absolute best time of year to see them. We are currently in the peak dry season (August), which means calm seas, crystal-clear water, and the highest chances of swimming alongside multiple whale sharks in Saleh Bay.
Don’t wait to check this off your bucket list! Our boats are filling up fast for this unforgettable sunrise wildlife encounter. Whether you are a solo backpacker looking to make friends or a couple seeking a private getaway, we have a spot for you:
The Shared 2D1N Package: Budget-friendly and highly social. Join a small group of like-minded travelers for an action-packed 48 hours of island hopping and snorkeling.
The Private 2D1N Package: Exclusive transport, a private boat, and total flexibility. Perfect for couples, families, and underwater photographers.
Why book today? Because peak season means peak demand! With limited spots on our morning boats and local accommodations booking out quickly, securing your trip today guarantees you won’t miss out on the magic of Saleh Bay.
Ready to jump in? Message us now with your preferred dates and let’s get you on the boat!