Whale Shark Saleh Bay, Sumbawa Island
The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) of Saleh Bay stands as one of nature’s most captivating paradoxes: a gentle giant whose immense size contrasts with its peaceful disposition. As the largest known fish on Earth, it moves through the world’s warm oceans with quiet grace, filtering tiny plankton through a mouth wide enough to awe any observer.
Saleh Bay, nestled between the rugged coasts of Sumbawa and the pristine marine world of the Flores Sea, has emerged as one of Indonesia’s most remarkable sanctuaries for the gentle giant of the ocean.
This unique convergence between nature and marine conservation in Saleh Bay is a destination of wonder for travelers seeking a respectful encounter with the world’s largest fish.
Why is Saleh Bay famous?
- Saleh Bay is the largest bay in Sumbawa, near Moyo Island.
- The bay provides favorable habitat: relatively shallow waters and plenty of plankton and small fish
- There are 129 individual whale sharks in Saleh Bay
Time to visit? Whale Sharks Saleh Bay
- The best time to go is April–November
- Early morning is 04:00–06:00 AM
What a typical “Whale Shark Saleh Bay” tour looks like
- Depart early from port Labuhan Jambu
- Boat ride to a fishing platform or known shark-spot zone
- Snorkeling near the platform—often gentle juveniles (3–4 m), sometimes larger ones.
- The regulation snorkeling: do not touch the shark, keep distance (often 3–4 m), no chasing, no flash photography
What to know about the gentle giant
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Whale-shark sightings often depend on time of year, ocean conditions, and plankton blooms. Some spots have seasonal peaks.
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Respect guidelines: don’t touch or chase the whale sharks, keep safe distances, and use ethical/sustainable tour operators.
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Choose your starting point depending on how far you’re willing to travel, and your budget to book the trip