Description
Lombok Sumbawa Whale Shark Tour: 2D1N Exclusive Adventure
Discover a high-value, once-in-a-lifetime experience with our exclusive Lombok Sumbawa Whale Shark Tour. Perfect for couples, small families, honeymooners, or adventure seekers who want to explore beyond the usual Bali or Lombok itineraries, this premium 2 Days 1 Night private package offers the ultimate opportunity to swim with whale sharks Sumbawa is famous for, and explore Indonesia’s wild and beautiful Nusa Tenggara region.
🌟 Premium Package Highlights
- Wild Whale Shark Sumbawa Encounter: Swim and snorkel safely with gentle giants at sunrise in Teluk Saleh, home to the renowned Saleh Bay whale shark population and one of Indonesia’s best wild marine destinations.
- Exclusive Private Boat: Enjoy a dedicated boat experience tailored exclusively for your small group.
- Kanawa Island Sunset Tour: Relax on a pristine white-sand beach with savanna hills and vibrant coral reefs.
- Premium Rest: Overnight in West Sumbawa followed by a final romantic night in Senggigi, Lombok.
⭐ BEST SEASON: May – December
(Peak season is July – September when plankton is abundant and sightings are almost guaranteed. Closed Jan–Mar due to weather/rough seas.)
Detailed 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Lombok Arrival → Sumbawa
Upon landing at Lombok International Airport (LOP), our team greets you warmly with a short briefing.
- Private transfer to Kayangan Harbour (approx. 1–1.5 hours).
- Board a comfortable public ferry across the Lombok Strait to Poto Tano Harbour, Sumbawa (approx. 2 hours).
- Private vehicle transfer directly to your hotel in West Sumbawa.
Check-in and enjoy free time. Lunch and dinner are arranged en route or at the hotel, featuring fresh local seafood.
*Overnight: Hotel in West Sumbawa.
Day 2: Saleh Bay Whale Shark Sunrise + Kanawa Island Sunset Tour → Lombok
An early departure (approx. 04:30–05:00) by private boat takes you to the pristine waters for your Saleh Bay whale shark encounter. Local fishermen’s traditional bagan platforms naturally attract plankton, drawing these magnificent gentle giants.
- Get ready to swim with whale sharks Sumbawa in their natural habitat while witnessing a stunning sunrise over the calm sea. Professional guides, life jackets, and snorkel gear are provided.
- Return to the hotel for breakfast and check-out.
- Short private boat ride (approx. 15 mins) to Kanawa Island for your Kanawa Island Sunset Tour experience. Enjoy free time snorkeling in clear waters, hiking to scenic viewpoints, or relaxing on the beach as you watch a dramatic sunset.
- After sunset, ferry back to Kayangan, Lombok (approx. 2 hours).
Upon arrival in Lombok, private transfer to your hotel in Senggigi. Check-in and enjoy a free evening (perfect for a seafood dinner or a relaxing spa).
*Note: Ferries operate frequently (every hour, 24 hours). We select the most convenient schedules to ensure a relaxed pace.
Official Package Price (Updated)
Prices are all-inclusive per person in IDR, covering all taxes & services.
| Group Size | Price per Person (IDR) |
|---|---|
| 1–2 Pax | Rp 9,750,000 |
| 3–4 Pax | Rp 9,100,000 |
✅ What’s Included
- 1 night hotel in Sumbawa (3–4 star standard with breakfast).
- 1 night hotel in Senggigi, Lombok.
- Private boat for whale shark tour + Kanawa Island.
- Meals as per program (lunch & dinner on Day 1, breakfast on Day 2, plus boat snacks & drinks).
- Full land transportation (airport–harbour–hotel and return).
- Return ferry tickets Kayangan ↔ Poto Tano.
- Entrance fees to attractions.
- Mineral water throughout the trip.
- Experienced local guide + life jackets & snorkeling gear (mask & fins).
⚠️ What’s Not Included
- Flights (International or domestic).
- Personal expenses and tips.
- Travel insurance.
- Optional hotel upgrades (available upon request).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is swimming with whale sharks safe?
Yes, absolutely. Whale sharks are gentle filter-feeders with no teeth used for biting. They are calm and accustomed to human presence in this area. Our experienced local guides maintain a respectful distance (minimum 3 meters), provide life jackets, and ensure everyone follows safety protocols for both guest and marine life protection.
2. Are whale shark sightings guaranteed?
During your Lombok Sumbawa Whale Shark Tour, sightings are very likely during the peak season (May–December), especially in the early morning when plankton is abundant. However, as these are wild animals, we cannot guarantee 100% sightings. Weather, currents, and natural conditions play a role. In the rare case of no sighting, we still provide the full sunrise boat experience and Kanawa Island sunset.
3. Do I need to be a strong swimmer or have snorkeling experience?
No prior experience is required. Life jackets are provided, and guides assist non-swimmers or beginners. The water in Teluk Saleh is usually calm during the tour. We recommend basic comfort in the water for the best enjoyment.
4. When is the best time to join this tour?
The optimal period is May to December, with the highest chances of whale shark encounters from July to September. Avoid January to March due to potential rough seas and monsoon conditions that can affect ferry schedules and visibility.
5. How long is the ferry crossing between Lombok and Sumbawa?
Each crossing takes approximately 1.5 – 2 hours. Ferries run 24 hours a day, every hour, so we can adjust departures for convenience and to avoid rushing.
6. What should I bring for the Whale Shark Sumbawa encounter and Kanawa Island Sunset Tour?
- Swimwear / rash guard
- Reef-safe sunscreen
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Camera or waterproof phone (no flash photography with the sharks)
- Motion sickness medication (if prone to seasickness on boats)
- Hat and sunglasses for sun protection
7. Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Yes, it is family-friendly for children above 6–7 years old who are comfortable with life jackets and guided supervision. Younger children or complete non-swimmers can enjoy the boat ride and Kanawa Island without entering the water with the sharks.
8. Are there any rules when interacting with the whale sharks?
Yes — ethical guidelines are strictly followed to protect the Saleh Bay whale shark population:
- Do not touch or chase the sharks
- Maintain at least 3 meters distance
- No flash photography
- Follow guide instructions at all times
These rules protect the sharks and ensure sustainable tourism.
9. What if the weather is bad on the day of the tour?
Safety is our priority. If sea conditions are unsafe for the private boat or ferry, we will adjust or reschedule the activities (e.g., focus more on Kanawa Island or extend the Senggigi stay). Full refunds or rescheduling options are discussed case-by-case.
10. Can I upgrade the hotels or add extra nights?
Yes. We offer upgrades to higher-category resorts in Senggigi or West Sumbawa, speedboat options (instead of public ferry), or extensions to the Gili Islands or other Lombok attractions. Please contact us for customized quotes.
