2 Days 1 Night Whale Shark Sharing

An Honest Look at the 2 Days 1 Night Whale Shark Sharing Tour in Lombok

Planning a trip to Indonesia often means considering Bali’s famous beaches or Lombok’s rugged landscapes. But if you’re craving a truly unique marine adventure, the 2 Days 1 Night Whale Shark Sharing Tour on Sumbawa Island promises a chance to see the gentle giants of the ocean in their natural habitat. We haven’t personally done this tour, but based on detailed reviews and the itinerary, here’s what you need to know before booking your spot.

What immediately catches the eye are the intimate size of the group, the authentic experience of snorkeling with whale sharks, and the value for the price of $199 per person. The tour’s structure offers a blend of cultural logistics and marine excitement, perfect for travelers who like a mix of adventure and comfort. A potential consideration is the early wake-up call—starting as early as 4 am— which might not be ideal for night owls or those with sleep sensitivities.

This experience appears best suited for adventurous travelers, marine life enthusiasts, and those comfortable with moderate physical activity. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounter with manageable group sizes and a balanced itinerary, this tour is worth considering.

Good To Know

Authentic marine experience: Snorkeling with whale sharks in their natural environment offers genuine wildlife interaction.
Well-organized itinerary: The tour’s schedule is carefully planned with clear timing, from early morning starts to cultural stops.
Value for money: At $199, it includes transport, boat rides, snorkeling gear, and meals, minimizing extra costs.
Small group size: Limited to 12 travelers, ensuring personalized attention and fewer crowds.
Weather-dependent: The tour is contingent on good weather, so plans might shift or cancel in poor conditions.
Early start: Be prepared for early mornings—some trips begin at 4 am for optimal whale shark sightings.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Booking and Planning

The tour is popular, with bookings typically made about 54 days in advance, suggesting it’s a well-regarded activity among travelers. The process involves a mobile ticket, which makes it convenient, and price-wise, it’s quite competitive considering it covers most essentials like transport, boat, snorkeling gear, and meals.

Departure and Transportation

The journey begins in Lombok’s Bangsal Harbour around 8 am, followed by a roughly two-hour drive from Mataram to Kayangan Harbor. This transport aspect is straightforward, with a check-in time at the tour’s main office in Mataram at 9:30 am. The trip involves a ferry crossing, which is included in the price, and a comfortable, organized transfer to the boat.

The First Day in Saleh Bay

Once on the boat, the mood is set for a relaxed yet anticipatory day. The boat ride offers scenic views, and the guide’s local knowledge ensures you stay informed about the marine environment and safety protocols. There’s a 30-minute free admission ticket, giving you a moment to explore or acclimate.

The Second Day: The Heart of the Adventure

The early morning starts at 4 am, when you’ll board a traditional Begog boat—an experience in itself—heading out to the whale shark feeding grounds. Expect to reach the whale shark spot around 5:30 am, as reported by previous reviews that highlight the importance of the early start for a good sighting. The fact that breakfast onboard includes coffee, tea, fruits, and bread adds comfort to this early rise.

The actual whale shark encounter happens between 5:30 am and 8 am, giving you a generous window for snorkeling and spotting these majestic creatures. The guides are experienced, and with a maximum group size of 12, you get personalized attention—reviewers noted that “guides are attentive and knowledgeable,” ensuring everyone feels safe and well-informed during the swim.

What You Can Expect During the Experience

The tour is designed to maximize your chance of seeing whale sharks in their natural habitat. The guides use traditional boats, and the snorkeling equipment is provided, which is crucial since most travelers don’t want to carry their own gear in such a remote setting. The early start means you’ll be out before most travelers, boosting your chances of an uninterrupted sighting.

The Environment and Marine Life

Saleh Bay’s waters are protected and pristine, offering clear visibility for snorkeling. The whale sharks here are known to gather to feed on plankton, which makes the encounter less stressful for the animals and more authentic for the snorkelers. The experience is about observing and respecting these gentle giants in their environment, which is emphasized by the tour’s focus on sharing the habitat rather than chasing or disturbing the sharks.

Additional Costs and Tips

While the tour includes most essentials, there are a few expenses you should consider. Tips for guides are not included, and some travelers may choose to extend their trip or arrange transportation to different destinations like Kuta Senggigi or Bangsal for an extra 200k IDR per person. Meals such as dinner and lunch are not included, so packing or planning for food is advisable.

Safety and Practical Tips

The tour’s physical requirement is moderate, so travelers should be comfortable swimming or snorkeling. Since weather plays a critical role, a clear forecast is beneficial; cancellations due to poor weather can be rebooked or refunded. Keep in mind, early mornings can be cold, so bring a light jacket or warm clothing for the boat ride.

Authenticity and Reviews

From the reviews available, the guides are praised for their attentiveness and local knowledge. One reviewer mentions, “guides are friendly and make the experience safe and enjoyable,” while another appreciated the “quiet early morning hours” that enhanced the magic of spotting whale sharks. These insights suggest that the tour’s success hinges on experienced guides and good weather conditions.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for marine life lovers who are eager for a genuine wildlife encounter. It suits adventurous travelers comfortable with early mornings and moderate physical activity. The small group size ensures a more intimate experience, making it perfect for those who want to avoid large crowds.

However, if you’re not comfortable with early starts or have specific health concerns that make early mornings challenging, this might not be the best fit. The tour also requires good weather; if your trip coincides with bad weather, expect possible cancellations or rescheduling.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For $199, this tour offers a carefully curated experience that combines exploration, wildlife observation, and cultural logistics. The inclusive nature—covering transport, boat, snorkeling gear, and meals—delivers excellent value, especially considering the rarity of swimming alongside whale sharks. The intimate group sizes and the opportunity to see these gentle giants in their natural habitat make it stand out from larger, less personal tours.

If you’re looking for a meaningful, authentic marine adventure and don’t mind waking up early, this trip could be one of the highlights of your Lombok or Sumbawa visit. It’s a chance to witness one of the ocean’s most fascinating creatures while also enjoying the scenic beauty of Indonesia’s lesser-known coastal waters.

FAQ

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes boat rides, ferry transportation, snorkeling equipment, meals (breakfast on Day 2), and return transport from Mataram.

How long does the trip last?
The entire experience spans approximately two days, with the main activities concentrated early in the mornings, especially on Day 2.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, and a light jacket for the early morning boat rides. Snorkeling gear is provided, but you can also bring your own if preferred.

Is this tour suitable for children or less active travelers?
It requires moderate physical activity—mostly swimming and snorkeling—so it’s best for those comfortable in the water. Younger children or less confident swimmers should assess their comfort level.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour depends on good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Can I book this tour last minute?
On average, travelers book about 54 days in advance, so last-minute bookings might be difficult but not impossible if spots are available.

Are tips expected?
Tips for guides are not included, but they are appreciated if you feel the service was excellent.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 12, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Is there an option to go to other destinations after the tour?
Yes, drop-off to destinations like Kuta Senggigi or Bangsal can be arranged for an additional 200k IDR per person.

To sum it up, this tour offers an authentic chance to swim with whale sharks in Indonesia, balancing adventure with comfort. It’s best suited for travelers who prioritize wildlife encounters, small-group experiences, and are comfortable with early mornings. With most of the essentials covered and an emphasis on ecological respect, it’s a memorable addition to any Lombok or Sumbawa itinerary.