Flights not included! Submitting a request is completely free — no payment required. We carefully curate each group to ensure the best possible travel experience. We welcome like-minded adventurers: active, conscious, and curious people. Group dynamics matter, and your vibe helps shape the journey for everyone.
🕒 Duration: 2,5 DAYS
👥 GROUP SIZE: max 12 per
👥 GROUP SIZE: max 12 per
$ 230
Amin
Local Guide in Sumbawa
Alex
Remote Group Host
Meet Your Trip Leaders
WC Team
Sumbawa is one of the rare places on Earth where you can snorkel with wild whale sharks. It’s a completely different side of Indonesia — raw, untamed, and nothing like Bali. If you’ve got a bucket list full of once-in-a-lifetime adventures, this one absolutely belongs on it. Welcome to Sumbawa — wild, real, unforgettable.
Sumbawa island
from Bali to Sumbawa:
Approx. 55 minutes
Approx. 55 minutes
Average Temperature:
Water: 28°C / Air: 30°C
Water: 28°C / Air: 30°C
Despite the name, whale sharks are nothing like their toothy shark cousins. They’re completely harmless to humans — slow-moving, peaceful giants that feed only on plankton, not prey. They don’t bite. They don’t hunt. In fact, even kids can safely snorkel with them.
More Whale Than Shark — and 100% Gentle
The Largest Fish on Earth — Not a Whale! Whale sharks are the biggest fish species alive today — don’t let the name confuse you. They’re not whales (which are mammals), but true sharks, making them the largest living fish on the planet.
The Largest Fish on the Planet
18
meters
30
tons
Whale sharks are often called "gentle giants" — and for good reason. To swim beside one, all you need is a snorkel mask. These giants feed right at the surface — even though they can dive over 1,000 meters (3,300 feet) deep. They live up to 150 years, cruise slowly at around 3 mph (5 km/h), and migrate thousands of kilometers across oceans. Long life, slow pace — what’s the rush when you’ve got all the time in the world?
The Gentle Giants of the Ocean
This experience is designed for those who love active travel and real adventure. We’ve selected the best available hotel and fine-tuned the itinerary to make sure you reach the whale shark point at just the right time — perfect for that unforgettable shot.
But here’s the honest truth: Sumbawa isn’t Bali. It’s wild, raw, and far less developed for tourism. Think expedition-style travel — no almond milk flat whites in the morning, and sometimes things may be a bit slow, rough, or outside your comfort zone. And yet — everyone who’s taken this journey says the same thing: It’s 100% worth it.
But here’s the honest truth: Sumbawa isn’t Bali. It’s wild, raw, and far less developed for tourism. Think expedition-style travel — no almond milk flat whites in the morning, and sometimes things may be a bit slow, rough, or outside your comfort zone. And yet — everyone who’s taken this journey says the same thing: It’s 100% worth it.
Before You Go
Itinerary
Your 2.5-day journey from Bali to the whale sharks of Sumbawa
Day 1 — A Short Flight
& Time to Unwind
& Time to Unwind
Your adventure begins! At 9:50 AM, we board a small turboprop plane from Bali — and just one hour later, we land on the island of Sumbawa, where a private transfer takes us to our hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax. Enjoy lunch, get to know your fellow travelers, explore the lush, oceanfront property, and recharge — because the real adventure begins tonight.
The rest of the day is yours to relax. Enjoy lunch, get to know your fellow travelers, explore the lush, oceanfront property, and recharge — because the real adventure begins tonight.
Late Night Departure —
Heading to the Shark Spot
Heading to the Shark Spot
At 1:30 AM, we depart by private transfer toward the whale shark point. Yes, this will be the toughest stretch of the trip — but this is what we came for!
The journey includes 2 hours by car, followed by 1.5 hours by boat. You can lie down and sleep on the boat — the ride is smooth, with no waves or rocking. Just glowing plankton below and a star-filled sky above.
The journey includes 2 hours by car, followed by 1.5 hours by boat. You can lie down and sleep on the boat — the ride is smooth, with no waves or rocking. Just glowing plankton below and a star-filled sky above.
Day 2 — Swim
with Whale Sharks
with Whale Sharks
As the sun rises, we reach the fishing platforms, and just as we arrive — so do the whale sharks, coming in for their plankton breakfast.
This is the highlight of the trip. Put on your mask and fins, jump in, and take your time to get used to swimming alongside these calm, magnificent giants.
When the light is just right, we split into small groups of 2–3 people. Our guide will capture incredible underwater photos of each of you with the sharks. After snorkeling, a light breakfast with sandwiches and drinks awaits you on the boat.
This is the highlight of the trip. Put on your mask and fins, jump in, and take your time to get used to swimming alongside these calm, magnificent giants.
When the light is just right, we split into small groups of 2–3 people. Our guide will capture incredible underwater photos of each of you with the sharks. After snorkeling, a light breakfast with sandwiches and drinks awaits you on the boat.
Back to the Hotel —
Free Time
Free Time
We return to the hotel around lunchtime. The rest of the day is yours — relax, nap, swim in the pool, catch up on emails, or book a massage.
In the evening, after watching the sunset from the beach in front of the hotel, we’ll head to the only truly tasty café in town for dinner together — a special treat on this wild and untouristed island.
In the evening, after watching the sunset from the beach in front of the hotel, we’ll head to the only truly tasty café in town for dinner together — a special treat on this wild and untouristed island.
Day 3 — Checkout
& Return to Bali
& Return to Bali
After a light buffet breakfast at the hotel, we check out and head to the airport at 9:30 AM. A quick flight takes us back to Bali, with landing scheduled around 12:25 PM.
Your journey — the kind that splits your life into "before" and "after" — comes to an end. But it’s just the beginning of something bigger.
Don’t forget to share your feedback with your coordinator — and tell your friends about us!
Your journey — the kind that splits your life into "before" and "after" — comes to an end. But it’s just the beginning of something bigger.
Don’t forget to share your feedback with your coordinator — and tell your friends about us!
Day 1 — A Short Flight
& Time to Unwind
& Time to Unwind
Your adventure begins! At 9:50 AM, we board a small turboprop plane from Bali — and just one hour later, we land on the island of Sumbawa, where a private transfer takes us to our hotel.
The rest of the day is yours to relax. Enjoy lunch, get to know your fellow travelers, explore the lush, oceanfront property, and recharge — because the real adventure begins tonight.
The rest of the day is yours to relax. Enjoy lunch, get to know your fellow travelers, explore the lush, oceanfront property, and recharge — because the real adventure begins tonight.
Late Night Departure —
Heading to the Shark Spot
Heading to the Shark Spot
At 1:30 AM, we depart by private transfer toward the whale shark point. Yes, this will be the toughest stretch of the trip — but this is what we came for!
The journey includes 2 hours by car, followed by 1.5 hours by boat. You can lie down and sleep on the boat — the ride is smooth, with no waves or rocking. Just glowing plankton below and a star-filled sky above.
The journey includes 2 hours by car, followed by 1.5 hours by boat. You can lie down and sleep on the boat — the ride is smooth, with no waves or rocking. Just glowing plankton below and a star-filled sky above.
Day 2 — Swim
with Whale Sharks
with Whale Sharks
As the sun rises, we reach the fishing platforms, and just as we arrive — so do the whale sharks, coming in for their plankton breakfast.
This is the highlight of the trip. Put on your mask and fins, jump in, and take your time to get used to swimming alongside these calm, magnificent giants.
When the light is just right, we split into small groups of 2–3 people. Our guide will capture incredible underwater photos of each of you with the sharks. After snorkeling, a light breakfast with sandwiches and drinks awaits you on the boat.
This is the highlight of the trip. Put on your mask and fins, jump in, and take your time to get used to swimming alongside these calm, magnificent giants.
When the light is just right, we split into small groups of 2–3 people. Our guide will capture incredible underwater photos of each of you with the sharks. After snorkeling, a light breakfast with sandwiches and drinks awaits you on the boat.
Back to the Hotel —
Free Time
Free Time
We return to the hotel around lunchtime. The rest of the day is yours — relax, nap, swim in the pool, catch up on emails, or book a massage.
In the evening, after watching the sunset from the beach in front of the hotel, we’ll head to the only truly tasty café in town for dinner together — a special treat on this wild and untouristed island.
In the evening, after watching the sunset from the beach in front of the hotel, we’ll head to the only truly tasty café in town for dinner together — a special treat on this wild and untouristed island.
Day 3 — Checkout
& Return to Bali
& Return to Bali
After a light buffet breakfast at the hotel, we check out and head to the airport at 9:30 AM. A quick flight takes us back to Bali, with landing scheduled around 12:25 PM.
Your journey — the kind that splits your life into "before" and "after" — comes to an end. But it’s just the beginning of something bigger.
Don’t forget to share your feedback with your coordinator — and tell your friends about us!
Your journey — the kind that splits your life into "before" and "after" — comes to an end. But it’s just the beginning of something bigger.
Don’t forget to share your feedback with your coordinator — and tell your friends about us!
Where You'll Stay
The best hotel along our route — a peaceful oasis in untouristed Sumbawa
Lush green grounds, an oceanview café, a swimming pool, and relaxing massage treatments await you here.
As part of your package, you'll enjoy shared twin accommodation in cozy standard rooms.
If you'd like to upgrade, you can switch to a private bungalow at check-in for an additional fee — subject to availability.
As part of your package, you'll enjoy shared twin accommodation in cozy standard rooms.
If you'd like to upgrade, you can switch to a private bungalow at check-in for an additional fee — subject to availability.
Welcome to Samawa Seaside Resort — a hidden gem tucked away on the oceanfront, with its own private beach access and pier.
Trip Details & Inclusions
Everything you need for an unforgettable 2.5-day experience:
✔️ 2 nights at a hotel in Sumbawa (twin-share)
✔️ All local transfers on Sumbawa
✔️ Boat rental with experienced crew
✔️ Snorkeling gear: mask and fins
✔️ Guide with underwater camera
✔️ English-speaking online support
✔️ 2 nights at a hotel in Sumbawa (twin-share)
✔️ All local transfers on Sumbawa
✔️ Boat rental with experienced crew
✔️ Snorkeling gear: mask and fins
✔️ Guide with underwater camera
✔️ English-speaking online support
These expenses are not covered by the $230 trip cost and should be budgeted separately:
✈️ Round-trip flights from Bali to Sumbawa – approx. IDR 2.8M (~$170)
🛏 Single room upgrade
🍽 Lunches, dinners & personal expenses
🚗 Transfers on Bali (to/from the airport)
🩺 Travel medical insurance – required
✈️ Round-trip flights from Bali to Sumbawa – approx. IDR 2.8M (~$170)
🛏 Single room upgrade
🍽 Lunches, dinners & personal expenses
🚗 Transfers on Bali (to/from the airport)
🩺 Travel medical insurance – required
A few things to keep in mind to make your adventure smooth and unforgettable:
✈️ Book Your Flight
You’ll need a round-trip flight from Bali (DPS) to Sumbawa Besar (SWQ). We’ll recommend the best flight time after your request is confirmed. Expect to pay around IDR 2.8M (~$170). Book early to secure a seat!
🩺 Get Travel Insurance
Make sure your plan covers snorkeling and remote island travel. You’ll need it to join the tour.
🎒 Pack Light, Pack Smart
Bring essentials for 2.5 days — swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, light clothes, sandals, and a change of warm layers for the early morning boat ride.
📸 Want Great Photos?
Our guide takes underwater shots for everyone, but feel free to bring your own GoPro or waterproof phone case.
🛏 Prefer More Comfort?
Standard twin-share rooms are included, but you can upgrade to a private bungalow on arrival (subject to availability).
✈️ Book Your Flight
You’ll need a round-trip flight from Bali (DPS) to Sumbawa Besar (SWQ). We’ll recommend the best flight time after your request is confirmed. Expect to pay around IDR 2.8M (~$170). Book early to secure a seat!
🩺 Get Travel Insurance
Make sure your plan covers snorkeling and remote island travel. You’ll need it to join the tour.
🎒 Pack Light, Pack Smart
Bring essentials for 2.5 days — swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, hat, light clothes, sandals, and a change of warm layers for the early morning boat ride.
📸 Want Great Photos?
Our guide takes underwater shots for everyone, but feel free to bring your own GoPro or waterproof phone case.
🛏 Prefer More Comfort?
Standard twin-share rooms are included, but you can upgrade to a private bungalow on arrival (subject to availability).
A complete packing list, important travel notes, and any required documents will be sent to you after your booking is confirmed and payment is received. We’ll make sure you’re fully prepared for the adventure ahead!
Frequently Asked Questions
Just send a message to our coordinator on WhatsApp — they’ll share available dates and group spots. You’ll find links to our messengers at the bottom of this page.
Got a group of 5+ people?
We can arrange a custom trip on your preferred dates at no extra cost. We also offer private tours (pricing upon request).
Got a group of 5+ people?
We can arrange a custom trip on your preferred dates at no extra cost. We also offer private tours (pricing upon request).
If your trip is more than 2 weeks away, we secure your spot with a 50% deposit.
For trips starting in less than 2 weeks, full prepayment is required.
If you cancel:
✅ Full refund or rescheduling before the tour begins
🔁 Partial refund if something is canceled during the tour (e.g., if the shark snorkel is canceled, we refund that part — but not accommodation, transfers, or planning fees)
For full policy details, see the Refund Policy link.
For trips starting in less than 2 weeks, full prepayment is required.
If you cancel:
- More than 7 business days in advance: 90% refund
- Less than 7 business days: 50% refund
- Less than 24 hours: no refund
✅ Full refund or rescheduling before the tour begins
🔁 Partial refund if something is canceled during the tour (e.g., if the shark snorkel is canceled, we refund that part — but not accommodation, transfers, or planning fees)
For full policy details, see the Refund Policy link.
We accept payments via:
- 🇮🇩 Indonesian bank card (IDR)
- 🇰🇿 Kazakh bank card (USD)
- 💰 USDT (TRC-20 crypto)
- 🇷🇺 Russian bank card (RUB)
Very high! The tour is carefully timed and guided with help from local fishermen who monitor and feed the sharks plankton before we arrive. We can’t guarantee the number or size of the sharks, but your chances are excellent.
To avoid mistakes, we recommend letting us book your flights.
If you prefer to book them yourself, use Traveloka.com only — it offers refundable tickets. Dates can shift due to weather, earthquakes, or other unpredictable factors. If you book elsewhere, you’ll risk losing your fare if we need to change the tour date. Our staff will meet you at Sumbawa airport — you’ll receive full arrival details after confirming your spot.
If you prefer to book them yourself, use Traveloka.com only — it offers refundable tickets. Dates can shift due to weather, earthquakes, or other unpredictable factors. If you book elsewhere, you’ll risk losing your fare if we need to change the tour date. Our staff will meet you at Sumbawa airport — you’ll receive full arrival details after confirming your spot.
Sumbawa is part of Indonesia — no visa or special documents are needed for domestic flights. A photo of your passport on your phone is often enough (especially if your passport is at immigration). You’ll only need a visa if flying from another country.
Snorkeling with whale sharks is very safe. A standard travel policy with coverage for water sports/snorkeling is enough. Check with your provider that snorkeling is included.
You’ll need just the basics:
- Comfortable travel clothing
- Light sweater for the early morning boat ride
- Swimwear
- Flip-flops/sandals
Sumbawa is not a touristy island — and that’s part of the charm. No sightseeing, no crowds. Just slow down, read a book, watch the waves, or take a nap.
Yes! We’ll invite you to a group chat once the tour is confirmed. Feel free to get to know each other there — we don’t host in-person meetups beforehand.
Yes, there’s Wi-Fi at the hotel — but like Bali, it can be spotty. Guests have hosted Zoom calls in the past, but sometimes it takes patience (and a little luck).
The hotel’s café offers delicious Indonesian food. No flat whites or salmon-avocado bagels here — if you have a special diet, please plan ahead.
On the second evening, we’ll go to the best café in town, which offers meat, fish, and vegetarian options — more like Bali-style food.
On the second evening, we’ll go to the best café in town, which offers meat, fish, and vegetarian options — more like Bali-style food.
A traditional wooden boat with a canopy, customized for comfort. You can lie down and nap, or stargaze while watching the glowing plankton drift by. Note: the engine may be a bit noisy — feel free to bring earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.
Most places accept bank cards, including the hotel and café.
Message our coordinator on Telegram or WhatsApp — links are at the bottom of this page. We’ll be happy to help!
Ready to go?
Submit your request and start packing!
Submit your request and start packing!
Contact us - we'd love to hear from you:
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