The first time I saw a whale shark in Sumbawa, I froze. Not out of fear, but sheer awe. Imagine the ocean’s calm morning surface parting to reveal a massive, spotted figure gliding just below, its shadow stretching longer than the boat I was in. The locals had told me stories of these “gentle giants of the sea,” but nothing compared to seeing one in real life.
I remember gripping the side of the boat, my heart racing as the crew motioned for me to slip into the water. This wasn’t just any snorkeling trip — this was a moment with the largest fish in the world, an encounter that demanded both excitement and respect.
Over the years, I’ve learned that seeing a whale shark is a privilege, not a guarantee, and knowing how to behave when the opportunity comes can make the difference between a magical connection and a missed one.
DO: Keep Your Distance
It’s tempting to swim right up to a whale shark for that perfect photo, but remember — these animals are wild and deserve personal space. I always keep at least three meters from the body and four meters from the tail. Not because I’m worried about getting hurt (they’re filter feeders, after all), but because I don’t want to alter their natural behavior.
In Saleh Bay, guides remind visitors that a relaxed shark will linger longer, giving everyone more time to appreciate it. The moment you rush toward them, they might disappear into the deep blue in seconds.
DON’T: Touch the Shark
I once saw a fellow traveler reach out and brush the back of a whale shark. It made me wince. Not only can touching damage the protective mucus layer on their skin, but it’s also a huge breach of ethical wildlife interaction. Think of it like this — if a giant hand came down and patted you while you were walking, you’d probably feel uneasy too.
Whale shark tourism works best when the focus is observation, not interference.
DO: Move Slowly and Calmly
The first time I swam with one, my instinct was to kick hard to keep up. But the more I thrashed, the quicker I tired and the more bubbles I sent up — not exactly a calming presence. Now, I let myself float, using slow, deliberate kicks. Whale sharks are unhurried creatures; matching their pace makes the experience more intimate and less exhausting.
In the waters of Sumbawa, you’ll often spot other marine life too — schools of fish sheltering in the shark’s shadow, or a curious sea turtle passing by. Moving slowly helps you enjoy the whole scene.
DON’T: Block Their Path
A whale shark may look like it’s just meandering, but it’s on a path — whether searching for plankton or moving between feeding spots. One of the quickest ways to end your encounter is to swim in front of them. If they feel blocked, they’ll dive deep, and that magical surface-level view will be gone.
Instead, position yourself to the side, letting them glide past naturally. Sometimes they even circle back, as if curious about you too.
DO: Follow the Guide’s Instructions
The best thing I ever did before my first encounter was book with a local operator who truly understood these animals. On the Saleh Bay whale shark tour, the guides brief everyone before we even touch the water. They explain the rules, the signals, and the best ways to observe without intrusion.
Following their advice not only keeps the whale sharks safe but also maximizes your chances of a longer, more peaceful encounter.
DON’T: Use Flash Photography
That dream of capturing the perfect shot can be achieved without blinding your subject. Whale sharks have small eyes and are sensitive to sudden bursts of light. A flash can startle them, leading them to leave earlier than they might have.
Instead, I’ve found that adjusting my camera settings for natural light — especially in the clear waters around Sumbawa — produces beautiful, true-to-life photos.
DO: Respect the Environment Around You
Whale sharks aren’t the only thing worth protecting. The plankton-rich waters they love are part of a broader ecosystem. Coral reefs, schools of fish, and even the water clarity itself all play a role. I make it a point never to leave trash behind, and I choose reef-safe sunscreen to minimize chemical impact.
The beauty of a whale shark Sumbawa encounter is tied to the health of its surroundings — something we all influence.
DON’T: Chase or Ride Them
Yes, it sounds ridiculous, but I’ve actually seen people try to grab the dorsal fin of a whale shark and hitch a ride. Not only is this dangerous for the shark, but it also ruins the natural rhythm of the encounter.
Whale sharks are wild animals, not amusement park rides. Letting them move freely keeps the interaction genuine and respectful.
DO: Take in the Whole Experience
The first time you see one, it’s easy to get tunnel vision — just you and the shark. But look around. The color of the water. The shifting patterns of sunlight on the surface. The way the fish scatter and regroup in its wake.
On my last trip to Sumbawa, I floated near the surface as a whale shark passed below me, its white spots shimmering like stars. I realized that while the shark was the main attraction, it was the entire atmosphere — the warm water, the faint sound of the boat’s engine, the distant call of seabirds — that made it unforgettable.
DON’T: Forget to Breathe (Literally and Figuratively)
I’m guilty of holding my breath the first time, trying to be as quiet as possible. But it’s important to relax. Breathing steadily keeps you calm, helps with buoyancy, and ensures you can enjoy the moment fully.
The same goes metaphorically — don’t get so caught up in taking photos or keeping up that you forget to simply exist in the moment.
A Final Thought on Whale Shark Encounters
Every time I leave Saleh Bay, I think about how lucky I am to have witnessed these giants in their natural habitat. Whale shark tourism in places like Sumbawa works because there’s a shared understanding: the ocean is theirs, we’re just visitors.
By following these simple dos and don’ts, we make sure our presence doesn’t disturb the very magic we came to see. And maybe, just maybe, the next time a whale shark passes through these waters, it will linger a little longer, knowing it’s safe.