Sumbawa Whale Shark Open Trip — Start from Labuan Jambu Village

The most affordable option, running daily with no fixed schedule.

Want to swim with whale sharks but looking for an open trip with flexible dates? This programme runs every day and you are free to pick your own date. The trip departs from Labuan Jambu Village aboard a local fishing boat towards the whale shark grounds in Saleh Bay. There is no minimum group size, so you can go whenever the date suits you.

Programme Highlights

• ✓Daily departures with dates of your choosing
• ✓The lightest cost, shared with other guests
• ✓Snorkelling with whale sharks in their natural habitat
• ✓No minimum group size required

Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1

Whale Shark Open Trip in Saleh Bay

Breakfast included

1. 04.00Early morning meeting point at Labuan Jambu Village, Tarano District, Sumbawa. You should already be in the village the day before, staying at a local homestay
2. 04.30A short briefing with our guide, then boarding a local fishing boat towards the Saleh Bay area
3. 06.00Arriving in the middle of Saleh Bay to look for the bagan where the whale sharks have appeared. Once found, the boat moors alongside it
4. 06.30Get ready and start swimming with the whale sharks. They typically stay around for one to two hours
5. 07.30A simple breakfast on the boat
6. 08.30Heading back to Labuan Jambu Village
7. 10.00Arriving at Labuan Jambu Village. End of programme

This itinerary is flexible and adapts to conditions on the ground. Our guide will manage the timing so your trip stays efficient and enjoyable.

What's Included

Important Information

Pickup

Meeting point at Labuan Jambu Village at 04.00. Because the departure is so early, we strongly recommend arriving in the village the day before. We can suggest accommodation near the meeting point and help arrange transport from Sumbawa Besar.

Transport from Sumbawa Besar

If you're staying in Sumbawa Besar — whether at a hotel or just arriving at the airport — we're happy to arrange transport to the Labuan Jambu meeting point, including drop-off. The transport cost will be confirmed based on your needs. If you'd like to use this service, please contact us.

Recommended For

Solo travellers, backpackers, and guests who want the lowest cost and don't mind sharing the trip with others.

Best Time to Visit

April to November is the best window: calmer seas, clearer water, and the bagan fishermen operating regularly. If your dates are flexible, avoid January to March when the weather turns unpredictable.

What to Bring

• A light jacket for the pre-dawn journey
• Water-resistant sunscreen
• Sunglasses
• Earplugs — the boat engine is fairly loud during the crossing
• Swimwear and a change of clothes
• An action cam or waterproof camera if you have one