Lombok : Sharing Whale Shark Tour 2 Day 1 Night Sumbawa

Planning a trip to Indonesia and craving the chance to swim alongside one of the ocean’s gentle giants? The Sharing Whale Shark Tour from Lombok to Sumbawa promises just that — a two-day adventure that combines travel, snorkeling, and the awe of spotting whale sharks in their natural habitat. While it’s not a quick jaunt, the experience is packed with memorable moments that many travelers find worth the long journey.

We’re especially drawn to how this tour emphasizes responsibility and safety, with professional crews and full air-conditioned transport. Plus, the chance to snorkel near whale sharks — a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience for many — makes it stand out. On the flip side, the trip’s length, including ferry rides and long drives, might not appeal to all, especially if you prefer shorter excursions. This tour suits those who enjoy adventures that are as much about the journey as the destination and who value authentic, well-organized experiences.

Key Points

• Authentic whale shark encounters in Sumbawa’s waters are the highlight.
• Professional guides and responsible tourism are prioritized.
• The tour includes comfortable transport and accommodations, with full AC.
• It’s a long but rewarding trip with two days of travel and snorkeling.
• The experience is ideal for travelers who appreciate well-organized, authentic adventures.
• Not suitable for very young children or travelers with certain health issues due to the early start and long hours.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour kicks off early in Mataram, Lombok, with a 09:30 AM check-in at the tour’s office. From there, you’ll board a mini bus, heading out for approximately two hours to Kayangan Harbour. This initial drive offers a glimpse of Lombok’s countryside, which anyone who loves rural landscapes will appreciate. Around noon, you’ll hop on a ferry for about 1.5 hours across the waters to Poto Tano Harbour in Sumbawa. Here, the adventure takes a more relaxed turn with a local lunch (not included, so budget accordingly), and then a drive through Sumbawa’s scenic roads toward the town of Sumbawa Besar.

A highlight of the first day is the drive to Labuan Jambu, arriving around 6 PM for hotel check-in. The hotel stay here is part of the experience — a chance to unwind before the early start the following morning. Reviewers have praised the hotel for being “clean, comfy, and located near the harbour,” which adds to the overall value, especially considering the long travel days.

The Whale Shark Experience

The second day begins at 4 AM, with an early breakfast on the boat — a simple but crucial meal of coffee, tea, fruits, and bread, with water provided. You’ll board a traditional boat, likely a bagang ship, heading out around 5 AM to the whale shark hotspot. This early start is essential since whale sharks are most active in the morning, and your guides will do their best to maximize your chances of a sighting.

From 5:30 AM to about 8 AM, snorkelers line up to swim near these majestic creatures. Reviews mention that, although the water can be crowded initially, it tends to quiet down, giving you a good chance to enjoy the moment. One reviewer describes the experience as “overwhelming,” noting how close they managed to get to a whale shark, which is exactly what makes this tour special.

Post-snorkeling, the boat heads back to the harbor for a hotel breakfast. After some rest and perhaps a quick shower, you’ll start the journey back to Lombok, with a ferry around 3 PM and arrival back in Kayangan by 4:30 PM. The drive back to Mataram takes about another 1.5 to 2 hours, concluding the tour around 7-8 PM.

The Logistics and Value

This tour’s price of $150 per person might seem steep at first glance, but when you factor in the inclusions — hotel, transport, guide, snorkeling gear, underwater camera, and the boat ride — it begins to make sense. Notably, the tour emphasizes responsibility and safety, with professional crews and full equipment, ensuring a secure experience.

Participants have access to snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, flippers), and a GOPRO underwater camera is provided, allowing you to capture those unforgettable moments. Water and breakfast on the boat are included, but travelers should budget separately for lunch and dinner. It’s worth noting that extras like towels, wetsuits, sunscreen, and additional hotel charges are not included, so packing smart is recommended.

More Great Tours Nearby

The Travel Experience and Long-Distance Journey

Travelers who value authentic experiences often find the long journey worth it for the chance to encounter whale sharks. As one review states, “the trip there and back is long and tiring, but well worth it if that’s what you’re looking for.” The ferry rides, combined with road travel, contribute to a sense of adventure and allow you to see parts of Sumbawa that many visitors overlook.

However, the extensive travel might be a drawback for those seeking a quick escape or with limited time. The tour is best suited for those who appreciate the journey and don’t mind early mornings, long hours, or being on the water for extended periods.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This experience appeals most to adventurous travelers eager for a genuine, responsible encounter with whale sharks. It’s suitable for those who can handle early mornings and long travel days, and who value experienced guides and well-organized logistics. Families with older children, snorkelers, and wildlife enthusiasts will find this tour particularly rewarding.

It’s less appropriate for pregnant women, people with certain health issues, or travelers with very young children. The physical demands and early start mean it’s better suited for active and healthy travelers.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a good balance of adventure, authenticity, and comfort. The chance to swim with whale sharks is a rare find, and the organizers’ emphasis on responsible tourism and safety makes it a trustworthy choice. While the journey is lengthy, the scenery along the way and the thrill of the whale shark encounter make it a worthwhile investment for many.

In terms of value, the tour’s inclusions — hotel, guides, gear, and boat rides — justify the price for travelers seeking a well-organized, memorable wildlife experience. The fact that you can capture underwater videos with the provided GOPRO adds a layer of lasting memory.

Overall, if you’re a traveler who loves wildlife, doesn’t mind long days, and wants an authentic experience, this whale shark tour from Lombok to Sumbawa is a solid choice.

What is included in the tour price?
The tour price includes a hotel in Sumbawa, transportation (mini bus and ferry), a tour guide, snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, flippers), an underwater GOPRO camera, water, and breakfast on the boat.

Are meals provided?
Breakfast is included on the second day, and water is provided. Lunch and dinner are not included, so you should bring cash for meals during the trip.

What equipment do I need to bring?
Travelers should bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, a camera, sunscreen, beachwear, cash, and a wetsuit if desired.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The tour’s early start, long hours, and physical activities make it less suitable for very young children or those with certain health issues. It is best for older children and active travelers.

How long is the total travel time?
From Lombok, the entire trip, including ferry rides and drives, can take approximately 8 hours each way — so expect long days with early starts.

What is the best time to see whale sharks?
The tour operates early in the morning to coincide with whale sharks’ most active hours, maximizing your chances of a sighting.

Can I get a private room?
Yes, private rooms are available at an extra cost, especially if you’re traveling solo.

What should I do if I don’t see a whale shark?
In case no whale sharks are found, the tour might be extended, with only an extra charge for the hotel accommodation.

Is the tour responsible and safe?
Yes, the operators prioritize responsibility and safety, with professional crews and all necessary gear provided.

Are there any restrictions or health warnings?
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, people with back, heart, respiratory issues, or certain other health conditions listed in the tour details.

To sum it up, this whale shark tour is a fantastic choice for those craving an authentic wildlife experience in Indonesia. It’s an adventure that combines scenic travel, professional guidance, and the thrill of swimming with one of nature’s most majestic creatures. While the long hours and travel are notable, the memories you’ll take home will be well worth the effort. It’s best suited for travelers with a sense of adventure, patience, and a love for authentic encounters.

You can check availability for your dates here: