Whale Shark Adventure 2 Days 1 Night Sharing Trip

Exploring the Whale Shark Adventure 2 Days 1 Night Sharing Trip: An Honest Look

If you’re dreaming of an encounter with one of the ocean’s most gentle giants, the Whale Shark Adventure 2 Days 1 Night Sharing Trip on Sumbawa Island might just be the experience you’re after. This tour promises a chance to see whale sharks in their natural habitat, combined with some scenic travel across Lombok and Sumbawa, and a glimpse into vibrant marine life. While it offers a unique adventure, there are a few logistical and organizational points to consider.

What we love about this tour is its immersive nature—swimming alongside these colossal creatures, the breathtaking underwater scenery, and the chance to explore local waters with experienced guides. It’s also quite reasonably priced at $210 per person, which includes snorkeling gear and entrance fees, making it good value for a once-in-a-lifetime experience. On the flip side, the long travel times and mixed reviews about organization might make some travelers cautious. This tour is best suited for those who prioritize authentic encounters over luxury, and who can handle a packed schedule.

Key Points

• Authentic whale shark encounters in their natural environment
• Comfortable group experience with knowledgeable guides
• Long day trips involving extensive travel across Lombok and Sumbawa
• Excellent value, including snorkeling gear and entrance fees
• Possibility of logistical issues, as noted by some past travelers
• Ideal for adventurous travelers willing to embrace a full schedule and basic accommodations

The Itinerary Breakdown: Day by Day

Day 1: From Lombok to Sumbawa

The journey kicks off early at the Bale Laut Tour Organizer office in Mataram around 9 am. This initial part of the trip involves a combination of land and sea travel—first by road to Kayangan Port, then a boat ride to Pototano Harbour, and finally a drive to Sumbawa Besar for lunch. Traveling approximately 12 hours in total, this leg might seem lengthy, but it’s necessary to reach the whale shark hotspots. One reviewer mentioned, “It took us 12h to go to Sumbawa,” which underlines the importance of patience and proper planning.

The journey’s highlight is the transition from Lombok’s lush landscapes to Sumbawa’s raw, less-touristed scenery. Although the long travel time might be tiring, it creates a sense of adventure and makes the trip feel like a true expedition rather than a simple day trip. The evening is spent resting at the hotel near Pelabuhan Jambu, preparing for the early start the next day.

Day 2: Whale Shark Snorkeling

The early morning wake-up is when the magic begins—at 4:30 am, you’ll head out on a traditional Begog boat with a simple breakfast of bread, fruits, and coffee onboard. This intimate boat ride to Bagang Ship, the whale shark site, sets the tone for a serene, immersive experience. Arriving around 5 am for briefing and equipment check, you’ll then don your snorkeling gear and float near these gentle giants just after 5:30 am.

The actual snorkeling session lasts until about 8:30 am, giving you roughly three hours to marvel at the whale sharks. Several reviews highlight the professionalism of the guides, with one noting that guides were “knowledgeable,” which is crucial when sharing space with such large and awe-inspiring creatures. The experience is often described as surreal—swimming next to whale sharks that can reach impressive sizes leaves a lasting impression.

Post-snorkel, you’ll return to your hotel for breakfast before checkout and heading back to Pototano Port. The return journey wraps up as you arrive back in Mataram around 9 pm, making it a long but rewarding day.

What’s Included and What’s Not

Included in the tour are snorkeling kits, entrance fees, and guides, making it straightforward for travelers who want to focus on the experience rather than logistics. However, lunch, personal expenses, and tips are not covered, so packing some extra snacks or cash is advisable.

Transportation and Group Experience

Traveling is done via a combination of land and sea transport, with the boat ride being a highlight. The tour maintains a small group size of up to 10 travelers, which helps keep the experience intimate and manageable, especially during the snorkeling activity. A reviewer mentioned that the experience is conducted with “group of people,” emphasizing the shared nature of this adventure.

The meeting point in Mataram is conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. The tour is scheduled to start around 12:30 am, which underscores the need for early sleep and readiness for a very early morning start.

Highlights and Potential Drawbacks

What makes this tour stand out is the close-up opportunity to swim with whale sharks, which is a rare chance in the wild. The guides’ knowledge, as praised in reviews, ensures safety and provides valuable insights into these creatures and their environment. The underwater scenery—fish, coral reefs, and the chance to spot other marine life—is also a massive plus.

However, some travelers have expressed frustration with the organization, citing a nearly 12-hour trip just to get to Sumbawa. One reviewer explicitly said, “The experience is great but 3h swim for such a mess with the organization. It’s definitely not worth it,” which suggests that travelers should prepare for a potentially hectic schedule. Weather dependence is another factor—poor weather can lead to cancellations, with full refunds offered if that happens.

Authentic Experience and Extra Tips

The tour’s emphasis on sharing the experience with a small group ensures that you won’t feel overwhelmed, and guides are typically well-informed. Based on reviews, guides are praised for their professionalism and knowledge, which greatly enhances the snorkeling experience.

To get the most out of this adventure, packing essentials such as waterproof sunscreen, a hat, and a towel is recommended. Also, bring some cash for tips, as gratuities for guides and crew are not included but are appreciated.

Who is this tour best suited for?

This trip is ideal for adventurous travelers who want an authentic, close-up encounter with whale sharks and are comfortable with long travel days. It suits those who prioritize nature and wildlife over luxury accommodations and are okay with early mornings and a packed schedule. If you’re someone who enjoys small-group tours with knowledgeable guides, this could be a memorable highlight of your Indonesia trip.

Final Thoughts

This Whale Shark Adventure offers a genuine opportunity to witness one of the ocean’s most majestic animals in their natural setting. While the lengthy journey and organizational hiccups might be a drawback for some, the awe-inspiring sight of swimming alongside whale sharks is often worth the effort. You’ll love the chance to connect with marine life, the professionalism of guides, and the value packed into this 2-day adventure.

If you’re seeking a travel experience that’s both adventurous and educational, with a focus on authenticity rather than luxury, this tour hits the mark. Just prepare for a full day and a bit of patience, and you’ll likely leave with stories to tell for a lifetime.

FAQ

How long is the entire trip?
The trip spans about 2 days, with the journey to Sumbawa taking roughly 12 hours and the snorkeling adventure lasting around 3 hours on the second day.

What’s included in the tour price?
Your fee covers snorkeling kits, entrance fees, and guides. However, lunch, personal expenses, and tips are not included, so plan accordingly.

Is the tour suitable for children or older travelers?
Most travelers can participate, though the long travel times and early mornings might be tiring for very young children or older adults. It’s best to assess individual stamina.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes. The tour offers free cancellation if weather conditions lead to cancellations, with a full refund or the option to reschedule.

How professional are the guides?
Guides are generally praised for their knowledge and professionalism, which helps ensure safety and enrich the experience.

What should I bring?
Bring waterproof sunscreen, a hat, towel, and some cash for tips. Pack light but be prepared for the outdoor conditions.

Is this experience worth the cost?
Many find the experience of swimming with whale sharks priceless, especially given the inclusion of gear and guiding. However, be mindful of the long travel times and potential organizational issues.

This tour offers a genuine, adventure-packed way to meet whale sharks in their natural habitat, perfect for those craving a memorable marine encounter with a touch of Indonesian adventure.