Shared Whale Shark Trip – Important Information
This is a shared trip, not a private journey. Transportation is shared with local passengers and other travelers. The vehicle may make frequent stops to pick up and drop off passengers. These stops cannot be avoided.
The journey may take 8–10 hours or longer due to passenger stops, traffic, ferry schedules and queues, road conditions, and local transportation operations. If you require a private vehicle or direct transfer without passenger stops, this option is not suitable for you.
Pickup Times
- Bangsal Harbour: around 8:30 AM
- Senggigi: around 9:30 AM
- Mataram: around 10:00 AM
Times are approximate and may vary. Please be ready 10–15 minutes before your estimated pickup time.
Journey to Sumbawa
Travel to Kayangan Harbour (around 2 hours), then take a public ferry to Poto Tano, Sumbawa (around 1.5–2 hours, excluding waiting and boarding). Continue by road to Labuan Jambu. The total journey usually takes 8–10 hours or longer, depending on traffic, ferry operations, weather, and road conditions.
Accommodation
Stay in a local hotel or guesthouse in Labuan Jambu. As this is a remote area, facilities may be basic compared with larger tourist destinations. Rooms have air conditioning, subject to availability.
Whale Shark Adventure
At around 4:00 AM, travel to the harbour and board a traditional wooden Begog boat to the bagang fishing platforms. The journey usually takes around 1 hour or longer, depending on sea conditions and location.
Snorkeling usually begins around 7:00 AM, depending on weather, sea conditions, and whale shark activity. A simple breakfast of coffee, tea, bread, and fruit is provided on the boat.
Important Whale Shark Information
A small amount of food may be provided to attract whale sharks and encourage them to remain near the fishing platforms briefly, offering a better opportunity to observe them and swim or snorkel nearby. However, whale sharks are wild animals, and their behavior cannot be controlled or guaranteed.
Based on our experience, the estimated chance of seeing whale sharks is around 80–90%, but sightings are not guaranteed. They may approach the boat, remain visible briefly, stay at a distance, move away, or not appear at all.
No refund or compensation is provided if whale sharks are not sighted, as their presence and behavior are beyond the operator’s control.