The first time I ever saw a whale shark up close, it was like standing in front of a moving wall of water and life. I had been dreaming about this moment for years, scrolling through endless photos and videos, imagining how it would feel. And then suddenly, there it was—this massive, speckled creature gliding just a few meters away from me in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa.
At first, I froze. My heart was pounding, not out of fear, but from pure awe. Whale sharks are the largest fish in the ocean, yet there’s something incredibly calming about their presence. They move with grace, slow but purposeful, almost as if they are aware of the effect they have on us tiny humans floating beside them. But when you’re faced with a whale shark swimming close, the question naturally comes up: what should you do?
Let me share a blend of personal experience, practical tips, and lessons I’ve learned from guides and conservationists who work every day in places like Saleh Bay where these gentle giants thrive.
First, Remember: They Are Gentle Giants
Despite their enormous size—growing up to 12 meters long—whale sharks are filter feeders. That means their diet consists of plankton, krill, and small fish, not humans. Their calm nature makes them one of the safest large marine creatures to encounter. Still, their size alone can feel intimidating. When one swims toward you, remind yourself: you’re in the presence of a peaceful, curious animal.
I’ll never forget the first eye contact I made with one. For a brief moment, I felt as if it was acknowledging me, like we were sharing the same space in mutual respect.
Keep Calm and Stay Still
If a whale shark approaches, the best thing you can do is slow down. Don’t splash, don’t panic, and don’t try to swim frantically away. They are faster than us in the water anyway. Simply staying still allows the whale shark to glide past without feeling threatened or blocked.
I once saw another snorkeler panic when a whale shark swam near. He tried to backpedal furiously, but it only created bubbles and confusion. The guide reminded us gently: “Relax, let the ocean carry you.” Sure enough, the shark passed by slowly, almost brushing against us, before disappearing back into the deep blue.
Give Them Space
Even though whale sharks are calm, it’s important to respect their space. Avoid touching them. Their skin is covered in a layer of protective mucus that helps ward off infections. By reaching out, you might harm them without realizing it.
Keep a distance of at least 3–4 meters from the head and body, and 5 meters from the tail. The tail, though not aggressive, is powerful enough to knock you around with just a casual flick.
This rule isn’t just about safety; it’s also about respect. Think of it as entering someone’s home—you wouldn’t immediately grab the furniture. You observe, you appreciate, you adapt.
Position Yourself Wisely
Another lesson I picked up during my trip in Sumbawa was about positioning. If you see a whale shark coming toward you, move to the side instead of directly in front. These animals are big but not aggressive; still, you don’t want to block their natural swimming path.
Floating calmly to the side gives you the best view anyway. You can watch the distinctive checkerboard patterns on their back shimmer under the sunlight, or see tiny remora fish hitching a ride along their belly.
Avoid Flashy Moves and Loud Noises
Whale sharks have small eyes compared to their body, but they are sensitive to sudden changes in their environment. Avoid using camera flashes or making sharp, noisy movements. Not only does it disturb them, but it can also ruin the magical stillness of the moment for you and everyone around you.
On my last encounter, I left my camera behind for a while and just floated quietly. That’s when the whale shark swam closest to me. It felt as if my stillness invited it in.
Why Saleh Bay Is Special
Saleh Bay, in Sumbawa, has become one of the most unique places in Indonesia to experience whale sharks. Here, local fishermen and conservationists have developed a relationship with these creatures, creating opportunities for tourists to see them while ensuring protection efforts are in place.
The waters are calm, the backdrop is stunning, and the whale sharks often come close to the surface, making encounters more likely. If you’ve ever wanted to meet these gentle giants in a safe and respectful way, Saleh Bay is a place that deserves to be on your list.
That’s why joining a guided Saleh Bay whale shark tour is so valuable. Not only do you get the chance to witness these giants up close, but you also learn from guides who prioritize conservation and know the behavior of the sharks. They’ll remind you how to interact responsibly, ensuring the experience is as magical for the next visitor as it is for you.
Embracing the Moment
There’s one piece of advice that stuck with me: don’t spend the entire encounter behind your camera lens. Of course, photos are great souvenirs, but no picture can capture the feeling of being in the water with a whale shark. Look with your own eyes, let the size and presence of the animal sink in.
When I did that, I noticed details I’d never seen in photos—the way light danced across its spots, the gentle sway of its fins, the stillness of the ocean around us when everything seemed to pause.
The Unspoken Connection
Swimming alongside a whale shark is not just an adventure—it’s a lesson. A reminder of how small we are, how vast the ocean is, and how gentle strength can be. For me, it was one of the most humbling experiences of my life.
Every time I return to Lombok or Sumbawa, I try to carve out time for another encounter. And every time, the experience feels different, like the ocean is telling me a new story.