The Whale Sharks of Teluk Saleh, Sumbawa: A Harmony Between Nature and Communities

Located on the island of Sumbawa in the Indonesian archipelago, Teluk Saleh has quickly become a must-visit destination for diving and snorkeling passionates. This place is especially renowned for its spectacular encounters with whale sharks, the largest fish in the world.

Teluk Saleh boasts the second-largest concentration of whale sharks after Cenderawasih Bay. Another advantage of Teluk Saleh is its easy accessibility from Bali, Komodo, or Maumere during our cruises, making it an ideal destination for diving and marine life enthusiasts.

Teluk Saleh is a true sanctuary for whale sharks, attracting these marine giants with its plankton-rich waters. To date, around 110 whale sharks have been recorded in the region, making it a prime site for scientists and ecotourists.

Photos credit: Reto Schlaepfer & Lorine Grandjean

The Indonesian government, in collaboration with the Institut Français and Konservasi Indonesia, is working to create a Marine Protected Area (MPA) to preserve this unique ecosystem and foster a sustainable economy for local communities. This project aims to protect whale sharks while supporting economic development through responsible tourism.

For divers and snorkelers, Teluk Saleh offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Swimming alongside these gentle giants is an impressive and moving adventure. Whale sharks come under the bagans, traditional Indonesian fishing platforms, to suck on the fishermen’s nets. They remain just below the surface, allowing interactions both while snorkeling and scuba diving.

For divers, the immersion is in shallow waters, which allows for particularly long underwater observation of these sea giants. It is not uncommon for some dives to last around 2 hours or even longer!

The excursions are carefully organized to minimize impact on the animals while maximizing observation opportunities. The whale sharks of Teluk Saleh are accustomed to human presence, allowing for respectful and safe interactions. These encounters offer not only a chance to marvel at nature’s beauty but also to realize the necessity of protecting these vulnerable creatures.

Tourism around whale sharks in Teluk Saleh goes beyond marine observation. It also includes cultural elements, allowing visitors to discover the richness of local traditions. The communities of Sumbawa actively participate in these initiatives, offering authentic and educational experiences. The involvement of these communities in protecting whale sharks is crucial to the success of conservation efforts.

Many Adelaar cruises include swimming and diving in Teluk Saleh, and they all feature the name “The Whale Sharks of Sumbawa.” To increase our chances of observing the maximum number of individuals under the bagans during our visit, we have chosen to coincide these visits with new moons, as this seems to be the best time.

Whale sharks can be seen in Sumbawa year-round, during the new moons which offer the best opportunity to spot whale sharks, as previously mentioned. However, to experience the best and most optimal weather, like in the case for most of Indonesia, the dry season would typically be more preferable for most visitors.

Every year, from May to November, we offer several cruises to Sumbawa aboard our luxury liveaboard boat, the Adelaar, departing from Bali, Komodo, and Maumere. Choose from scheduled trips lasting 6 to 10 nights, or opt for a private charter for a customized adventure.

You can check real-time availability and detailed itineraries for our trips that include Teluk Saleh by visiting our Schedule & Rates page. On that page, please use the “Itinerary” filter and select all itineraries featuring “Whale Sharks.” This will display all our cruises that include Teluk Saleh.

Have questions? Contact us at info@adelaar-cruises.com.