So there I was, mask strapped tight, heart beating fast, legs dangling in the deep blue somewhere off the coast of Sumbawa. I had seen the silhouette below me—it was huge—and my guide gently tapped my shoulder with a grin that said, “get ready.”
And then I saw it. A whale shark, gliding like a galaxy with fins.
It wasn’t just a moment—it was the moment. And when I got back on the boat, salty and smiling, I realized just how many questions I had asked in the weeks before that encounter. The same ones every traveler seems to ask before diving into the whale shark experience.
If you’re reading this, maybe you’re there too—somewhere between curious and committed. So let me help by answering the most common, most Googled, and most whispered questions about whale sharks—based on real experience.
1. Are Whale Sharks Dangerous?
This is the number one question—and fair enough. They’re the largest fish in the sea, and the word “shark” is right there in the name. But here’s the truth:
Whale sharks are completely harmless to humans.
They’re gentle filter feeders, which means they eat plankton, small fish, and sometimes shrimp. Not tourists. They have enormous mouths, but they’re not designed to bite or attack.
Swimming beside them, you get the sense that they’re aware of you, but not bothered. You’re just another fish in the water to them—and they let you exist in their space with calm grace.
2. Can You Really Swim Next to One?
Absolutely—and it’s one of the most surreal things you’ll ever do. I remember slipping into the water and immediately seeing this spotted giant moving just a few meters away. No cages, no tricks. Just you, the sea, and this massive, slow-moving beauty.
Of course, it’s all done under guidance. The locals who run these tours are trained, respectful, and ensure that everything is safe—for both you and the whale shark.
And yes, I did panic for a split second (who wouldn’t?). But once you settle in, you realize it’s not a high-adrenaline kind of swim. It’s meditative. Almost spiritual.
3. Will They Bump Into Me?
This one surprised me too. I mean, they’re huge, right? Surely they don’t notice a clumsy human flapping around in fins?
But whale sharks are surprisingly aware of their surroundings. They’re slow, deliberate swimmers. And as long as you give them space, they’ll gracefully avoid you.
In my case, I did have one come a bit close—close enough that I stopped kicking and held my breath. It passed with just a few feet to spare, and I swear it glanced at me like, “You’re fine, relax.”
4. How Big Do They Get?
Let’s just say… if a school bus had fins, it might look like this.
Most whale sharks you’ll encounter during tours are between 4 to 10 meters long (that’s around 13 to 32 feet). But some can grow up to 12 meters or more. And seeing that length stretch into the blue? Goosebumps.
You really don’t understand the scale until you’re right there. You’ll see their spots first, then their head, then their body… and then you realize their tail is still a few seconds behind.
5. Is It Ethical to Swim With Them?
The short answer: it depends on how and where.
Not every whale shark experience is equal. Some places overcrowd the animals, feed them improperly, or allow reckless tourist behavior.
That’s why I chose the swim whale sharks tour in Saleh Bay. It was low-impact, small group, and led by locals who genuinely care. They don’t chase the sharks, they don’t touch or feed them in unnatural ways, and everything is done with deep respect for the sea.
That’s the kind of experience you want. Ethical, sustainable, real.
6. What’s the Best Time to See Them?
In places like Saleh Bay, whale sharks are seasonal, meaning they’re not there year-round. Timing matters.
Generally, the best months are between May and October, when ocean currents bring in food-rich waters and the whale sharks come to feast.
That said, nature is nature. There are no guarantees. I was lucky on my second day out. But even on the days you don’t see them, the ocean has a way of giving you something else: dolphins, manta rays, coral gardens, or just the gift of silence.
7. What Should I Pack?
This one’s less existential—but still important. A few things I recommend bringing:
- Reef-safe sunscreen (super important—don’t harm the coral!)
- A rash guard or dive shirt (sun protection + modesty)
- Your own snorkel mask if you’re picky about fit
- A dry bag for your phone and essentials
- A good attitude. (Seriously. It changes everything.)
8. Do I Need to Be a Strong Swimmer?
Nope. You just need to be comfortable in the water.
You’ll be wearing a life vest or floatation device if needed, and the guides will help you the entire time. Most swims are done in calm waters, and you’re never that far from the boat.
If you’re unsure, just say so. No one’s going to push you in or judge you. Everyone’s there to support and make it feel safe.
9. Can Kids Join?
It depends on the tour, but many operators (especially the ones in Sumbawa) welcome older kids who are confident in the water. I’ve seen families do it together, and the kids are often the bravest of the bunch!
That said, very young children or those who can’t swim comfortably might be better off enjoying the adventure from the boat. Seeing the whale sharks from above is still magical.
10. Why Saleh Bay?
People often ask, “Why not just go to the Philippines or Mexico for this?” Fair question.
But Saleh Bay in Sumbawa offers something a little different. It’s quieter. Less commercial. The whale sharks here are naturally attracted to the area due to the presence of rompong (traditional fishing platforms), where they feed on small fish and plankton.
It’s an intimate, respectful experience. Not a zoo, not a spectacle. Just you and a few others floating in the ocean, waiting for the magic to appear.
11. Do Whale Sharks Have Names?
Okay, this one’s fun.
Some local guides actually name the regulars—the sharks they see often. One might be called “Bintang” for his bright spot patterns. Another, “Putri,” for her graceful swim.
It’s not scientific, but it is endearing. It shows how deep the connection is between the community and these animals. They don’t just see them as attractions—they see them as neighbors.
12. What If I Cry?
Honestly? Same.
There’s no shame in getting emotional. You’re in the water with one of Earth’s most majestic creatures. You feel tiny, honored, and somehow connected. That kind of moment stays with you long after you’ve dried off.
So go ahead and let it hit you. No one’s judging.
Final Tip: Let Go of Expectations
The ocean doesn’t follow a script. Some days the visibility is perfect. Other days it’s moody. Some swims are epic, and others are quiet.
But that’s what makes it real.
If you show up with an open heart and a sense of wonder, you’ll leave with something bigger than photos. You’ll leave with a story.
And trust me—that story’s going to start something like this:
“So there I was, floating in Saleh Bay…”