살레 베이에서 고래상어와 함께하는 스노클링 - 평생 잊지 못할 해양 모험

If encountering gentle giants in their natural habitat is on your travel bucket list, snorkeling with whale sharks at Saleh Bay in Sumbawa, 인도네시아 공화국 offers a truly unforgettable marine experience. Located on the northern coast of Sumbawa Island, this remote bay is one of the few places in the world where you can see whale sharks in shallow water, often just a few meters below the surface.

Why Saleh Bay Is Special

Saleh Bay has become famous for regular sightings of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) — the largest fish in the ocean — that are known to swim and feed near fishing platforms called bagan. These gentle giants are attracted by plankton and small fish stirred up when local fishermen lift their nets, creating a natural feeding opportunity for them.

Unlike many other whale shark hotspots that require deep‑water boat trips or scuba gear, the whale sharks in Saleh Bay often swim in calm, clear, shallow water. This makes the experience perfect for snorkelers of varying experience levels, whether you are a confident swimmer or a curious beginner.

What to Expect on a Whale Shark Snorkeling Trip

Most tours depart early in the morning — often before sunrise — from the village of Labuan Jambu or nearby ports. From there, you’ll take a boat to the whale shark zones where the sharks are most likely to appear.

Once you reach the feeding area near the bagan:

• Snorkel gear is provided or you can bring your own mask, snorkel, and fins.
• Your guide will brief you on safety and responsible interaction — including keeping a respectful distance (usually at least 3–4 meters) and avoiding any touching of the sharks.
• You’ll enter the water to float and observe these majestic fish moving slowly beneath you. Whale sharks often swim gently and deliberately — their slow movements and calm presence make the experience both awe‑inspiring and peaceful.

Many operators also provide light snacks, water, and sometimes underwater photography or GoPro services so you can capture your encounter.

Best Time to Visit Saleh Bay

Whale shark sightings in Saleh Bay occur 연중 내내, but the best conditions for snorkeling are generally between May and October, when the sea is calmer, visibility is better, and large schools of plankton attract the sharks more consistently.

Early morning — typically around 오전 6시 — is considered the ideal time to snorkel, as this is when the sharks often feed near the surface, especially around the fishing platforms.

Responsible and Safe Whale Shark Encounters

Whale sharks are gentle, filter‑feeding giants that pose no threat to humans as long as proper guidelines are followed. They feed only on plankton, krill, and small fish, and they are not predatory toward people.

To ensure the wellbeing of both visitors and sharks:

• Maintain a respectful distance and do not touch the animals.
• Avoid chasing, splashing, or crowding the sharks in the water.
• Use reef‑safe sunscreen and eco‑friendly gear to protect the marine environment.
• Follow all instructions from your tour guide or boat crew.

How to Get There

Saleh Bay isn’t as easy to reach as some other tourist destinations, but the journey is part of the adventure:

• By air: Fly into Sumbawa Besar (SWQ) from Lombok or Bali, then drive to Labuan Jambu and take a boat from there.
• By ferry: You can also reach Sumbawa from Lombok by ferry, followed by a land transfer to the departure village.
• Liveaboard tours: Some extended trips combining whale sharks with Komodo National Park or other destinations include Saleh Bay as part of their itinerary.

마지막으로

Snorkeling with whale sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa is an extraordinary and humbling experience, offering a rare opportunity to swim alongside some of the ocean’s most magnificent inhabitants. With the right preparation and respect for wildlife, this encounter becomes not only a thrilling adventure but also a meaningful way to connect with the marine world and support responsible tourism in Indonesia.

평생 잊지 못할 모험을 경험하세요 — 지금 바로 코모도 국립공원 투어 패키지를 예약하세요 코모도파다투어닷컴