Swim with Whale Sharks in Indonesia: Best Places, Time, and Ethical Guide

*(Updated: 10 October 2025)

By Abd. Wahab

Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most unforgettable experiences for most of our fellow travelers at SeaTrek.

One person wrote on TripAdvisor, “If I were to pick a highlight, it would be swimming with the whale sharks, but there were many, many more!”. Another wrote, “Unbelievable snorkeling with whale sharks,” and a lot more had this experience. I am one of them. I’ve been swimming with whale sharks in two of the three best places that I will tell you about in this article.

If you’re planning to swim with whale sharks in Indonesia, in this article, I will show you the best locations, along with the ideal seasons, how to get there, and tips on how to get your best whale shark experience. And the most important thing is an ethical guide when swimming with whale sharks.

Where is the Best Place to Swim with Whale Sharks in Indonesia, and When is the Best Time to Visit?

Indonesia, with more than 17,000 islands, offers many snorkeling spots where you can encounter amazing marine species, including whale sharks. But only in specific locations where you can sight and swim with whale sharks throughout the entire year. Knowing the best places and seasons will increase your chances of getting your best whale shark experience.

Now, let’s get to know three of the best places where you can swim with whale sharks in Indonesia:

1. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Triton Bay, Kaimana, West Papua

Triton Bay, located in Kaimana Regency, West Papua, is a special destination you should add to your bucket list if you want to swim with whale sharks while enjoying the beauty of underwater life. The area is known for its pristine marine life, vibrant corals, and a healthy ecosystem, which is why many underwater species, including whale sharks, call this place home.

Whale sharks are regularly spotted gathering around the fishermen’s platforms, called bagan. This is why most whale shark tours in Triton Bay happen near these platforms, with the help of local fishermen. The presence of whale sharks is due to the high concentration of plankton in the area. Similarly, the fishermen are attracted to the area due to the rich biodiversity and healthy fishing grounds, a practice they’ve been doing since 2000.

As a bonus, when you swim with whale sharks in Triton Bay, you’re also likely to encounter dolphins. The abundance of food in the area doesn’t just attract whale sharks and fishermen. Researchers have found, it also draws in dolphins. I had experienced this firsthand when I joined the Kaimana-Sorong trip in 2023, and it became one of my best experiences at sea. We were swimming with three giant whale sharks when suddenly, about eight dolphins appeared, swimming around us as well.

– Tips on Swimming with Whale Sharks in Kaimana Bay

• When to visit: The best time to visit Kaimana Bay for whale sharks is from October to April. During this period, plankton blooms attract whale sharks to the area, offering clear visibility and the chance to swim with them.
• How to get there: Kaimana Bay is accessible via Kaimana Airport in West Papua. You can book a direct flight from Sorong, the gateway to Raja Ampat, which takes about an hour. From the airport, a short boat ride will take you to the bay where whale sharks are frequently spotted.
• Related Trip: SeaTrek with Papua’s Whale Sharks and Birds of Paradise (Kaimana-Sorong)

2. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay, Sumbawa, West Nusa Tenggara

Similar to Triton Bay, whale sharks in Saleh Bay also gather around the local fishing platforms, known as bagan, where they feed on small fish and plankton. For the local people here, the presence of whale sharks is seen as a good sign, indicating that other fish, which fishermen target, are nearby.

Beyond that, whale sharks here also bring good news for local people in the tourism industry. Interpid travellers are attracted to the area to get the chance to swim with these gentle giants. Combine with the clear waters and high population, where we once swam with four or five whale sharks in one area, making Saleh Bay another favorite place to swim with whale sharks in Indonesia.

Saleh Bay also offers a perfect blend of marine and wildlife experiences. Most adventurers and nature lovers combine their whale shark trip with a visit to Komodo National Park via cruise ship. Here, you can explore the island and encounter the legendary Komodo dragons, swim with manta rays, or enjoy a breathtaking sunset while watching thousands of fruit bats migrate, covering the sky.

– Tips on Swimming with Whale Sharks in Saleh Bay

• When to visit: The best time for a trip to Saleh Bay is from April to November, which perfectly aligns with Komodo’s dry season. During these months, you’ll benefit from clear skies, calm seas, and excellent underwater visibility.
• How to get there: To reach Saleh Bay, you’ll need to fly into Sumbawa Besar from Bali or Lombok. Once there, it’s a short boat ride to the bay, where you can arrange local tours to swim with whale sharks.
• Related Trip: SeaTrek with Whale Sharks, Corals, and Dragons

3. Swimming with Whale Sharks in Botubarani, Gorontalo, North Sulawesi

In Gorontalo, at the Botubarani Bay, you don’t have to go far away to the open sea to find whale sharks. The whale shark spot here is easy to spot. Even though it’s close to the local place, they are safe because the Gorontalo regional government has designated this area as a protected area.

Similar to other places, whale sharks here in Botubarani initially came by themselves. Attracted by the abundant food, whale sharks have gathered here over the years. It’s recorded that around 21 whale sharks have been appearing in the area with an average length of 3,5 to 6 meters.

The presence of whale sharks has positively impacted the local community. The local community here has established a small tourist infrastructure for swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks, as they protect the species, through implementing the responsible travel concept. Their relationship shows how humans and wildlife can bring good to each other.

– Tips on Swimming with Whale Sharks in Botubarani Bay

• When to visit: The best time to swim with whale sharks in Botubarani, Gorontalo, is from November to April. This is the time when the seas are calmest, and the weather is generally more favorable for water activities around the area.
• How to get there: To reach Botubarani, you’ll need to fly into Gorontalo from Manado or Makassar. From there, a short drive will take you to Botubarani, where local guides can take you out for a whale shark experience.
• Related Trip: SeaTrek with Rare Species, Remote Cultures & Remarkable Corals (Ternate-Bitung)

Ethical Guide When Swimming with Whale Sharks

Having the chance to swim with the largest fish in the world is a privilege. For some, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As a tour operator and traveler, it’s our collective responsibility to make sure we do this activity in a respectful and sustainable way.

Before swimming with whale sharks, it’s important to follow this simple ethical guide. By doing so, you can help protect these animals, the environment, and the local community for a future generation:

• Respect the environment: As travelers, we should know that every place or attraction exists not only for us but also for our future generations.
• Keep a respectful distance: As wild animals, whale sharks should not be approached too closely. Maintain a distance of about 3 meters to ensure both your safety and theirs. This way, you can be close enough to see them but far enough not to touch them.
• Respect wildlife: If you are visiting as part of a group, make sure you do not disturb the whale sharks by swimming in a large group. It’s best practice to keep the group size small, no more than 25 spread out in the water.
• Choose local guides and responsible tour operators: To maximize your experience and minimize your impact on the environment, always plan your trip with tour operators who are knowledgeable and responsible.

Plan Your Whale Sharks Trip with SeaTrek

Planning your trip can be easily done, but choosing the best way to get the most out of your experience is another matter. If you want to get an immersive experience, the best way is by joining a liveaboard cruise. This floating home will take you beyond just the best places to swim with whale sharks, but also to any remote and uncrowded islands.

At SeaTrek, we do more than take and show you the destination. When we swim with these whale sharks, we only visit the fishermen’s bagan that we trust, and we only swim in a small group, as part of our role to keep this trip responsible and sustainable. Along with the guidance of our experienced Indonesian tour leader, you will gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia, both above and below the water.

If you’re ready to leap, contact our cruise specialist, and he will book you on our next whale shark adventure.