The first time I saw a whale shark up close, I felt like I was holding my breath without realizing it. We were just off the coast of Sumbawa, the water so clear I could see every shimmering dot on the whale shark’s back before I even dipped my mask in. It was majestic — not just because of its size, but because of how gracefully it moved, how it seemed to own the space without needing to do anything loud or dramatic.
And yet, even in that awe-inspiring moment, I kept hearing one sentence from our local guide: “Respect is the most important thing when you meet a whale shark.”
That sentence stuck with me. Because this isn’t just a once-in-a-lifetime thrill. It’s a relationship — between humans, nature, and an ancient gentle giant of the sea.
If you’re thinking of swimming with whale sharks in Indonesia, especially in beautiful Saleh Bay, then this guide is for you. Here’s how to be a responsible, thoughtful, and truly ethical whale shark tourist.
Why It Matters More Than You Think
Let’s get something straight: whale sharks are wild animals. They’re not circus performers. They’re not attractions. They’re not here for us — we’re here as guests in their watery world.
Being a responsible tourist doesn’t just help protect whale sharks, it also supports the communities who rely on sustainable tourism and ensures that future generations can experience the same magic. That’s what being a sumbawa whale shark ethical visitor is all about — understanding the deeper layers beneath the photo ops and the Instagram stories.
And if you want a more in-depth look at how the locals protect this balance, check this out:
Sumbawa whale shark ethical
1. Choose an Ethical Operator (It’s a Big Deal)
I didn’t fully realize how important this was until I met the crew at Saleh Bay. Some boat operators chase whale sharks, drop food to lure them, or overcrowd the area with too many boats — all of which can seriously stress these gentle creatures.
The right tour will brief you on whale shark etiquette, limit the number of swimmers, and let the whale sharks come to you, not the other way around. They’ll also work closely with local fishermen who’ve built decades of respectful co-existence with these animals.
Responsible whale shark tours follow strict no-touch, no-chase, and no-flash guidelines. And believe me, the experience is better when it’s slower and on the whale shark’s terms.
2. Don’t Touch. Seriously.
This one should be obvious, but I’ve seen it happen — someone gets excited, forgets everything they were told, and reaches out. Please, don’t be that person.
Whale sharks have a protective mucus layer on their skin, and even the lightest touch can remove it, making them vulnerable to infections. Besides, it’s just plain disrespectful.
Floating nearby is more than enough. You’re already sharing space with one of the ocean’s most peaceful creatures — that’s the gift. You don’t need more.
3. Stay at a Respectful Distance
Guidelines often recommend staying at least 3 meters from the whale shark’s body and 4 meters from its tail. Why? Because those tails are powerful. One gentle swish could knock you off your snorkel if you’re too close — not out of aggression, but sheer size.
But more importantly, it’s about giving space. Whale sharks are calm, yes, but that doesn’t mean they’re comfortable with you right in their face. Respect their pace, their space, and their path.
4. Let the Moment Happen — Don’t Chase It
One of the best pieces of advice I got was from a local guide who simply said, “The ocean doesn’t rush, so why should you?”
I watched some swimmers splash around trying to keep up, swimming fast and panting into their snorkels. Meanwhile, I just floated calmly, and within a few minutes, a whale shark passed right beneath me.
If you’re patient, if you’re quiet, they’ll come to you. And it feels so much more magical when they do.
5. Wear Reef-Safe Sunscreen (or None at All)
Many common sunscreens contain chemicals that harm marine life — including the tiny plankton that whale sharks feed on. The best option? Skip the sunscreen and wear a rash guard or long-sleeve swimwear.
If you must wear sunscreen, choose one that’s labeled reef-safe, with no oxybenzone, octinoxate, or other harmful additives. Remember, what washes off your body goes into their home.
6. Keep It Natural — No Flash Photography
Sure, you want the perfect shot. I get it. But flash photography can disturb whale sharks and even temporarily blind them. Use natural light and enjoy the soft glow of sun filtering through the sea — it’s honestly more beautiful that way.
I took some of my favorite photos with just a GoPro and the morning sun behind me. No filters. No flash. Just real, wild beauty.
7. Be Mindful of Your Fins and Bubbles
If you’re snorkeling, keep your fins away from the whale shark’s path — and avoid kicking too aggressively. Some swimmers don’t realize how much noise and water movement they make, and it can startle the animal.
Also, avoid diving directly above them. Your bubbles might rise straight into their eyes or gills, which isn’t exactly a warm welcome.
8. Respect the Local Culture
This part isn’t talked about enough, but being a responsible tourist means respecting all aspects of your destination — not just the wildlife.
In Sumbawa, many of the guides and boat crews are local fishermen who know these waters better than anyone. Take time to listen to their stories. Ask questions. Support their efforts to balance tradition with conservation.
When you treat them with the same respect you give the whale sharks, the experience becomes deeper, more connected, more meaningful.
9. Share the Message, Not Just the Selfie
After your trip, you’ll have stories to tell — and pictures, for sure. But don’t just post and move on. Talk about what you learned. Share the why, not just the wow.
Explain how whale shark tourism can be sustainable. How it supports local livelihoods. How it protects the very creatures we admire.
Your voice can inspire others to visit with awareness and care — and that ripple effect? That’s how real change happens.
10. Come Back as a Better Tourist
The ocean teaches us something every time we enter it. After that first swim with a whale shark, I came back quieter, more thoughtful, more aware. I realized I’d been a guest in someone else’s world — and that I wanted to keep it safe.
If you’re planning a visit soon, remember: being a responsible whale shark tourist doesn’t mean giving up joy. It means deepening it. It means choosing connection over consumption. And trust me — the memories you make that way? They last far longer.