When I first told my friends I was heading to Sumbawa to swim with whale sharks, the reactions were all over the place.
“Are you crazy?”
“Wait, you mean actual sharks?”
“Isn’t that dangerous?”
And honestly, I get it. The name alone—whale shark—sounds intimidating. Giant, mysterious, and from the depths of the sea. But the moment I slipped into the water and found myself face-to-face with a creature the size of a minibus… everything changed.
It moved slowly. Gently. Like it was more curious about the bubbles I made than anything else. That moment rewired something in me. And ever since, I’ve made it my personal mission to clear up the confusion surrounding these gentle ocean giants.
So if you’ve been on the fence about a whale shark watching trip, or if you’re just curious about what they’re really like—here are five myths that need to be absolutely, completely busted.
Myth #1: Whale Sharks Are Dangerous to Humans
Let’s knock this one out first—whale sharks are not dangerous. Not even a little.
Yes, they’re sharks. Yes, they’re massive. But no, they’re not predators. In fact, they’re filter feeders—like giant vacuum cleaners of the sea. Their meals consist of tiny plankton, krill, and the occasional small fish. That’s it.
When you swim alongside one, you’ll notice something funny: you’re probably more excited about the encounter than they are. They just glide on, calm and unbothered. No chasing, no lunging, no sharp turns. Just a 30,000-pound creature doing its thing—peacefully.
It’s the kind of experience that makes you question everything you thought you knew about sharks.
Myth #2: Whale Sharks Are Actually Whales
Nope. This is a biology class mix-up that confuses a lot of people.
Whale sharks are not whales. They are true sharks, meaning they’re fish, not mammals. But here’s the twist: they get the “whale” part of their name because of their size. They’re the largest fish in the world, and can grow up to 12 meters long (or more).
Still, they don’t breathe air like whales do. They don’t nurse their young. They don’t sing underwater songs (as far as we know). But they do have the same kind of calm, majestic presence you’d associate with whales—and maybe that’s why the name sticks.
So next time someone asks, “Is it a whale or a shark?” you can proudly say: it’s both… in name only.
Myth #3: They’ll Swallow You by Accident
I used to picture that scene from Finding Nemo—the one where Marlin and Dory get sucked into a whale’s mouth and end up trapped inside. Dramatic. Terrifying. Very animated.
But here’s the thing about whale sharks: their throats are surprisingly small. Even though their mouths can open over a meter wide, their actual gullet is about the size of a grapefruit. In other words, they couldn’t swallow you even if they tried. Which they absolutely won’t.
Their filter-feeding technique involves gulping huge volumes of water and then straining out the tiny food. If you’re in their path, they might gently swim around you—or just ignore you entirely. You’re not on the menu. Not even close.
Myth #4: Whale Sharks Are Rare to See
This one depends on where you’re looking—but in the right places, at the right times? Whale shark sightings are far from rare.
Saleh Bay in Sumbawa is one of those places. It’s a unique ecosystem where whale sharks return regularly to feed near the traditional rompong fishing platforms. Local guides have developed a deep knowledge of their habits, helping visitors get respectful, up-close encounters.
The beauty of doing a whale shark watching trip here is the balance. It’s not over-touristed. The focus is on sustainability. And you’re often among just a handful of people witnessing something truly extraordinary.
I went expecting a glimpse. I got over 40 minutes of quiet, awe-filled swimming with three different individuals. Talk about lucky.
Myth #5: Swimming With Whale Sharks is Only for Divers
I’ve heard this one too many times—and it’s simply not true.
You do not need to be a certified diver to swim with whale sharks. In fact, most experiences (like the ones in Saleh Bay) are snorkeling-based. All you need is basic swimming ability, comfort in the water, and a sense of wonder.
On my trip, we had all kinds of people on the boat—first-time snorkelers, parents with teens, solo travelers, and even a couple in their 60s. Everyone had their moment. Everyone came back grinning like they’d just touched the moon.
The guides were patient, the pace was slow, and the whole thing felt welcoming rather than extreme. It’s adventure with a heartbeat—not an adrenaline rush.
Beyond the Myths: What Whale Sharks Really Teach Us
Here’s what surprised me most: swimming with a whale shark isn’t just “cool.” It’s humbling.
It forces you to slow down. To float. To observe. There’s something ancient and wise in the way these giants move. It’s like they’ve seen the world shift and change a thousand times—and yet here they are, still cruising the same waters, unbothered.
Watching them up close, you can’t help but reflect. About how we treat the ocean. About what we choose to protect. About how small we are—and how much responsibility we carry.
That’s the real gift of the experience. Not just the photo, or the bragging rights. But the shift in perspective.
Tips for a Respectful Whale Shark Experience
Just in case this is your first time planning a swim or snorkel trip with these amazing animals, here are a few pointers that’ll make the encounter better for everyone:
- No touching. Ever. Just don’t. They’re wild animals, not pets.
- No flash photography. It startles them and damages their sensitive eyes.
- Keep your distance. Give them room to swim freely. You’re in their home.
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen. Protect both the water and the reef systems nearby.
- Listen to your guides. Especially in places like Saleh Bay where the locals know these creatures well.
Why Saleh Bay is the Hidden Gem You’ve Been Looking For
I’ve been to a few ocean destinations around the world. But Saleh Bay feels different.
Maybe it’s the warmth of the people. Maybe it’s the quiet charm of Sumbawa. Or maybe it’s the way the sea opens up to reveal magic without any need for drama. It’s not just a place—it’s a feeling. And whale sharks are a huge part of that.
If you’re looking for an experience that’s honest, grounded, and wildly unforgettable, this is where you want to be.