“I hope they’re friendly,” my daughter whispered as she clutched her snorkel mask with both hands, eyes wide with excitement and just a hint of fear.
We were anchored in the calm waters of Saleh Bay, Sumbawa — floating on the edge of a moment none of us would ever forget.
A fin surfaced nearby. Then a huge shadow moved under our boat, smooth and silent, like a living island.
“There it is!” my husband called out, pointing with a mix of awe and disbelief.
And just like that, we were face-to-face with a whale shark. Or as the locals call it, hiu tutul — the star-spotted gentle giant of the sea.
This is our story. A family of four. Two young kids. One unforgettable journey into the world of the sumbawa whale shark ethical experience.
Why We Chose Saleh Bay
As parents, we’re always looking for meaningful ways to connect with our kids and the world around us. We didn’t want another beach vacation. We wanted impact. Nature. Something that might just reshape the way our kids see the ocean — and themselves.
I’d read about the whale sharks of Indonesia before, but most of what I found didn’t feel right. Some tours involved feeding, crowding, or even chasing the animals. We wanted none of that.
Then I found an article that changed everything — a story about a <a href=”https://whalesharksalehbay.com/whale-shark-sale-bay-article-blog-4/”>sumbawa whale shark ethical</a> program that works with local communities to protect whale sharks while offering small-group tours. No feeding. No touching. Just calm observation and deep respect.
That was all we needed to book our flights.
Preparing the Kids
We sat down with our two children — aged 6 and 9 — and showed them videos of whale sharks. We talked about marine life, why it matters, and why we don’t ride animals or chase them for photos.
“Even if they look like giant puppies,” I joked, “we let them be.”
My son asked, “Can I name one if I see it?”
“Only if it agrees,” I replied, and we all laughed.
They were ready.
We were ready.
First Impressions of Saleh Bay
Saleh Bay felt untouched. Quiet. Humble. There were no signs, no crowds, no gift shops.
Just nature — raw, vast, inviting.
Our guide, Putra, welcomed us with a smile. “The whale sharks come when they want,” he said. “But if they’re here, they’ll let us know.”
There was something sacred in the way he spoke. This wasn’t just a tour. This was a connection.
The Moment That Changed Everything
The boat slowed. The engine went silent.
Putra pointed to the left.
And there it was.
A massive, slow-moving whale shark — gracefully swimming just beneath the surface. Its body, dotted with constellations, shimmered in the sunlight.
“Is it safe?” my daughter whispered.
“It’s the gentlest fish in the world,” Putra replied. “Just float and breathe.”
We slipped into the water, holding hands. The ocean felt warm. Comforting. My daughter clung to her float for a while, watching, eyes locked on the slow dance of the creature below.
And then, she let go.
She paddled forward, gently, in perfect silence.
We drifted together — our small family and a being the size of a bus. It felt like magic. Like we didn’t belong there, and yet… we were welcome.
Why It Worked So Well for Kids
Here’s the truth: kids don’t need flashy things to be amazed.
This was real. This was nature, unfiltered.
- The water was calm — perfect for first-time snorkelers.
- The guides were patient, kind, and deeply respectful.
- The whale sharks swam slowly, never in panic, always in peace.
- There were no crowds. Just us, the sea, and something ancient.
It wasn’t a theme park. It was an education. An awakening. A rare eco-friendly whale shark tour that planted seeds of curiosity and wonder in our kids.
My son said afterward, “Mom, I think the whale shark smiled at me.”
Teaching Kids About Ethical Travel
One of the most powerful parts of this trip was helping our children understand that tourism can be ethical — and should be.
We explained how some places bait whale sharks with food, which changes their behavior and risks their health.
But not here.
This was a responsible whale shark experience. Whale sharks are protected in Saleh Bay. Local fishermen report sightings, guides follow strict rules, and the community benefits from sustainable tourism.
There was even a local school project that painted murals of the whale sharks to celebrate their importance.
It was a reminder: we are guests in their world, not the other way around.
What We Took Home
The trip ended, but the stories didn’t.
At bedtime, our daughter now asks to hear “the story of the shark with stars on its back.”
Our son corrected a classmate who said all sharks are dangerous. “Not whale sharks,” he said proudly. “They eat plankton and float like blimps.”
This wasn’t just a vacation. This was transformation.
We left with salt in our hair and clarity in our hearts.
And when people ask, “Was it safe?” or “Was it worth it?” I say: it was more than safe. It was right.
It was the best thing we’ve ever done as a family.
How to Do It Right
If you’re considering bringing your kids to swim with whale sharks, here’s what worked for us:
- Pick the right location. Saleh Bay is calm, remote, and not overrun by tourists.
- Go with ethical operators. Look for tours that respect wildlife and don’t feed or touch the sharks.
- Prepare your kids. Talk about ocean safety, animal behavior, and why we don’t interfere.
- Don’t rush the experience. Let them float. Let them ask questions. Let them feel it.
And always, always choose tours that center community and conservation. That’s what makes it sustainable. That’s what makes it real.
Want to Experience It Too?
If you’re looking for a truly meaningful family trip — one that’s both magical and ethical — I recommend reading more about the <a href=”https://whalesharksalehbay.com/whale-shark-sale-bay-article-blog-4/”>sumbawa whale shark ethical</a> experience. It gave us the confidence to say yes. And it gave our children something we could never have bought in a store: wonder.
You’ll never forget it.
Because some memories stay with you — like the shadow of a whale shark swimming just a few feet away, while your daughter whispers, “I think we’re part of the ocean now.”