I get it. You're scrolling through Instagram, and boom, there’s that one person (you know the type, guilty as charged lol) floating beside a giant polka-dotted sea creature, looking serene and enlightened while you’re on your third cup of coffee, hunched like Gollum at your desk.

But this time, instead of muttering “must be nice,” you’ve decided I want that to be me. And you’re in luck, because Indonesia happens to be one of the best places in the world to swim with whale sharks, the gentle giants of the sea.

As someone who’s actually done it (multiple times, in fact), I’ve got the inside scoop. I’ll break down where to go, when to go, what to expect, and why you should do it responsibly. Bonus: I’ll throw in a few real, slightly embarrassing stories for free.

First Things First: What’s a Whale Shark Anyway?

A Shark, But Make It Wholesome

Despite the word shark, they’re not the stuff of horror movies. Whale sharks (scientific name: Rhincodon typus) are the world’s largest fish. They can grow up to 12 meters long, which is the size of a bus. A very calm, vegan bus.

They eat plankton, krill, and teeny-tiny fish. Which means, contrary to your uncle’s dramatic warnings, they’re not going to eat you.

Best Places in Indonesia to Swim with Whale Sharks

Indonesia has several whale shark hotspots, each with its own quirks, seasons, and stories. Here's a breakdown:

1. Gorontalo – The OG Whale Shark Hangout

Location: Northern Sulawesi

Best Time to Visit: November to April

Why It’s Special: Predictable sightings and gorgeous coral walls

Gorontalo is the place that made me believe the ocean has magic. The whale sharks here often hang around bagan fishing platforms. Fishermen sometimes let their catch spill into the sea, and the whale sharks figured out this free buffet situation pretty quickly.

My Experience: I jumped into the water in Gorontalo thinking I’d see a whale shark. What I didn’t expect was three of them gliding around me like oversized Labradors. At one point, I squealed into my snorkel and accidentally inhaled a mouthful of seawater. Graceful? No. Worth it? Absolutely.

Insider Tip: Go early in the morning. The visibility tends to be better, and the whale sharks haven’t had their brunch yet, so they’re more likely to linger.

2. Saleh Bay, Sumbawa – The New Favorite

Location: Northern coast of Sumbawa

Best Time to Visit: May to October

Saleh Bay is a rising star in the whale shark scene. Like Gorontalo, the whale sharks here are also attracted to fishing platforms, but the bay is way bigger and wilder.

My Experience: Getting to Saleh Bay is a bit of a mission, but it’s the kind of mission that ends in tears of joy and jelly legs. One of the whale sharks here was so close I could see its tiny eye blinking at me. I think we had a moment. Then he pooped. Which was also a moment.

Insider Tip: Bring a dry bag and a sense of humor. There’s often no Wi-Fi, so you’ll have to talk to people or (gasp) enjoy the view.

3. Kaimana, West Papua – Where Whale Sharks Meet Rainforest

Location: West Papua

Best Time to Visit: Year-round, though February to May is best

Why It’s Special: Whale sharks + jungle + very few tourists

Kaimana is one of the most pristine places I’ve ever visited. Whale sharks here also frequent bagans, and the surrounding landscapes are straight out of Jurassic Park.

My Experience: I once spent half an hour floating next to a whale shark while hornbills called in the distance and rainforest mist rolled over the hills.

Insider Tip: Pair your trip with a visit to Triton Bay, one of the richest underwater ecosystems on earth. You won’t regret it (though your knees might after that boat ride).

4. Biak, Papua – Whale Sharks With a Side of WWII History

Location: North coast of Papua

Best Time to Visit: April to October

Why It’s Special: Deep cultural heritage and off-the-beaten-path vibes

Biak isn’t just about whale sharks, it also has shipwrecks, WWII relics, and vibrant Papuan culture. The whale sharks here are less predictable but equally rewarding.

My Experience: I didn’t see a whale shark on my first day in Biak. Or the second. But on the third? One showed up like a shy celebrity and did a slow pirouette just beneath me. Worth the wait.

Insider Tip: Combine your trip with island-hopping around Yapen and Numfor for the full Biak experience.

A Note on Conservation: Don’t Be That Tourist

Enter Conservation International and the Whale Shark Tagging Program

Here’s where things get sciencey (but stay fun, I promise). Conservation International has been working with local fishermen and authorities in Indonesia to tag and track whale sharks.

These satellite tags help researchers understand migration routes, feeding behavior, and how to better protect these endangered creatures. You can actually view their movement via the Whale Shark Tracker, which is as cool as it sounds.

Swim Respectfully, Please

If you’re lucky enough to swim with whale sharks, do it responsibly:

No touching (they have sensitive skin)
No flash photography
No sunscreen unless it’s reef-safe
Don’t block their path

This is their ocean, not your selfie set.

Packing List for Whale Shark Encounters

Here’s what I bring every time I chase these giants around Indonesia:

Mask and snorkel (preferably your own)
Fins (they help you keep up respectfully)
Reef-safe sunscreen
Rash guard (bonus: keeps you from looking like a lobster)
Dry bag (trust me)
GoPro or underwater camera (bonus points if you don’t drop it mid-squeal)
Snacks, water, and cash (some boats don’t take cards)

Swimming with whale sharks in Indonesia is not just a bucket-list item, it’s a soul-reset button. Each time I see one, I feel this strange combination of awe, humility, and childlike glee. I’ve had my mask fog up from happy tears. I’ve accidentally kicked myself in the face with my own fins. I’ve made dolphin sounds in public. Zero regrets.

Indonesia offers some of the best places in the world to experience this, and every location has its own vibe. Whether you’re headed to Gorontalo, Saleh Bay, Kaimana, or Biak, you’re in for something magical.

Just remember: it’s not about the perfect photo, it’s about the feeling of being a speck of dust next to a spotted spaceship of a fish who couldn’t care less about your GoPro.

And honestly? That’s kind of the point.

Want More Indonesia Travel Tips, Ocean Adventures, or Slightly Unhinged Personal Stories?

You know where to find me.

Thank you for reading and now back to happily roaming!

Swim with Whale Sharks in Indonesia: Best Place, Time, and Conservation