The first time I dipped my head beneath the turquoise waters of Sumbawa, I felt like I had stepped into another world. Sunlight danced through the surface, casting rippling patterns on corals below. Schools of fish shimmered like living rainbows. And somewhere in the distance, a shadow moved—graceful, enormous, unmistakable. A whale shark.
That day, as I floated above this giant of the sea, I realised something important: we, as visitors, have a responsibility. The ocean isn’t just a playground. It’s a living, breathing ecosystem, and our actions can either protect it or harm it.
Why Eco-Friendly Snorkeling Matters
Every splash we make, every touch, and every item we bring into the water has an impact. In a place as precious as the waters around Saleh Bay—home to whale sharks, coral reefs, and countless marine species—small actions add up.
You don’t have to be a marine biologist to make a difference. Even as a traveler, your choices matter. Whether you’re in Sumbawa for a Saleh Bay whale shark tour or exploring another reef halfway across the world, you can snorkel in ways that respect the environment.
Choose Responsible Operators
Not all snorkeling trips are created equal. Some guides understand marine conservation deeply, while others focus purely on getting tourists in the water. Before you book, look for operators who emphasise eco-friendly practices.
In Sumbawa, the best guides will brief you on how to approach whale sharks without disturbing them, ensure boats keep a respectful distance, and avoid chumming the waters in harmful ways. They know that protecting marine life is part of delivering a meaningful experience.
When I joined a tour here, our guide explained not just where we’d swim, but why certain areas were off-limits. That kind of respect makes the trip even more special.
Gear That Protects the Sea
Your choice of gear can have a surprising impact. If you use sunscreen, opt for reef-safe formulas without oxybenzone or octinoxate—two chemicals that damage coral reefs. Wear a rash guard instead of lathering on excessive sunscreen.
For fins, pick ones that are the right size for you. Oversized fins can accidentally break corals if you’re not careful. And remember: even gentle contact with coral can cause lasting damage, so keep your kicks controlled.
Keep Your Distance from Marine Life
This might be the hardest rule to follow when you’re excited. Seeing a whale shark glide past is breathtaking, and the instinct to swim closer is natural. But these gentle giants need space.
In my own experience snorkeling with whale sharks in Sumbawa, I learned that the most magical moments come when you just float quietly and let them decide if they want to come closer. Sometimes, they do—and it feels like a true connection, not a chase.
The same goes for turtles, dolphins, and reef fish. Respecting their space means they can continue living without stress from human interaction.
Take Nothing, Leave Nothing
It’s tempting to pick up a pretty shell or a piece of coral as a keepsake. But those shells are part of the ecosystem—they provide homes for marine life and contribute to the reef’s natural cycle.
And if you bring anything into the ocean—like water bottles, snacks, or snorkel gear—make sure nothing gets left behind. I’ve seen plastic wrappers drifting in the current, and it’s heartbreaking to think of the harm they can cause.
Mind Your Buoyancy and Movement
Floating effortlessly may look easy, but it takes a bit of skill to avoid touching the reef. Practice staying horizontal in the water, using gentle fin kicks to move without stirring up sand or bumping into coral.
On one snorkeling trip in Sumbawa, a fellow traveler accidentally brushed against a coral head and was shocked to learn it could take years to recover. That tiny moment left a lasting impression on me: in the ocean, even small mistakes have big consequences.
Support Local Conservation
One of the most powerful things you can do is support the communities that protect these waters. In Sumbawa, for example, local efforts to safeguard whale sharks have led to better understanding of their migration patterns and how to keep them safe.
When you choose local guides, stay in eco-conscious accommodations, or donate to conservation programs, you’re helping ensure that the ocean remains vibrant for future generations.
A Personal Note on Respect
For me, snorkeling isn’t just about seeing beautiful things—it’s about feeling part of something bigger. I remember one quiet moment floating above a reef in Sumbawa, watching sunlight flicker across the whale shark’s skin. It felt timeless, like the ocean had paused to let me witness a secret.
That’s why I believe eco-friendly snorkeling is not a set of restrictions, but an invitation. It invites us to slow down, pay attention, and connect in a way that leaves the ocean better than we found it.
Final Thoughts on Snorkeling with Purpose
If you ever find yourself in Sumbawa, especially on a trip that brings you face-to-face with its marine treasures, take it as a privilege. The reefs, the fish, the whale sharks—they’ve been here long before us, and with care, they’ll be here long after.
Travelers often talk about making memories. I think the ocean asks us to do something more: make a promise. A promise that we’ll swim gently, respect every creature we meet, and leave only bubbles behind.
