Talisayan Whale Shark Bagans

Not a dive site. Whale sharks gather at anchored lift-net platforms where small fish escape the nets, and operators run early-morning snorkel trips out to them. It costs a full day of diving, depends on weather and the lunar cycle, and it is a provisioned-style encounter rather than a chance open-water one.

Depth

0–5m

Current

Mild

Diver level

Open water

Entry

Boat

Unique features

Snorkel-only interaction with whale sharks around bagan lift-net fishing platforms
Roughly 2h by boat from Derawan on a 5am departure, mid-June to mid-September
Food-attracted animals; WWF Indonesia's code of conduct bans feeding, touching and chasing

Sources & last checked

Checked August 2026

This is a researched draft, not yet human-verified. The seasonality and logistics are drawn from the sources below — confirm specifics (permits, fees, closures) with an operator before you book.

Get to know the right whale shark interaction tour — WWF Indonesia
Whale Shark Point — Scuba Junkie Sangalaki

Note on the data: Coordinates are approximate; not surveyed dive-site GPS.