Some people return from a trip with souvenirs. Others with hundreds of amazing underwater photos. Me? I came back from my trip to Saleh Bay with unforgettable memories—and a mental checklist of everything I accidentally left behind in the sea.

Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly the most coordinated snorkeler on board.

But here’s the truth: even though I lost some items, I gained something much bigger in return. The experience of snorkeling with whale sharks, especially in a peaceful place like Saleh Bay, leaves an impression far stronger than any camera ever could.

Still, the list of what I dropped into the sea is worth sharing. For a laugh, and maybe as a gentle warning to fellow snorkelers heading to swim with the gentle giants of Indonesia.

It All Started Smoothly… Until It Didn’t

That morning started with excitement. We boarded the small boat before sunrise, the ocean around us still as glass, and I couldn’t believe I was finally on a real whale shark Saleh Bay tour.

The crew was friendly. My gear was prepped. GoPro? Charged. Mask? Anti-fogged. Fins? Tight and secure. I felt ready.

Until I got into the water.

The first thing I dropped? My sense of composure.

1. The GoPro Incident

Let’s get the painful one out of the way.

Yes, I dropped my GoPro.

And no, it wasn’t tied properly to my wrist.

I had just jumped into the water, and in the chaos of excitement, splashing, and spotting my first whale shark from afar, I forgot to check the strap.

I turned to get a better angle and—plop!—there it went, slipping right out of my grip and sinking slowly into the deep blue. I actually watched it descend in slow motion, powerless to stop it.

I didn’t even have time to mourn. A giant spotted shape was swimming right beneath me. I forgot about the camera. I forgot about everything.

And for a few minutes, I was just there—floating, wide-eyed, watching the massive creature pass under me like a silent train.

2. My Brand-New Snorkel Mask

This one hurt, not because of the cost, but because I really liked that mask. It fit perfectly.

Unfortunately, I underestimated how strong the current could be around Saleh Bay. After adjusting the mask mid-swim, I let go of it for just a second to rub my eyes. Just one second.

Big mistake.

A gust of water caught it, and it drifted faster than I could react. I tried to grab it, but my fin clipped a coral chunk, and I had to back off.

It’s probably still out there, a modern artifact on the ocean floor.

Lesson learned: never let go of your mask—ever.

3. One Flipper (Yes, Just One)

The flipper saga was less dramatic, but no less annoying.

I didn’t realize it had come loose until I noticed I was paddling lopsided. When I glanced back, I saw it slowly bobbing away on the surface.

I tried swimming after it, but between the current and my awkward one-flippered kicks, it quickly became a losing battle.

At that point, I just had to laugh. I looked ridiculous. Half-kicking in circles, half-float-swimming like a confused seal.

4. My Favorite Dry Bag (With Snacks Inside)

This one was a rookie move.

I had brought a small dry bag with me for the boat. Inside: a snack bar, sunglasses, and a travel-size sunscreen. When I got excited and rushed to put my fins on, I didn’t realize the bag wasn’t clipped properly.

It fell off the side of the boat while I was already in the water.

Bye-bye snacks. Hello, hunger.

But hey, at least the whale sharks weren’t interested in my granola bar.

But Honestly… It Was Still Totally Worth It

For every item I lost, I gained something far more meaningful: awe, humility, and a story worth telling.

When you swim with a whale shark in Saleh Bay, all those little details—your gear, your tech, your snacks—become irrelevant.

You stop thinking like a tourist and start feeling like a guest in someone else’s world. The ocean is vast and mysterious, and these creatures, with their calm presence and slow elegance, remind you how small and lucky you really are.

Why Saleh Bay Was the Perfect Place for This

I’ve snorkeled in busy spots before—places where there are more people than fish. But Saleh Bay is different.

It’s quiet. Raw. Untouched in a way that makes you feel like you’re the only person for miles. And it’s one of the few places in Indonesia where you can join an ethical, respectful Saleh Bay whale shark tour that truly puts the animals first.

There are no crowds. No chasing. No loud noises. Just you, the sea, and the gentle rhythm of these giants cruising by.

Even if you lose a thing or two along the way, you gain something bigger. Something permanent.

Lessons Learned (The Hard Way)

If you’re planning your own snorkeling trip in Saleh Bay, take it from me:

1. Use Double Straps or Clips

Whatever you bring—mask, camera, dry bag—clip it. Twice. Waterproof gear is only useful if it stays with you.

2. Don’t Panic When You Drop Something

Stay calm. If it’s not critical (like your mask), let it go. Chasing floating gear is how accidents happen.

3. Accept That You Might Lose Something

The ocean is unpredictable. Things float away. But that doesn’t have to ruin the experience. Sometimes, it even makes the memory better.

4. Prioritize Presence Over Content

I didn’t get a single decent photo that day. But the image of a whale shark’s tail fading into the blue? It’s etched into my memory, crystal clear.

A Final Thought on What I Took Home

I came back from my trip to whale shark Saleh Bay a little lighter, gear-wise. But my heart? So much fuller.

I didn’t need perfect footage or all my belongings intact to know that it was one of the most incredible experiences of my life.

Floating above a gentle giant, alone with my thoughts, salt in my mouth, and a trail of bubbles rising behind me—that’s what I remember.

That’s what stayed with me.

So if you’re planning your own trip and worried about your GoPro settings or losing a fin… relax. Bring backups if you can. But more importantly, bring your attention, your curiosity, and your willingness to let go.

Because sometimes, what you lose in the sea isn’t nearly as important as what you find in yourself.