The internet was amazed by one lucky couple's encounter with a whale as they filmed the majestic creature swimming right under their boat.
A video shared by wildlife photographer Domenic Biagini on TikTok shows the rare encounter off the coast of San Diego, with the couple more than excited at the chance to get close to the animal.
"Encounters like these are special, but probably not as rare as it would be for your average whale watcher just due to the sheer volume of time I spend on the water," he told Newsweek.
"This specific clip happened on my birthday however, so it's one I cherish more as it was just me and my girlfriend."
The video, which has received 6.4 million views since it was first shared on November 12, shows Biagini's girlfriend Erica Sackrison looking over the edge of the boat as Biagini can be heard saying: "Erica there's a whale underneath us."
The camera then pans around and leans over to show the whale close to the surface of the water, right under the boat. The whale moves slowly, giving the pair a proper chance to see it.
In a surprise moment, the whale breaches the surface of the water, pointing its mouth upwards before it disappears back down into the ocean.
Van Isle Marina lists eight types of whales found in the Pacific Ocean. They are the grey whale, humpback whale, blue whale, minke whale, sperm whale, short-finned pilot whale, North-Pacific right whale, and fin whale.
The whale in the video is a humpback whale, which live in all oceans and often swim close to the coast, according to Britannica. They are identifiable by their long flippers and the bumps on their head.
Other TikTok users were amazed by the video, with thousands of comments left on it.
"The way I would instantly cry. I have dreamt of seeing a humpback whale my entire life let alone this close," said Jess.
QueenCobra commented: "This is the first time I don't feel anxiety from thalassophobia. this is such a beautiful moment."
@iluvlulu2 wrote: "Whales are so majestic, gentle giants for sure."
Meanwhile, Demi shared: "If I saw that I would cry with such overwhelming emotions."
@lebanesenight777 said: "I love the joy. I would've panicked thinking it's going to tip the boat." MR commented: "That's amazing and terrifying."
"For me this is one of the most precious things that can happen in life...to watch these beautiful creatures free in the sea," said @Silvia_000_.
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