Caught on camera: Humpback whales surprise group of B.C. kayakers

Kayakers off the coast of British Columbia were treated to an up close and personal marine mammal show that will take your breath away.

Wildcoast Adventures uploaded a video of the stunning moment when a pair of humpback whales breached the water only mere metres away from a group of delighted kayakers.

The guided tour group was initially observing from a distance as a mother humpback whale calmly nursed her young calf near B.C.’s Penn Islands. After 30 minutes the mother and calf reportedly decided to dip down into the water below and out of view.

That appeared to be the end of the show, until the pair suddenly start jumping out of the water at an extremely close proximity to the tour group.

Three different camera angles show both the calf and mother leaping into the air and splashing back down almost little too close for comfort. A closer view from one kayaker’s perspective makes it appear as if one whale is about to fall right on top of the group.

“So John doesn’t need a bathroom break anymore, he’s good!,” a woman’s voice off-camera can be heard saying following the amazing animal encounter.

In the video’s description, Wildcoast Adventures reminds viewers the importance of staying at least 100m away from humpback whales and other marine animals.

“As you can see in this video they can close the distance very fast and they are unpredictable. Remember ‘See a Blow Go Slow’,” it reads.

Top image via YouTube / Wildcoast Adventures