Incredible Friendly Whale Visits the Fast Raft

[@shirleyriggles5302]

Unable to visit these amazing Humpbacks close up, I appreciate these videos and watch them as often as I can.

[@princessbeexxxx]

I love how careful and gentle they are. They are so aware of how big they are and know to be gentle and so relaxed. I love how curious and graceful whales are. Like seriously.

[@nape8198]

She's like "are u ok little land mammals, you seem pretty far away from your home. You need a nudge?"

[@INSHERRYSOPINION]

Such a wonderful, beautiful thing to experience. This is where they belong. I have tears just getting to enjoy this video. I think she’s enjoying the attention. Leave the wild in the wild. Thanks for sharing.

[@lightheart5340]

Why do I have tears of joy rolling down my face? I think it a feeling of wonder. Thankyou.

[@chrispaw1]

Whale- "are you the fuckers throwing all that pesky plastic into my ocean?"

[@cacatr4495]

FABULOUS! Thank you to the passengers on this fast raft for not freaking out, for peacefully enjoying what you came to see. What a remarkable encounter I'd love to have. Awesome! Thank you for posting this. 😁

[@Jane_under_a_tree_with_a_book]

Peacefully? It would have been peaceful if that woman had not stopped talking the entire time.

[@SIFAKA17]

Humpbackwhales are so friendly ans so smart.I often swim with her and I've a great respect for them.

[@gbyrd1970]

You often swim with WHO???

[@AlexArimaPiano]

Grammar 100

[@arthurkornblum9771]

Such gentle giants, and so intelligent!!! What an amazing find!!!

[@kksadventures4270]

Oh my that has to be the coolest and sweetest thing ever 😍

[@TK-go3vu]

So lucky for that experience!!! UNBELIEVABLE!!! Thanks for sharing

[@romyparker6537]

Wow!! What an amazing and Wonderful world God has created!!!!

[@audreyoudin583]

An amazing and rather peaceful encounter. I love the fact the owner of the vessel is reminding of the people to not touch the whale. This is really a respectful and responsible behavior, same for the passengers. You are a great persons.

[@zeeqayum4834]

Audrey Oudin really you “love” it? Shut up old lady

[@MrQuestiel]

@@zeeqayum4834 When a creature is endangered there may be special laws regarding them. www.animallaw.info/article/overview-laws-and-regulations-protecting-whales Note: the whale watching section. If there are any local laws permitting you to touch the whale, then you CANNOT. I imagine the guide who knows the local laws may have just been enforcing. Similar thing up here in Canada when you go to the protected reserves. There are endangered animals that you are forbidden to interact with www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/avance-ahead/regs/nourriture-food Believe it or not, there is a $25000 fine for doing that. To the reason why such laws exist? When wildlife particularly mammals learn to drop their guards around humans, it puts them in danger from those who would harm them. You may think "oooo just pet the whale" but being a mammal it "learns" than humans are harmless and must show up for "petting" instead of running away. Then one day it runs into a hunter boat...

[@jsirena100]

Captain Kate has incredible Whale Karma! I believe she forming a wonderful and loving relationship with the whales that have been frequenting our bay.

[@princessbeexxxx]

So big and yet so careful.

[@luca-gh2lf]

Them: Wow look at that ! Us: Wow! We can't see anything!

[@cyprescrow]

We can't tell if the whale wanted to be petted. But you never know. Though what perhaps Not many realise, is that this majestic wanderer of the oceans was being much friendlier and far more polite than you think. Remember they guide saying "Look! She has turned completely downside up so she can look at us. Oh, that's her white chin...." or something along those lines. A few times in the video the whale turns belly up. That is not so that she can view the people on the boat better. When she wants to do that she turns and swims on her side, which she did a couple of times before she turned all downside up. The eyes are located on each side of the head. That's why she is swimming on her side while being close to the boat, she's looking at them. But then she did something else, she turned completely so that they could see her belly. You see, in whale language, turning belly up is a very, and I mean very, friendly gesture. By doing so the whale is presenting itself to the people on the boat. It's a whale's way of saying hello in the nicest way possible. By exposing her most vulnerable side She is showing that she means no harm. The Whale is also showing them what gender it is. This gesture is like a "proper conservative whale greeting" or something like that. Good manners, simply. If we translate it into human code it would be something along the lines of: "Hello, friend. I am a female/male Humpback Whale. I mean you no harm" That's what she is saying. Also quite amazing how gentle she is when she's feeling the boat. She wants to know what that thing feels like. Amazing. ..... I just watched a little more. Look at that. She does a spy hop, then straight after she turns upside down. Not to look at the people, like they keep believing and saying. But to greet them. Makes the situation an even more unforgettable one. Pity they don't really know how to read her language. Because it is somewhat different from how they see it. Quite beautiful, if you think about it: The whale spy hops (rises out of the water to properly look at the humans on the boat) and then straight away she turns upside down to greet them in the most friendly way she knows, and she makes sure that they can see it. How cool is that.

[@irenezerva5274]

Majestic creature, absolutely stunning ! 💖

[@92alphagal]

What an awesome experience!!

[@khatarootube]

Wow, What a sweet encounter!

[@antonr170]

Thin line between being safety conscious and being a control freak, I guess. If I were looking for this once in a lifetime experience I wouldn't hire a nanny for captain.

[@RoseSharon7777]

She's looking out against a lawsuit. People are Amazingly stupid these days.

[@theinternationalentity2459]

I think the whale wanted to be petted

[@darkprose]

You can’t know that, but even if it was true, that is all the more reason to not encourage it. They aren’t cats or dogs, you know. It’s not wise to be too close to them as it is, but sometimes they decide to get closer. It is best to just watch them quietly and calmly, do not attempt to touch them, and wait for them to move on. Interaction can disrupt their natural behavior so it’s best to enjoy them from a distance: www.greateratlantic.fisheries.noaa.gov/Protected/mmp/viewing/approaching/ www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/marine_mammals/watching.html

[@rose_yts]

@@darkprose I have seen many footages of people petting them and some even kissed them. They remained passive and calm and never drift away because of that.

[@weldingofisaac]

@@rose_yts Its true! I petted one before.

[@stillstormie7222]

I think the people that chase them (any whale, dolphin or big fish species) down to harass, swim with or pet are complete asses & in the wrong...but encounters like this - where they were stationary but the whale initiated & was clear to leave at any time on her terms, aren't even in the same category. If 1 of these people gently touched her flipper, it should be *LESS* of a problem than that guy shoving his go pro in her face the whole time. This whale acted interested in THIS case & it shouldn't be the worst thing in the world to give her fin a quick rub when she offered it up to them. Things aren't always so black & white as humans often try to make them - there are a ton of beautiful shades of Grey in most situations...it just takes us using common sense to see them. 🐬💜🐳✌🏼🦈

[@serendipity9649]

Now this is whale watching, So much better than the vid with wife calling 911 on the whales.

[@Orionsglow1]

Why not pet her ? I thought it seemed like she wanted to be petted..... what a beautiful,magnificent animal

[@kath8259]

Awesome footage!! But i have to say shoving that Go pro stick right into the whale was quite annoying. Other than that I quite enjoyed your video. What a great experience ..thanks for sharing!

[@crashburn3292]

"Don't touch her." - Great guide.

[@PlayGtr]

I was trying to figure out if that was their mom because what bs.

[@PlayGtr]

Meanwhile elsewhere other people are touching, petting, scratching and kissing the whales.

[@jomon723]

Don't touch! I have dove with Humps and they like being touched most of the time

[@bossfan49]

Make up your mind.

[@tank100286]

I know these whales are known to be friendly but it's gotta be intimidating to be near one on a little ass boat or raft.

[@sammontanez6908]

Everyone, meet Humphrey the curious but friendly Humpback Whale 🐋

[@uwrekme]

Very nice! Doesn't get better than that! I wish the passenger with the GoPro could have just enjoyed and taken in the experience, rather than sticking the GoPro in the water all of the time so close to the whale.

[@cacatr4495]

Absolutely. It was quite the distraction and stress for everyone. It certainly pulled away from his own experience in ways he likely has not discerned. One is not free to put ALL attention on the experience while trying to film.

[@spwb2k]

i was going to crack on these folks for acting like a bunch of little kids until i thought, "thats exactly what I'd be doing!!" :) see you soon i hope.

[@samiamisme]

miked765 ...me too at least they're not squealing and yelling. I appreciate that they were whispering, but honestly I don't know if I could have contained myself. very cool

[@fatboy19831]

Is this whale watching or human watching?

[@generalkenobi5173]

Both

[@noraaziz4917]

I like the video tqu

[@ASDF-xl7ep]

sooo cool! but how did you knew that it a "she" ;)))

[@claireetally]

@Maxwell Smart_086 Jesus loves you

[@jackiebinns6205]

Keep the stick out of the water !

[@RoseSharon7777]

If I were there I'd would have yanked it away the threw it in the water. So irritating how stupid people are these days.

[@sharongilley3985]

AGREE..

[@rafaelbaeza163]

she thinks your boat is a mate ,both are same color

[@marlajames81]

They like to get scratched.

[@TheFrederik1970]

I love that the responsible keeps teeling people to "dont touch her" ... " dont let that go pro touch her" ...

[@forrestgumball]

Frederik Møller Freaking touch it. It's not often you are able to physically connect with one of the largest species on the planet

[@Enny_Gima]

Until the whale gets startled from you touching it. Even a startled flinch from a whale could kill you.

[@cosmicmuffin322]

It's the law not to touch them. It's that way for a reason.

[@loiswinstone5904]

If only they could live in the moment and put those cameras down

[@UseADamnCoaster]

Whales rule 🤘🏻🐳

[@caioff7166]

Como foi que eu bŕasileiro fui parar aqui?

[@AudreyChavezscubajoechavez]

Kate can I get information on a tour and best time pls

[@windwhipped5]

This guy thinks hes gonna make a blue planet reboot with a holy zhit stick it in right there..

[@luziabatruel7979]

🐋🥰🐋🥰🐋🥰🐋

[@arluargi8062]

Amore!!!!!!! Le ❤️🐳❤️ sono meravigliose e odio profondamente chiunque gli fa del male😡. Gli animali vanno amati e rispettati......... a differenza di tanti esseri umani....... anzi...... inumani!!!!!!

[@jbugwatson8398]

I know thAt lady was like dont touch..she must own the whale.I hate killjoys.

[@cosmicmuffin322]

That's the law of interacting with wildlife. Don't approach them let them approach you

[@Avoidantslovetocopeandcope]

The woman who keeps commenting is annoying as heck. The whale is TRYING to get petted. Its so obvious by the way it's interacting with the boat. Stop being a control freak

[@fatboy19831]

I hope they have on life vest.

[@liz8343]

I think she wants them to remove the barnacles on her body

[@liz8343]

Josh yes but it would be more satisfying to remove them... not sure how that could be done🤨

[@Patricia-un6kv]

4:34 Can you see what looks like a circular scar on her back? I wonder what that mark is.

[@hmmcinerney]

Patricia Propeller maybe.

[@Patricia-un6kv]

@@hmmcinerney I suppose it could be, yes. It must have been a very bad injury to leave such a large scar! Stay well, wherever you are...;-)

[@hmmcinerney]

Patricia You too😀. Another thing; it could be a killer whale injury, horrible thought:

[@Patricia-un6kv]

@@hmmcinerney Yes, it's a horrible thought, but I'd rather it was part of nature than being from a manmade object. I couldn't sleep, so I got up and am watching "Vietnam Remembered", which is a documentary from the soldiers' who survived point of view. A very sad and pointless war..... kzbin.info/www/bejne/lXnOdad5d8mBi9U

[@mehitabel1290]

ALMOST free of the usual human screams, squeals and shrieks that bedevil all marine mammal vids.............. ALMOST.

[@ohnoitsthecatman738]

What is wrong with people, an encounter like this is a total gift from the universe and how many times did the tour guide have to say "Don't let that GoPro touch the whale". Why cant people just enjoy the moment anymore? Even concerts have been ruined by people holding their cameras directly in your line of vision at concerts. The last time i saw Cyndi Lauper I had a camera in front of my face the whole time and when i sat back and looked nearlt every third person was having the same problem. Put your phone/camera away, youre not an artist or a film maker, youre a spoil sport. Did the whale sign the appropriate release forms, is she being renumerated for her staring performance?

[@MrQuestiel]

You also realise that without thier gopros YOU wouldn't be experiencing this right? It's easy to gripe on those whose cameras allow you to be a youtube warrior

[@kimingraham5618]

Whale wanted to be petted They get itchy to just like us...I dont see why you dont want to pat it...

[@maribs4636]

She scratch..

[@vlqlvlql7278]

God lord, lord god

[@karlmawby2921]

Pet them softly all animals are currios b a good Human ambassador

[@treehugger7185]

If the whales were humans they would have tipped over boat and start killing all of them for recreation. They could have easily do that if they wanted to, but they never do that. Animals are so different from humans. How could humans eat them? Sickening to think of old days and even now....

[@kidzbopkaren8342]

because animals survive they don't live... they wouldn't get nothing if they ripped over that boat and this a waste of energy for them

[@steve1279]

cats kill mindlessly sometimes too, they are responsibles for killing inbetween 2-3.6 billion small animals a year im not sure if that is global statistic or u.s. though. gray whales used to fight back and kill fishermen in baja too, it was like a war down decades ago. it wasn't until whale watching caught on and fishermen stopped killing them coupled with a generation of whales that weren't actively killed by humans that we reached this happy compromise.

[@alowberg]

The woman doing all the talking ruined the video and hindered what could have been a much greater experience for this hump back whale and the people. If this whale did not want to be touched it would have not tried so hard to get it. This woman needs to watch some videos of gray whale interacting with humans. I would agree if the people chanced the whale down, but this whale and the greys I am talking about comes to the people, that should make the difference between touch and not touch. I am not angry with this woman but hope she would come to a better understanding of nature and realize that we humans apart of it and yes even a good part of it some times.

[@yorusuyasoul69420]

yo hoomans has no right to touch the whale with ya filthy hands

[@nawazomuzik]

What makes you think its a SHE?

[@fluffyweapon]

DEREK cause

[@BigBlueJake]

Humpbacks can be identified by dorsal fin shape and the color patterns on the flukes, and probably the patterns on the pectoral fins. The guide probably knows who the "regulars" are that come and check out the boat.

[@cyprescrow]

Perhaps the guide is simply saying "She" because that's how we generally refer to mammals of unknown gender. We say "She" about humans too.

[@bernzion3000]

Unknown gender term

[@nawazomuzik]

@Stephen Murphy ok i didnt notice that

[@coachgeofft]

man that lady is annoying! dont touch dont touch like the whale is made of glass. It obviously was checkin things out and wasnt aggressive so really no harm in "petting" it. i would never go on one of her "tours"

[@TheSynecdoche]

The whale is not made of glass but nobody knows what her reaction will be to being touched. Most animals don't like it unless they ask for it. So keep your distance if you want to get ashore alive. The whale is bigger and stronger than you.

[@Espada2234]

touching it could startle her if that happened she could kill everyone on that small boat with one swipe of the tail.

[@darkprose]

coachgeofft, maybe you should familiarize yourself with the laws protecting these animals and the guidelines for whale watching: www.fisheries.noaa.gov/topic/marine-life-viewing-guidelines www.westcoast.fisheries.noaa.gov/protected_species/marine_mammals/watching.html Unless you have a permit for scientific research, you shouldn’t be physically interacting with whales-or any marine mammal or sea turtle for that matter. It’s for their protection and yours.

[@annglasheen1178]

coachgeofft , you are fucking annoying. She’s a marine biologist who cares more about protecting the environment than your selfish desires to pet the whale. I’m quite certain she wouldn’t want you on one of her tours so it’s a non issue.

[@Edelweiss1102]

Gotta love the "know it all" wanabes on the internet. 1) The lady is a marine biologist and also the tour gide, she knows whats best and carries the responsibility. 2) There are laws which forbid you to touch marine mamals or most of marine life in general for that matter. This is to not disturb the animals or spreading potentisl deseases. 3) No she isn't made out og glass, which is exactely why you shouldn't touch her. Most wild animals aren't used to be touched out of nowhere, and there is no way to tell how they will react. At the end of the day this remains a 40 ton, 20m long apex predator which can easily sink the boat and kill you, intentional or not. So no, petting a whale isn't worth risking everyones life.

[@janheard3826]

The guy with the stick is annoying

[@Heavnelydemon]

I hate the people for not petting it. Weakness disgusts me

[@MrKelso159]

The good tour boats encourage the touching because it's for some people a once in a lifetime experience. Always ask first if they allow it and if not find a better one before you give them your money.

[@MrQuestiel]

When a creature is endangered there may be special laws regarding them. www.animallaw.info/article/overview-laws-and-regulations-protecting-whales Note: the whale watching section. If there are any local laws permitting you to touch the whale, then you CANNOT. I imagine the guide who knows the local laws may have just been enforcing. Similar thing up here in Canada when you go to the protected reserves. There are endangered animals that you are forbidden to interact with www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/avance-ahead/regs/nourriture-food Believe it or not, there is a $25000 fine for doing that. To the reason why such laws exist? When wildlife particularly mammals learn to drop their guards around humans, it puts them in danger from those who would harm them. You may think "oooo just pet the whale" but being a mammal it "learns" than humans are harmless and must show up for "petting" instead of running away. Then one day it runs into a hunter boat... Please think about future consequences of your actions before doing them. There's a reason these creatures are endangered from humans and teaching them to RUN FROM HUMANS if the appropriate course of action NOT your feelings.

[@strawberry_hawk]

i wish i knew who the whale was :(

[@southsidesun]

Tilikum Photograhpy - we do! :) This is a known whale, CRC12111 in the Cascadia Research Collective catalog. My limited record has 11 sightings of her, oldest being 2008. Kate photographed this same whale on Oct 12, 2012 smile emoticon Match information based on Cascadia Research catalog and database including contributions by collaborating researchers. I posted Kate's 2012 photo on her FB page: facebook.com/katethelizard/posts/10155827934740192?pnref=story

[@southsidesun]

Tilikum Photograhpy Here's a bit more background, from John Calambokidis at Cascadia Research: we show 40 records going back to 2006, with all but one from Monterey Bay (other from just north near the Farallones). Based on a biopsy obtained in 2011, the whale was determined to be a female. She has only recently been seen with a suspected calf but earlier sightings were mostly from October and November so she tends to be seen late in the season, potentially after weaning of any calf that she may have had.

[@strawberry_hawk]

Ted Cheeseman Thank you. She's a very beautiful whale. I am studying to be specialized in humpbacks so I hope I make it :)

[@1974dormouse]

Where did she get the idea that you shouldn't touch the whale?? They love being touched

[@BigBlueJake]

In the US it is illegal to touch whales when you are on a whale watching trip. I believe there is a separation distance requirement as well (particularly with the motor running), though if the whale decides to come closer its better to be still than trying to back away. I'm sure it is to prevent people from chasing and harassing the whales. A practical reason for not touching the whales would be to avoid giving them the idea they can rub on boats. A big ol' barnacle-covered whale head could really mess up a small boat.

[@jahcentral77]

Did the lady in this video have to speak rudely towards everyone else?

[@cacatr4495]

She didn't speak rudely. When people step on a vessel, they sign a form of agreement regarding the terms of the owner, to abide by the rules and protocol. They are informed of those rules beforehand. Obviously, reminders were necessary. The passenger with the GoPro didn't realize how very close the whale was. Clear, succinct reminders are not rude. This is part of necessary communication when participants are about to overstep. I felt her tone and handling of that situation was positive, appropriate and nicely spoken. When you are legally and morally responsible for what goes on, on your boat, you will have terms too.

[@cacatr4495]

Realize that those terms are for everyone's safety on a boat, and to be within US Law. The media now teaches that everything is an offense, especially correction. Where there is no correction, there are consequences instead, and that's a great deal worse. Correction saves people from consequences. Maturity knows that wisdom is vitally important, and doesn't take offense.

[@MrKelso159]

I got to remember this company and tell people not to take their tour. Bad company that won't let you touch.

[@gamesbokgamesbok7246]

MrKelso159 I believe it's a legal requirement. They are not allowed to even approach the whales. If the whale approaches them, it's different. Notice that the boat is not under power.

[@Cyperspiller]

Great video but GOD you are commanding! Do not touch the whale, din’t stand up there, don’t let that go’pro touch her... let the people think for them self! And nothing is wrong with touching a whale...

[@cosmicmuffin322]

She's in charge of the cruise. It's her rules. And it's the law not to touch wildlife.

[@Cyperspiller]

@@cosmicmuffin322 There is no law saying not to touch wildlife, don't make up stuff just to sound smart... it kind of make you sound even more stupid when you just make up new laws... ;D... but yes, you are right about, if its her tour, its her rules...

[@perfumetester10]

The one talking is extremly ignoring. Yelling out terms like " dorsal fin". Whales dont have dorsal fins like dolphins. Theirs is called the tail. She talks like she is "all knowing".

[@bossfan49]

Yes, she is annoying (I had to mute it after about a minute) but whales absolutely have dorsal fins. Not all whales, but Humpbacks (in the video) have a small dorsal fin, as do five or six other species.

[@MrKelso159]

Who are these people to tell you not to try and touch them. Kiss my ass ! I would like to see anyone from stopping me from doing it. Other tours encourage it because the whales like it when they get touched. I would not go with this tour boat. Find someone better.

[@gamesbokgamesbok7246]

MrKelso The urge to touch would be very strong, but both congress and State laws would class that as harrassment. The Endangered Species Act (ESA) is a federal law passed by the United States Congress in 1973. The Act protects both endangered species, defined as those in danger of extinction and threatened species, those likely to become endangered within the foreseeable future. All of the great whales are listed as endangered species under the ESA. As a result, it is illegal to kill, hunt, collect, injure or harass them, or to destruct their habitat in any way. It is also illegal to buy or sell any whales. C. Whale Watching Local laws may make it unlawful to approach a whale within a certain number of feet. The MMPA also regulates whale watching because watching can cause a harassment to the whales.

[@cosmicmuffin322]

The rules are there to protect the whale.

[@MrQuestiel]

When a creature is endangered there may be special laws regarding them. www.animallaw.info/article/overview-laws-and-regulations-protecting-whales Note: the whale watching section. If there are any local laws permitting you to touch the whale, then you CANNOT. I imagine the guide who knows the local laws may have just been enforcing. Similar thing up here in Canada when you go to the protected reserves. There are endangered animals that you are forbidden to interact with www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/ab/banff/visit/avance-ahead/regs/nourriture-food Believe it or not, there is a $25000 fine for doing that. To the reason why such laws exist? When wildlife particularly mammals learn to drop their guards around humans, it puts them in danger from those who would harm them. You may think "oooo just pet the whale" but being a mammal it "learns" than humans are harmless and must show up for "petting" instead of running away. Then one day it runs into a hunter boat...

[@Jane_under_a_tree_with_a_book]

Yap yap yap - how to ruin a fantastic experience. Some people just can't stop talking.

[@craftycrafter1960]

What a wonderful experience!