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Huge Humpback Whale Leaps Out Of Water Leaving Tourists Stunned

Huge Humpback Whale Leaps Out Of Water Leaving Tourists Stunned

The 20-tonne giant almost 'swamped' the tiny boat full of tourists just off Bondi Beach

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

This is the unbelievable moment a boat full of stunned tourists get the shock of their lives after a gigantic humpback whale breaches right in front of them, swamping their tiny boat.

Wildlife photographer, John Goodridge, 54, witnessed the majestic display while on a cruise boat sailing out of Sydney's famous Bondi Beach in New South Wales, Australia.

Mr Goodridge, a UK expat who moved from Yorkshire to Australia 24 years ago, said it was one of the most spectacular whale breaches he had ever seen due to its close proximity to the people on the boat.

He said it was a 'very close call' for the tourists as they were 'almost swamped' by the energetic 20-tonne giant.

John explained that it was an incredible day for whale watching and explained that passengers on the cruise boat were lucky enough to witness over 30 breathtaking whale breaches in just a little over an hour.

Caters

He added: "The whales were really playful. Sometimes you can sit out there and not even see one, so we were really lucky.

"The anticipation was really high as we had a pod of whales either side of us. It was so exhilarating. Bondi Beach is such an iconic location.

"It was such a massive day of breaching. I felt so happy to be a part of it all. To see a whale breach is really amazing. They actually do it to clean their skin of all the barnacles and parasites that have built up.

Caters

"They're such incredible creatures. Right now, we're starting the beginning of the south bound migration. Over 33,000 whales will return from the warm waters of Queensland after giving birth to their calves.

"There isn't much time left to see them, so I'm taking every opportunity I can."

The cruise was operated by skipper, Simon Millar, and his small family business 'Go Whale Watching' that has operated out of Sydney's Darling Harbour for over a decade.

Caters

Australia's eastern coastline comes alive each year between April and November, as pods of humpback whales make the 10,000km (6,214 miles) journey from Antarctica to Australia in order to mate and give birth.

According to the MailOnline, at least 45 species of whale and porpoise are in Australia's waters, but humpback whales and southern right whales are the ones most commonly spotted.

Other species include minke whales, orcas, pygmy sperm whales, Bryde's whales and dolphins.


Featured Image Credit: Caters

Topics: Whale, Community, Animals, Australia, Nature