Humpback Whales Come Say Hi to Boats

HUMPBACK WHALES SPOTTED EXTREMELY CLOSE TO BOATS IN CALIFORNIA

WITH PIX AND VID

By Shuk Yee Tsang

Video has captured humpback whales swimming remarkably close to whale-watching boats during a run of sightings off Newport Beach.

The footage was filmed by Davey’s Locker Whale Watching during nearly two weeks of consistent humpback activity along the Southern California coast.

Several whales have been spotted surfacing alongside the boats, swimming around the vessels and breaching in the surrounding waters.

One of the familiar visitors is “Chompers”, a female humpback known for lifting her head above the surface and snapping her jaws.

Another well-known whale, “Chris”, has also been spotted in the area with her newest calf.

The close encounters have given whale watchers spectacular views as the huge mammals continue to pass through the productive waters off Newport Beach.

Jessica Rodriguez from Davey’s Locker Whale Watching said: “Chompers has been documented by researchers since 1991.

“Chris,” a humpback our crew has known for years, was spotted traveling up the Orange County coastline with her newest calf, “Snow Christal.” The pair occasionally stopped along their journey to breach and play.

"It has made for a remarkable couple of weeks in Newport Beach, with familiar whales returning to our coastline, this time with the next generation swimming beside them."

ENDS