Amazing Photos Capture Humpback Whales Just Feet From Tour Boat: I Was 'Never Afraid,' Says Photographer

Whale watchers received quite the treat on Sunday when some humpback whales came incredibly close to their tour boat.

It all happened off the coast of Monterey, California, on aMonterey Bay Whale Watchtrip — and photographerJodi Fredianiwas there to witness the whole thing.

While the creatures appear to be mere inches away from the boat, Frediani was using a telephoto lens. Not that tourists still weren’t impressed.

Jodi Frediani/Caters News

Frediani says that when the boats are near feeding whales, captains will put the vessels in neutral as to not scare the creatures. “That way there are no surprises,” she says.

Frediani, who has been swimming with and photographing humpbacks for 18 years, hopes her photos “inspire people to want to protect humpback whales, their food source and our oceans.”

“Nothing makes me happier than watching and photographing lunge feeding humpback whales,” she adds. “The magic and surprise as their massive heads suddenly rocket skyward from the deep fills me with joy every time.”

source: people.com