Close encounters.

[southwesterly]

Obviously the whales haven't read the Marine Mammal Protection Act about staying at least 300 feet away from   humans.

It's been crazy here in the Monterey Bay this year. There's no need to paddle out to see a whale show. People are lining the cliffs these last few days and watching them just yards from the beach.

[surfercook]

Amazing fotos! That close up is AWESOME! Did you take it? Years ago we used to see whales pretty frequently here in NJ during the warmer months. Sadly it's a rarity these days.

[OUTSIDEWAVE]

That water doesn't even look deep enough for the whale. It is interesting haven' seen many waves this year in the san diego area  and we usually do. Maybe it is just me.

[PonoBill]

That's what happens when you feed them like that. With a sardines and anchovies back in unprecedented numbers in Monterey bay I figure the entire bay is 30% protein. the columbia river during the salmon runs is probably 5% protein, but it comes in much bigger chunks. Crazy numbers.

[eastbound]

excellent closeup--awesome animal in action

[jpeter]

That's a great close up shot.   

We had a small whale cruise by us, just outside the line up at Coast Guard beach in Cape Cod this past July.   Maybe 100 feet past the break zone.

JP

[andygere]

I was out for a leisurely evening paddle with my wife last night, and a humpback surfaced just a few feet away from me.  It was an awesome experience.  As others have said, there is a massive amount of bait in the water, and all forms of sea life are feasting on it, pretty spectacular to see.