Close Encounter of the Humpback Whale Kind

This weekend Bill Bouton captured some boaters and paddle boarders in San Luis Obispo, California getting a whale watching experience of a lifetime.  While this event took place in California, cruisers love whale watching excursions in Alaska and Mexico.

What surprises me most about these picture is the lack of fear on the faces of the boaters and especially the lady on the paddle board calmly photographing the humpback whale.   I don’t think I would so calm.  Would you?

Click images to enlarge image.

Bill Bouton captured these once-in-life-time images while bird watching.  Bill has several more pictures from these humpback whale close encounters on his Flickr Page.

All Rights Reserved on the Images.  To use in any manner, you will need to get permission from the photographer Bill Bouton.