Featured Image Credit: Mark Carwardine
These group of tourists on a whale-watching tour definitely got what they paid for, and a little more. While on a trip out to the San Ignacio Lagoon off the coast of Baja, California, the whale watchers were greeted by a grey whale and her two calves. Momma whale seemed to encourage her babies to go say hello to the tourists- and they got so close that the tourists were able to touch the 14 ft. newborn gray whales.
The lagoon is a popular area for whales to mate, play and socialize. Grey whales, which can reach up to 50 feet long and weigh 40 tons can live for up to 70 years. They were hunted to near extinction between the 17th and early 20th centuries for their oil.
Thankfully, a wildlife photographer and zoologist named Mark Carwardine was onboard the tour and captured the exhilarating moments on camera. It was the experience of a lifetime and frankly, we’re extremely jealous!