What happens if you get too close to a humpback whale?
Hearts were racing as these marine life enthusiasts got more than they bargained for during an excursion in Alaska.
There are few things more exhilarating than getting close enough to an animal in its natural habitat that you could touch it. Those who have visited sanctuaries or gone out to sea to try and spot special animals know that the moment you put your hand on the body of a wild cat, a monkey or a dolphin is one you won't forget.
Fora group of whale watchers in Gustavus, Alaska it is the moment a humpback whale breached and got incredibly close to their boat that they will never forget.
Just as the group spotted the whale and saw it swimming towards them, it jumped out of the water and splashed everyone inside the boat with a large amount of sea water. The whale then jumps back into the water and continued swimming.
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The people on the boat, who gasped in unison when they saw the whale coming out of the water, were in awe.
No one had bargained on getting so close to the whale - they could easily have reached their arms out and touched it. There are also so many things that could have gone wrong: the whale could have crashed into the boot and injured itself or even landed inside the boat, potentially sinking it.
The shock and wonder is plain on the people's faces as they laugh, happy to have witnessed the incredible moment.