GRAY WHALE BEHAVIOR

Friendly behavior can be the most puzzling and controversial phenomenon. It occurs mainly in the calving lagoons where whales intentionally approach the boats closely, often to elicit rubs and pats from thrilled passengers.

Usually, the approach is very slow and gentle, with the whale often passing several meters away as if to stop and read the intentions and mood of the people in the boats. Sometimes, it turns out away to resume its course, or if the whale is curious or satisfied with the group of onlookers, it will carefully proceed closer, as if to demonstrate that it is not aggressive, so that it does not frighten the people on the board of the boat. The whale mat roll on its side, turning the golden eye up to scan the faces of the awestruck humans. The animal thoughtfully visits both side of the boat so everyone can get a good look and sometimes nudges, gently pushing the vessel around playfully.