Pictured: Humpback whale cuts it close with spectacular tail display

Telegraph reporters

Thu, 11 May 2023 at 2:15 pm BST

Extraordinary photographs have captured the moment a whale flew scarily close to a boat full of whale watchers, as it greeted them with a spectacular wave of its tale.

The four-year-old female humpback whale, called Murph, made the jump in Monterey Bay, California.

Jodi Frediani, 74, from Santa Cruz, California, was lucky enough to witness the moment and quickly grabbed her camera.

After spotting a small group of humpback whales feeding on anchovies, two of the whales quickly passed close by Ms Frediani’s boat.

Murph then flipped her tail in front of those looking on.

The humpback is known for its distinctive head and the unique tail displays as seen in the photos.

The mammals visit the Monterey Bay from late April through early December and move to warmer waters off Mexico during the winters.