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Sea creature and mom put on ‘majestic’ show for boaters in CA. ‘In awe of the beauty’

The humpback calf and his mother were spotted by boaters in Monterey Bay, California, according to a Facebook post.
The humpback calf and his mother were spotted by boaters in Monterey Bay, California, according to a Facebook post. Photo by Brynn Pedrick on Unsplash

Boaters in California had a “fantastic encounter” with a humpback whale calf and his mom.

The whale watching tour boat was in Monterey Bay when “a very exuberant and playful” calf and his mother made their appearance, according to a Sept. 21 Facebook post from Monterey Bay Whale Watch. They are known whales in the area.

The mother and her calf exhibited “chronic breaching,” witnesses said.
The mother and her calf exhibited “chronic breaching,” witnesses said. Monterey Bay Whale Watch / Daniel Bianchetta

“Pula means jump in Portuguese and he sure showed us shining examples of his namesake on our morning trips,” the post said. “Interestingly, we noticed Pula opening his mouth a lot while breaching and chin slapping. Motitas also got in on the action with some chin slaps too!”

The humpback duo breached right in front of the tour boat.
The humpback duo breached right in front of the tour boat. Monterey Bay Whale Watch / Daniel Bianchetta
One of the massive creatures returns to the water after breaching.
One of the massive creatures returns to the water after breaching. Monterey Bay Whale Watch / Daniel Bianchetta

Photos show close-up shots of the massive creatures breaching. The tour also saw about 350 common dolphins in the bay.

Tourists also got a glimpse at about 250 comon dolphins, according to the tour agency.
Tourists also got a glimpse at about 250 comon dolphins, according to the tour agency. Monterey Bay Whale Watch / Daniel Bianchetta

Experts have monitored Motitas in the bay since 1989, the tour agency said. Pula is her third known calf.

A close-up shot shows one of the humpback’s faces.
A close-up shot shows one of the humpback’s faces. Monterey Bay Whale Watch / Daniel Bianchetta

Social media users shared their excitement about the sighting on Facebook.

“I’m in awe of the beauty…stunning,” one person commented.

Unbelievable photo captures! So beautiful and clear!” another commenter said.

“Holy Moly!!!” a third comment said. “I am so inspired by your posts!”

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This story was originally published September 25, 2023 at 12:47 PM with the headline "Sea creature and mom put on ‘majestic’ show for boaters in CA. ‘In awe of the beauty’."

Moira Ritter
mcclatchy-newsroom
Moira Ritter covers real-time news for McClatchy. She is a graduate of Georgetown University where she studied government, journalism and German. Previously, she reported for CNN Business.
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