Curious humpback whale surprises snorkeler off Gold Coast

By Ivan PetrenkoSep 2, 2024 23:30 PMNews
Share:
Tail of a humpback whale above water
Humpback whales can reach up to 60 feet. Source: unsplash

An unusual incident occurred off the Gold Coast of Australia when a humpback whale unexpectedly tossed a snorkeler into the air. The incident took place during an organized swim with these marine giants, catching one of the group's guides by surprise.

Two YouTubers on board a tour boat captured the moment when the massive whale launched a person out of the water. Humpback whales, which can grow up to 60 feet long, often show curiosity towards boats and swimmers. Although such encounters usually end peacefully, being in close proximity to wild animals always carries potential risks.

Fortunately, the man involved was unharmed and soon rejoined the group, smiling and high-fiving the other snorkelers. While this incident could have resulted in serious injuries, it ended safely this time.

This incident serves as a reminder to tourists and marine adventure enthusiasts about the importance of maintaining a safe distance and respecting wildlife. Humpback whales, though not aggressive, can accidentally cause harm due to their size and strength. Swimming with whales remains a popular activity in Australia, attracting thousands of tourists every year, but it requires a responsible approach and respect for marine life.

Top Articles
Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Top 10 reasons for flight cancelation by airlines: a clear algorithm of actions to get compensation

Oct 16, 2025 16:22 PM
Smartphone with eSIM logo surrounded by travel essentials like flowers, map, camera, and sunglasses

Where to Buy eSIM at the Best Price: A Full Review of Tariffs and Options

Aug 8, 2025 10:54 AM

No More SIM Swaps: The eSIM Travel Solution You’ll Actually Use

Aug 4, 2025 16:51 PM

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
More News
Firefighting helicopter dropping water over a forest

Wildfires Disrupt Summer Trips in Spain and France

Jul 30, 2026 01:48 AM
Dog beside an ITA Airways aircraft

ITA Airways to Let Large Dogs Fly in the Cabin

Jul 30, 2026 01:35 AM

Wizz Air Adds Three New Routes from Prishtina

Jul 30, 2026 01:22 AM

EU Passenger Rights Set for 2027 Overhaul

Jul 30, 2026 01:19 AM
Passengers boarding a Ryanair aircraft

Ryanair Marks 7 Million Belfast Passengers with £29.99 Flights

Jul 30, 2026 01:06 AM
Monte Rei resort in the eastern Algarve

Nobu Plans Eastern Algarve Resort

Jul 30, 2026 00:53 AM
flydubai aircraft flying above the clouds

flydubai Boosts Milan and Naples Flights

Jul 30, 2026 00:47 AM
Leo Express train at a railway station

Frankfurt–Przemyśl Train Adds Sleepers and Ends Bus Transfer

Jul 29, 2026 22:24 PM
Popeye Village beside Malta’s rocky coastline

Malta’s Hidden World of Ancient Secrets and Sirens

Jul 29, 2026 22:11 PM

Palma Airport Strikes Raise Check-In Delay Risk

Jul 29, 2026 22:08 PM

Heathrow Charges to Rise Over Third Runway Plans

Jul 29, 2026 21:55 PM
Backlit bottles behind a cocktail bar

Paris’s De Vie Wins Major New Cocktail Bar Award

Jul 29, 2026 21:42 PM
Exterior of LivSmart Studios by Hilton Pensacola

Pensacola Gets a New Hilton Hotel for Longer Stays

Jul 29, 2026 21:39 PM
Passenger ferry sailing across open water

New 12-Seat Ferry Links Shoreham with Normandy

Jul 29, 2026 21:26 PM
easyJet aircraft taxiing at an airport

easyJet Opens Summer 2027 Bookings with 14 Million Seats

Jul 29, 2026 03:43 AM

Spain’s Tourism Boom Contrasts with Holiday Cuts at Home

Jul 29, 2026 03:37 AM

Nine New Marriott Properties Planned Across Egypt

Jul 29, 2026 03:24 AM
Volotea aircraft flying with landing gear down

Volotea Drops Several Limoges Flights from September

Jul 29, 2026 03:11 AM
flydubai Boeing 737 MAX in flight

Direct Dubai–Budapest Flights Return This Week

Jul 29, 2026 03:08 AM
Exterior of Crossbasket Castle near Glasgow

Riverside Cabin Retreat to Open at Scottish Castle

Jul 29, 2026 02:55 AM
Eurostar train at London St Pancras station

Antwerp Gets Its First Direct Eurostar from London

Jul 28, 2026 22:02 PM
Entrance to The Venice Times Hotel

IHG’s First Vignette Hotel Opens in Venice

Jul 28, 2026 21:59 PM

Five Airlines End Free Seat Swaps on Long-Haul Flights

Jul 28, 2026 21:46 PM

Mount Olympus and D-Day Beaches Gain UNESCO Status

Jul 28, 2026 04:53 AM
Historic church in Faro under a clear blue sky

More Faro Flights Take Off from Glasgow Prestwick

Jul 28, 2026 04:47 AM
Saltwater pool overlooking the Joshua Tree desert

Marriott Adds a Stargazing Hotel Near Joshua Tree

Jul 28, 2026 04:34 AM