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
Ornate bedroom aboard the luxury train

Orient Express Adds Monaco Stop to 2027 Luxury Route

Oct 9, 2026 21:54 PM
KLM aircraft on the runway

KLM to Bring Free Starlink Wi-Fi to Long-Haul Flights

Oct 9, 2026 21:41 PM

Kraków Gets Four More Ryanair Winter Routes

Oct 9, 2026 21:39 PM

Deutsche Bahn Keeps €99.99 Family Ticket for Good

Oct 9, 2026 21:26 PM
Red train travelling through an Alpine landscape

London Gets Easier Night Train Links Across Europe

Oct 9, 2026 21:13 PM
Eclipse Breaks coach on a UK street

Eclipse Breaks Shuts Down: What Happens to Your Booking?

Oct 9, 2026 21:08 PM
British Airways aircraft taking off

British Airways A380 Upgrade: What Changes for Your Flight

Oct 8, 2026 21:35 PM
SunExpress aircraft in flight

SunExpress Reveals 2027 Turkey Schedule

Oct 8, 2026 21:22 PM
Rail worker among station scaffolding

Huddersfield Station Faces 44 Days of Closures

Oct 7, 2026 20:27 PM

Ruby Lilou Opens Near Vieux-Port in Marseille

Oct 7, 2026 20:14 PM

Halloween Half-Term Flights from Manchester Start at £34 Return

Oct 7, 2026 20:01 PM
Jet2 plane with snowy mountains behind

Jet2 Opens 2027 Bristol Christmas Market Bookings

Oct 7, 2026 19:59 PM
Traveller pulling a small cabin suitcase

EU Cabin Bag Rules Change in 2027 - but Not Every Bag Is Free

Oct 7, 2026 19:46 PM
Construction worker carrying out rail upgrade work

Liverpool Rail Works to Disrupt City Travel for 26 Days

Oct 7, 2026 19:33 PM
Strike message painted on a wall

Leeds Bradford Strike Puts October Flights at Risk

Oct 6, 2026 21:28 PM

Wizz Air Pushes Six Abu Dhabi Routes Back to January

Oct 5, 2026 23:35 PM

Crete Floods Force Hotel Evacuations as Recovery Begins

Oct 5, 2026 23:22 PM
Salzburg Old Town and Hohensalzburg Fortress by the river

Salzburg Adds Three Cultural Stops Beyond Mozart

Oct 4, 2026 23:47 PM
Cruise ship sailing on open water

Oceania Highlights 17 Mediterranean Winter Cruises for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 23:34 PM
Tempo by Hilton Munich Airport Arena bar interior

Hilton Plans 199-Room Hotel Beside Munich’s New Arena

Oct 4, 2026 23:21 PM
Camel resting on a sandy beach

Bratislava Expands Africa Network to Five Countries

Oct 4, 2026 23:19 PM
Hikers walking along Turkey’s south-west coast

SunExpress Adds Direct Leipzig–Dalaman Flights

Oct 4, 2026 22:26 PM

Jet2 Releases 82 Winter City Routes for 2027/28

Oct 4, 2026 21:53 PM

UK Moves to Scrap Family Seating and Name-Change Fees

Oct 4, 2026 21:48 PM
Flydubai aircraft taxiing at an airport

Flydubai Axe Attack Leaves Tel Aviv Route Suspended

Oct 4, 2026 21:35 PM
Person holding a vape and e-liquid bottle

New 50ml Vape Limit Could Catch Travellers Out

Oct 3, 2026 22:52 PM