Although the approach of gray whales once frightened fishermen, it is now understood they are "friendly whales." Mothers and calves approach boats and get so close they can be touched. They continue to do this, even though scars on some make it seem they have been cut by propellers a few times. This whale was too close when it dove to get the entire tail into the photo.

Pacific Side, Baja California Sur, Mexico, February 2017