Photographer Mark Carwardine got this lovely drone footage of a pod of gray whales frolicking off the coast of Baja California. Unfortunately, the boaters then approach and touch the whales.
Not to be a buzzkill, but most conservationists and groups like NOAA urge people not to touch whales or other endangered marine life in the wild:
How can people responsibly view marine mammals in the wild?
NOAA Fisheries Service supports responsible viewing of marine mammals in the wild. Each of our six Regional Offices have developed viewing guidelines or regulations tailored to the specific needs of the species in their area to help people responsibly view the animals and avoid harassment. In general, the guidelines recommend:• Observing wild dolphins, porpoises, and seals from safe distances of at least 50 yards (150 feet) by land or sea
• Observing large whales from a safe distance of at least 100 yards (300 feet) by land or sea
• Observing whales, dolphins, porpoises, and seals from a safe distance of at least 333 yards (1,000) feet by air
• Use binoculars or telephoto lenses for a better view of the animals
• Limit overall viewing time to no more than 30 minutes
• Avoid circling or entrapping marine mammals between watercraft, or watercraft and shore
• Avoid abrupt movements or loud noises around marine mammals
• Avoid separating mother/calf pairs
• Move away cautiously if behaviors are observed that indicate the animal is stressed
• Avoid touching or swimming with wild marine mammals, even if they approach you
