High Five with a Humpback Whale

Diver's extraordinary encounter with 50ft humpback whale

By ANNA SHANKS - Wednesday, August 19, 2009

This is the unbelievable moment a diver came face to face with a 50ft female humpback whale, as she swam in the South Pacific.

Cameraman Marco Queral, who has dedicated the last 17 years of his life to ocean photography, looked awe inspiringly small, as he dived along side one of great giants of our seas.

Give me five! The whale dwarfs the diver

At 50ft, this particular whale is nearing the largest of it's kind, but humble Marco says moments like these are in fact down to the mammals themselves.

"They are extremely intelligent. Just like humans they have their own mind and come with strong personalities.”

“They decide whether I can take pictures of them or not. They must be in a right mood to let me get into this position."

Water taxi: Diver looks to hitch a lift on its giant fin

The 42-year-old has clearly developed a unique bond, filtering his love of marine life into these fascinating and some what quirky shots. The peaceful scene and crystal blue seas, easily leave one forgetting the immediate danger Queral was placed under, in order to achieve these startling picture frames.

Marco gets up close with his big friend

Miraculously, the South American has the amazing ability to overcome any natural fears, believing the Humpback whales “are usually more shy and cautious toward humans” and “gentle by nature”.