I had a similar encounter off P-Town with Jon T in a tandem. I did put the camera underwater and considered following it. My video
is 1':57" long.

Initially, there was surprise, but whales did earn the name "gentle giants" and I can see why. We encountered a cow and her
calf (45' and 25', respectively) and they knew where we were all the time (~ 45 minutes). Their beauty and power is amazing.

We went out in singles the next day with dive masks with the intention of rolling if we encountered them again. The seas were
rougher and we did not have the opportunity to make the attempt. Would I be writing this now if we had ?

The temptation is to get right up and possibly make physical contact. I've had the same feeling when Nick dared me to go and touch
Catumb Rock on a big day. I think the end result would be the same - not good.

The marine mammal protection act is designed to help ensure the safety of these magnificent creatures and keep humans from doing something
stupid. I did swim with the Manatees in Florida and contact is allowed, but only one hand and they have to approach you. I have a photo
of a calf "hugging" a fellow swimmer. Unfortunately, I didn't get her face as her eyes were probably as big as saucers ! I'm sure there was no
malice intended by the calf, but it might have prevented the swimmer from getting to the surface for a breath - we were snorkeling.

I've had close encounters with seals as well. Did you know that a seal bite is guaranteed to go septic ? If you don't get immediate medial attention
you could lose an appendage or die from blood poisoning. But they're sooooo cute !

These chance encounters fill us with the awe of nature. Keep a respectful distance - it won't lessen the experience and you'll be talking about
it for ever.