Watch: Unexpected encounter with humpback whale near K’gari goes viral

While diving off the coast of K’gari, a couple has had an unexpected encounter with a humpback whale and were able to film the stunning underwater sight. WATCH THE VIDEO

A stunning video of an unexpected encounter with a humpback whale off the coast of K’gari is going viral.

Dan Tonkin and Julie Chapman, who specialise in underwater photography and sell their work at the Urangan Pier Market, shared the stunning post on Hervey Bay Community Notice Board on Facebook, which quickly garnered hundreds of reactions and comments.

Mr Tonkin said for Ms Chapman, seeing the underwater giant was “definitely a shock” at first as she didn’t know what it was and the footage was a little shaky.

He said the two were diving at the Coffee Rock at K’gari when the stunning footage was captured by Ms Chapman on a GoPro.

He said she surfaced saying she had seen a humpback whale.

Julie Chapman and Dan Tonkin had a close encounter with a whale off the coast of K'gari.

“I was oblivious to this giant who swam right below me,” Mr Tonkin said in the post.

Speaking to the Chronicle, Mr Tonkin said it had been a very unexpected encounter as Hervey Bay’s whale watching season didn’t officially begin until next month.

Stunning video of an unexpected encounter with a humpback whale has been shared on social media, quickly going viral.

“I didn’t think they were coming into the Bay as yet,” he said.

Mr Tonkin said it was an incredible experience and one that would stay with the couple for the rest of their lives, especially the memory of locking eyes with the huge mammal.

“You can tell they’re very switched-on animals,” he said.

“We’re so lucky to have the whales come here and just hang out.”

Mr Tonkin said nowhere else in the world would anyone have the chance to see a whale while diving.

“That’s why we love the Fraser Coast,” he said.

“We are very blessed.”

Hervey Bay’s whale watching tours operate between July and October each year, where the whales come into the bay to stay and play, offering experiences unlike anywhere else in the world.

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