Humpback whale breaches within inches of San Diego boat

Whatever happened at SeaWorld San Diego on Thursday morning probably was not nearly as impressive as what happened five miles offshore.

A humpback whale breached an astonishing 58 times over a span of 90 minutes as passengers aboard the Privateer, out of San Diego Whale Watch, marveled in disbelief.

Melissa Panfili Galieti, a naturalist aboard the boat, said the whale was 35 to 40 feet long, probably a small adult.

"It was very curious of our vessel, breaching right next to us a few times," the naturalist said. "It even trumpeted a couple of times."

Experts who examined the photos said the humpback boasted scars from killer whale attacks, and skin damage caused by sun.

Yes, whales can get sun-burned, too.

--Pete Thomas

--Photo and video courtesy of San Diego Whale Watch