Whale Swallows Kayak: The Truth Behind Viral Videos That Stunned the World

Bottom Line Up Front: Two documented cases show kayakers being temporarily engulfed by humpback whales—one in Chile (2025) and another in California (2020). Both paddlers survived unharmed, and experts confirm whales cannot actually swallow humans due to throat size limitations. Here's everything you need to know about these incredible encounters and how to stay safe on the water.

The ocean served up the impossible last February when 24-year-old Adrián Simancas found himself briefly inside a humpback whale's mouth off Chile's coast. His father caught it all on camera, creating viral footage that had the internet asking: "Did that whale actually swallow a kayaker?"

I've been analyzing these extraordinary encounters, and the truth is both more reassuring and more fascinating than the headlines suggest. Let me walk you through what really happened in these cases and what every paddler needs to know about sharing waters with these ocean giants.

The Chile Incident: Inside a Whale's Mouth

On February 8, 2025, Adrián Simancas was kayaking with his father Dell in Chile's Strait of Magellan when the unthinkable occurred. A humpback whale briefly swallowed a 24-year-old kayaker last Saturday during a father-son excursion out on the icy waters around Chile's southernmost Patagonia region.

The terrifying moment unfolded in seconds. The terrifying moment, captured on camera by the kayaker's father, showed the whale surfacing in the Strait of Magellan and gulping Adrian Simancas for a few moments before releasing him.

What Adrián Experienced?

In his own words, the sensation was unlike anything imaginable: "When I turned around, I felt a slimy texture on my face," Simancas said. "I could see colors like dark blue and white approaching me from behind, closing around me and pulling me under."

The whole encounter lasted mere seconds, but for Adrián, time seemed to stretch. "It was just a second but it felt like more time because I was thinking a lot of stuff. I remembered about Pinocchio," he said, referring to the 1940 animated film, which sees its hero swallowed by a giant sperm whale named Monstro.

Dell's quick thinking and steady hands captured footage that marine biologists worldwide would study. After the whale released his son, Adrián managed to grab his inflatable kayak and swim to his father's boat, both paddlers returning safely to shore.

The Avila Beach Miracle: Two Women's Encounter

The first documented case of kayakers ending up in a whale's mouth occurred on November 2, 2020, off Avila Beach, California. Julie McSorley and Liz Cottriel were whale watching in their tandem kayak when they found themselves in the wrong place at exactly the wrong moment.

A humpback whale then inadvertently grabbed them as it engulfed a school of small fish near the surface. The kayak and the two women were quickly spat out by the animal. Uninjured, they were able to return to dry land without assistance.

The Women's Perspective

McSorley later described the surreal experience: "At first, I just thought I was in the water. Liz went down into its mouth first, and then I kind of slid in as the kayak squirted out. Then the whale closed its mouth and went into the water."

The encounter was so brief and disorienting that neither woman immediately realized what had happened. "They were telling us, 'You were in the mouth, you were in the whale's mouth!" McSorley said. "But we didn't have any idea at that time. And it didn't really hit us until we watched the video later."

Both incidents share remarkable similarities—they occurred during active feeding, lasted only seconds, and resulted in no injuries to either the humans or whales involved.

The Science: Why Whales Can't Actually Swallow Humans

Despite what these dramatic videos might suggest, marine biologists are unanimous: Experts say it's just not possible for a whale to swallow something as large as a person. While their mouths are massive — as wide as 10 feet — their throats are much smaller, roughly the size of a human fist.

Dr. Jooke Robbins, director of the Humpback Whale Studies Program, explains the mechanics: "My guess is that the whale was just as surprised as the kayaker," Dr. Jooke Robbins, director of the Humpback Whale Studies Program at the Center for Coastal Studies in Massachusetts, wrote in an email.

Humpback Feeding Mechanics

Understanding how these whales feed helps explain these accidents. Humpback whales feed by quickly lunging through a school of fish with their mouths wide open, then straining the water out through their baleen, the fringed plates they have inside their mouths instead of teeth.

When feeding, humpback whales can consume massive amounts of water—up to 5,000 gallons in a single lunge. To eat enough to sustain their massive size, the whales take ... 5,000 gallons (23,000 liters) of seawater and filter out their prey across baleen plates — kind of like long hairy teeth that filter rather than bite.

Recent research reveals these feeding behaviors are more complex than previously understood. Here, we report two recent documented instances of humpback whales lunge feeding on schools of fish and on observations of whale defecation in Hawaiian waters during the winter breeding season.

Understanding Whale Feeding Behavior: What Kayakers Need to Know

The more I've researched these incidents, the clearer it becomes that understanding whale feeding patterns could prevent future encounters. Marine scientists have documented several fascinating feeding strategies that put these massive animals on collision courses with small watercraft.

Lunge Feeding: The Most Common Culprit

Humpbacks survive on a diet of tiny fish such as herring and sand lance, which they eat by opening up their mouths wide, taking in a huge amount of fish-laced water — two-thirds or more of their body mass — and then squirting the water back out through their mouths, filtering out the food with bristly baleen plates inside their mouths.

What makes this relevant for kayakers? The whales often close their eyes during feeding lunges to protect them from debris. "I'm sure it closes its eyes so it doesn't get damaged by anything, and I think this is one of those one-in-a-million situations where the fellow seemed to be at the wrong place at the wrong time," said Dr. Iain Kerr, the CEO of the whale conservation nonprofit Ocean Alliance.

New Feeding Strategies Scientists Are Discovering

Marine researchers continue documenting innovative feeding techniques that could increase encounter risks. We first documented this novel feeding strategy for 2 individuals around northeast Vancouver Island in 2011. As of November 2024, we know of 34 Humpback Whales who have learned to use this strategy under specific conditions.

This "trap-feeding" behavior shows how adaptable these whales are—and how unpredictable their movements can be around prey concentrations.

Critical Safety Guidelines for Whale Waters

After studying both incidents and consulting with marine biologists, several safety principles emerge that every kayaker should internalize before heading out.

Legal Distance Requirements

The law is crystal clear about approach distances. Whales are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act, so stay at least 100 yards away from whales.

However, these incidents prove that whales don't always respect our distance requirements. When you're in prime feeding areas, whales may surface unexpectedly close to your position.

Reading the Water: Spotting Feeding Activity

Both incidents occurred in active feeding zones. Learning to identify these areas could save your life:

Watch for Bait Balls: Sometimes we'd hear a crackling sound in the distance, which was the bait balls—those are the tightly packed schools of fish that swim around predators.

Bird Activity: Clues such as a large gathering of diving seabirds indicate that a sizable school of fish is likely below the surface. It is best to avoid such areas, first to allow the birds to feed, and second because whales may also be interested in these prey.

Surface Disturbance: Look for unusual water movement, splashing, or multiple whales in an area—all indicators of active feeding.

Essential Safety Equipment

Your gear choices become critical in whale country. A properly fitted life jacket isn't optional—it's what brought both sets of victims safely to the surface. When selecting your PFD, ensure it meets Coast Guard standards and fits properly around your torso.

For ocean kayaking where whale encounters are possible, consider upgrading to a more stable ocean kayak designed for unpredictable conditions. The stability difference could prove crucial if you need to maintain position near surfacing marine life.

Communication and Emergency Preparedness

Both incidents emphasize the importance of paddling with others. Never kayak alone in waters known for whale activity. Your kayaking safety equipment should include waterproof communication devices and signaling equipment.

Understanding basic rescue techniques becomes essential when paddling in challenging environments where wildlife encounters are possible.

What to Do During a Whale Encounter?

Despite your best precautions, you might find yourself too close to a surfacing whale. Here's what marine safety experts recommend:

Immediate Actions

1. Stop paddling immediately and put your paddle across your lap
2. Stay calm and quiet - sudden movements or noise may startle the whale
3. Never attempt to touch or approach the whale
4. If the whale approaches you, remain still and allow it to pass
5. Slowly back away once the whale has moved on

During Active Feeding Situations

Both documented incidents occurred during feeding activities. If you find yourself near feeding whales:

• Exit the area immediately but don't panic or make sudden movements
• Watch for multiple surfacing points - where there's one feeding whale, there are often others
• Follow the whales' direction of travel and stay well behind their path
• Alert other boaters to the feeding activity

Emergency Response

In the unlikely event you end up in the water near a whale:

• Keep your life jacket on and stay as still as possible
• Don't swim aggressively toward your kayak if the whale is still nearby
• Signal for help from other boaters in the area
• Trust your flotation and wait for assistance

Understanding these protocols might mean the difference between a scary story and a tragedy.

The Broader Context: Whale Conservation and Human Impact

These encounters highlight our growing intersection with recovering whale populations. While some whale populations are rebounding, Kerr says others are "dying sort of a death of 1,000 cuts" from threats like ship strikes, line entanglement and pollution.

Responsible Wildlife Viewing

The popularity of kayaking in marine environments coincides with increased whale populations in many areas. Although there is no 'one-size-fits-all' approach to regulating whale watching, the IWC's Scientific Committee and Standing Working Group on Whale watching have drafted some general principles for whale watching.

As paddlers, we're part of this ecosystem. Our responsibility extends beyond personal safety to protecting the animals we're privileged to encounter. Understanding proper kayaking etiquette includes respecting marine wildlife and their habitat.

The Role of Changing Ocean Conditions

Climate change affects both whale behavior and kayaker safety. This behavioral flexibility may reflect an adaptive response to environmental changes and fluctuations in prey availability, both of which are crucial for recovering humpback whale populations in the WIO.

Whales are showing up in new areas and at different times as ocean temperatures and prey distributions shift. This unpredictability makes it even more important for kayakers to stay informed about local marine life activity.

Learning from These Encounters

Both the Chile and Avila Beach incidents offer valuable lessons for the paddling community:

The Importance of Awareness

"It's definitely woke me up to the realization that, you know, our place is not in the feeding zone of whales," McSorley told As It Happens host Carol Off. "We didn't think we were that close, but we definitely were right in the area that we shouldn't have been — so I've learned my lesson, big time."

This honest reflection from someone who lived through the experience should guide every kayaker's approach to wildlife waters.

Technology and Documentation

Both incidents were captured on video, providing invaluable scientific data. The footage helps researchers understand whale behavior and informs future safety guidelines. If you encounter marine wildlife, documenting it (from a safe distance) contributes to our collective understanding.

Consider carrying waterproof cameras not just for memories, but as potential research tools. Your observations could help protect both paddlers and whales.

Community and Communication

The kayaking community's response to these incidents shows the power of shared knowledge. Tips on avoiding kayaking dangers spread rapidly through forums, local clubs, and social media, helping prevent similar incidents.

Staying connected with local paddling groups provides real-time information about wildlife activity, water conditions, and safety updates that no app or website can match.

Equipment Considerations for Whale Country

Your gear choices take on new significance when paddling in waters frequented by marine megafauna. Beyond the basic kayak safety requirements, consider these whale-specific preparations:

Visibility and Communication

Bright-colored kayaks and gear help you stand out against the ocean's blue backdrop. While whales don't hunt humans, increased visibility helps other boaters spot you quickly if you need assistance.

Modern kayaking apps can help track marine life activity, weather conditions, and provide emergency communication options when cell service is spotty.

Kayak Selection

While any seaworthy kayak can encounter whales, some designs offer advantages in marine mammal country. Wider, more stable platforms provide better control if you need to stop suddenly or change direction quickly.

Inflatable kayaks offer unique advantages in whale encounters—their soft sides and ability to compress slightly might reduce injury risk in the incredibly unlikely event of contact.

When to Avoid Whale Waters?

Sometimes the best safety strategy is staying on shore. Certain conditions dramatically increase encounter risks:

Peak Feeding Times

These rolls happened most often between 11 p.m. and 4 a.m., and the whales would perform these slow rolls at the rate of 30 per hour, repeatedly diving to just a meter or two from the seafloor.

While most kayakers aren't paddling at midnight, dawn and dusk feeding activity poses similar risks.

Migration Periods

Research your local area's whale migration patterns. During peak migration, increased whale density makes encounters more likely. Seasonal night kayaking considerations become even more critical when marine life is active.

Weather and Sea State

Rough conditions that limit visibility or control make whale encounters exponentially more dangerous. Sea kayak precautions become critical when marine wildlife is present.

The Future of Human-Whale Interactions

As both recreational kayaking and whale populations grow, these encounters may become more common. The key lies in education, preparation, and respect for these magnificent animals.

Technological Solutions

New technologies are emerging to help prevent dangerous encounters:

• Hydrophone systems that detect whale vocalizations
• Satellite tracking of whale movements
• Real-time wildlife reporting apps for boaters
• Improved weather and ocean condition forecasting

Community Responsibility

Every paddler who ventures into whale habitat becomes part of a larger conservation effort. By following guidelines, reporting encounters, and sharing knowledge responsibly, we help protect both human safety and whale welfare.

The stories of Adrián, Julie, and Liz remind us that the ocean remains wild and unpredictable. These encounters, while extraordinary, highlight the privilege of sharing waters with such magnificent creatures—and our responsibility to do so safely and respectfully.

Regional Considerations for Kayakers

Different regions present unique whale encounter scenarios that paddlers need to understand:

Pacific Coast Waters

From California to Alaska, Pacific waters host diverse whale populations with different behaviors. The West Coast provides many opportunities to observe marine mammals as they swim, rest, or tend to their young.

Understanding local species helps predict behavior. Gray whales migrate close to shore, while humpbacks may appear unpredictably in feeding areas.

Atlantic Waters

The study specifically addresses where lunge feeding events are occurring, if the lunge feeding locations are occurring in significant "clusters" and at what water depths are these lunge feeding events being observed.

Eastern seaboard paddlers face different whale species with distinct feeding patterns. Staying informed about local research helps kayakers make better safety decisions.

International Waters

The Chile incident reminds us that whale encounters aren't limited to U.S. waters. The recent findings mark the first scientifically documented case within the waters of Tanzania.

When kayaking internationally, research local whale populations, regulations, and emergency procedures. What works in familiar home waters may not apply elsewhere.

FAQ Section

Can whales actually swallow kayakers?

No. While humpbacks don't eat people, they have occasionally injured humans when they've felt threatened. A humpback's throat is only about the size of a human fist and can stretch to maybe 15 inches—nowhere near large enough for a person. These incidents involve temporary engulfment in the mouth, not actual swallowing.

How common are whale-kayak encounters?

Extremely rare. Reports of such incidents are rare but not unheard of: In 2021, a Massachusetts lobster diver said a humpback whale had scooped him up and spit him out. With millions of kayaking trips annually and only a handful of documented cases, the odds are microscopic.

What should I do if I see whales while kayaking?

Maintain at least 100 yards distance as required by federal law, stop paddling, and observe quietly. Whales are federally protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act from acts of harassment. To avoid harassing a marine mammal, stay at least 100 yards—the length of a football field—away from whales. If whales approach you, remain still and allow them to pass.

Are certain times of year more dangerous for whale encounters?

Yes, during feeding and migration seasons when whale activity peaks in your area. Surface feeding behaviors were individually variable in their constitution but ubiquitously biased towards daylight hours, when prey was most abundant in the upper portion of the water column. Research your local whale patterns before planning trips.

What kind of kayak is safest in whale waters?

Any seaworthy kayak can encounter whales, but stable, visible designs offer advantages. Bright colors help other boaters spot you, while wider hulls provide better control if you need to stop or change direction quickly. More important than kayak type is proper safety equipment and awareness.

Should I avoid kayaking where whales are present?

Not necessarily. Viewing marine animals in their natural habitat can be an exciting experience—watching a group of dolphins leaping across the water, seeing a sea turtle nesting on a beach, or encountering a colony of seals basking in the sun. The key is maintaining proper distances, staying alert, and understanding local wildlife patterns.

Can I take photos of whales from my kayak?

Yes, from legal distances. The public may photograph or film marine mammals and sea turtles as long as the recommended guidelines and distances for viewing marine animals are followed and the animals are not disturbed. Never approach for better shots—modern cameras and telephoto lenses capture amazing images from safe distances.

What if a whale surfaces right next to my kayak?

Remain calm and still. If approached by a whale, put the engine in neutral and allow the whale to pass. Don't paddle aggressively away, which might startle the animal. Most whales will quickly move on if you don't threaten them.

Final Thoughts

The incredible stories of kayakers briefly ending up in whales' mouths serve as powerful reminders of the ocean's wildness and our place within it. While these encounters capture our imagination and make for viral videos, they're essentially accidents—cases of wrong place, wrong time during the whales' normal feeding behavior.

For us paddlers, these incidents offer valuable lessons: respect marine wildlife, maintain legal distances, understand feeding behaviors, and always be prepared for the unexpected. The ocean belongs to these magnificent creatures first; we're just privileged visitors in their domain.

Every time you launch your kayak in waters where whales roam, you're participating in one of nature's most extraordinary ecosystems. By paddling responsibly, staying informed, and prioritizing safety over sensation-seeking, we can continue enjoying these waters while protecting both ourselves and the marine life that calls them home.

Remember: the goal isn't avoiding whales entirely—it's sharing their waters with the respect and caution these ocean giants deserve. After all, the whales were here first, and with proper awareness and preparation, we can continue to coexist safely in their magnificent underwater world.

The next time you see that distinctive whale spout on the horizon, take a moment to appreciate the privilege of the encounter from a safe and legal distance. These are the memories that make kayaking truly extraordinary—not because we got dangerously close, but because we witnessed something magnificent while keeping everyone safe.