This is the moment a curious whale approached a research boat and swam around it for several minutes.

The team was conducting research on humpbacks and other whales just 60 miles (96km) off the coast of New York when the incident happened.

The humpback whale even bobbed its head above the surface and stared at the researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).

In a video of the encounter, a member of the team can be heard exclaiming: "It's looking right at us!"

The WCS said in a statement: "During this encounter, one whale of a pair of humpback whales that the team was observing turned the tables and began observing them."

Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Director of

WCS's Ocean Giants Program, said: "A truly awe-inspiring experience. "

"One that we will always remember."

"I have conducted research on whales all over the world for more than 30 years and these types of experiences don’t happen all that frequently."

He added: "When this humpback whale came right up to our boat and swam around and under it, the whole team was able to have such a unique experience that will inspire our efforts for years to come."