This is the spectacular moment a lifeboat crew had a close encounter with a pod of Orcas in Scotland.

The marine creatures appeared to enjoy the water, showing off their tail-slapping, and swimming under the lifeboat off the coast of Longhope.

Crew onboard RNLB Helen Comrie were conducting routine exercises between Stromness and Graemsay when they noticed the whales on Wednesday evening, July 17.

The volunteer crew counted at least six Orcas believed to be from the 19 and 65 pods.

The close encounter is evident in the video, with the person filming breathing heavily as the majestic Orcas swim nearby in Scapa Flow.

The crew said it was an unforgettable experience seeing the Orcas, tracked by locals as they navigated through the Pentland Firth into Scapa Flow.

Although Orcas are regularly seen in the Orkney Islands, where they feed in the surrounding seas, such close encounters are rare.