This is the amusing moment curious whales surrounded tourists off Newport Beach in California.

Holidaymakers aboard the Catallac and Legacy boats from Davey's Locker Whale Watching encountered the sea creatures just miles off the coast on May 27 afternoon.

Footage shows two Minke whales swimming around and diving beneath the vessels as vacationers and students from Monte Vista Elementary, who were on a field trip, watch in awe.

The marine animals surfaced near the boats and appeared to gaze directly at the passengers with visible curiosity. One of them was later seen spouting water from its blowhole.

One witness described the moment as magical and emotional, saying the whales seemed to connect with the observers on a deeper level.

Minke whales, often called the ‘phantoms' of the Pacific, are rarely seen up close.

These large marine mammals can grow up to 30 feet long and weigh over 17,000 pounds.

Unlike typical brief sightings, these whales slowed down, lingered, and engaged in what appeared to be investigative interaction.