Whale of a Time: Snapper Captures 40-ton Humpbacks Breach

The enormous marine mammals, which measure around 45ft length and weigh an estimated 40 tons, jumped from the sea with such force they almost cleared the water below.

British photographer Anthony Pierce, 34, shot the remarkable breach pictures in California last year, but has only now gone public with the incredible images.

The whales had been swimming deep below the surface for six minutes before the pair quickly breached within seconds of each other.

Although Anthony has been snapping marine animals for more than ten years, he said he had never seen a pair of whales breach in quick succession.

The Leeds-based photographer, who had waited nine days to photograph such a sight, said he was left awestruck by the experience.

He said: “It was absolutely amazing. I had waited nine days to photograph a breach at close-range, but with no luck.

“Then two whales breached in a matter of seconds. It was a wonderful reward for all the hours of waiting.

“I always say that humpback whales remind me of 40 ton ballerinas when they breach.

“They are incredibly graceful and often twist in mid-air before coming down with a huge splash.

“I truly believe that a breaching humpback is one if the most amazing sights any of us can witness in the natural world.”