Photo: izanbar/Depositphotos(Not a photo of the actual event.)

Going whale watching can be an extraordinary way to observe the behavior of incredible sea creatures.

It was then that everyone realized the once-in-a-lifetime event that they had the privilege to see.

Gray Whale Tail Going Down in the Water

Photo: izanbar/Depositphotos(Not a photo of the actual event.)

We were right there when it happened.

We have footage of the whale bringing her calf over to our boat.

She also noted how important these initial moments are for bonding between mother and calf.

The calf is seen nuzzling against its mother to create a bond.

This is why the calf often is acting like riding on its mother’s back in the video.

It is a day at sea that they’ll never forget.

Watch as a gray whale and her newborn calf greet whale watchers in Southern California.