This is the moment a curious whale approached a research boat and swam around it for several minutes. <br /><br />The team was conducting research on humpbacks and other whales just 60 miles (96km) off the coast of New York when the incident happened. <br /><br />The humpback whale even bobbed its head above the surface and stared at the researchers from the Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS).<br /><br />In a video of the encounter, a member of the team can be heard exclaiming: "It's looking right at us!"<br /><br />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."<br /><br />Dr. Howard Rosenbaum, Director of WCS's Ocean Giants Program, said: “A truly awe-inspiring experience. <br /><br />"One that we will always remember.<br /><br />“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."<br /><br />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."
