Updated Jan. 11, 2026, 1:21 p.m. ET
Humpback whales occasionally swim to boats as if curious about their human occupants. It’s a behavior described as mugging.
But on Saturday off San Diego, a humpback whale seemed more curious about a furry rescue dog named Fin – and vice versa.
The accompanying footage, captured by Gone Whale Watching San Diego, shows Fin enthusiastically greeting a humpback whale that surfaced just feet from the vessel’s bow.
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Dominic Biagini, owner of the company, stated via Instagram: “Watching my dog fall in love with whales has been one of the great joys of my life!”
The heartwarming interaction occurred after Jess Aubry, a Gone Whale Watching San Diego captain, encountered a large pod of humpback whales during a five-hour excursion. Biagini traveled to the location with his partner, Erica Sackrison, and Fin.
Sackrison commented via Instagram: “Who’s watching who?”
Aubury remarked: “That tail is going a mile a minute.”
One follower observed that Fin seems to be the boat’s only occupant.
Fin, a mixed yellow lab/golden retriever, was rescued by Biagini near the U.S.-San Diego border.