I've been lucky enough to have shared something similar with my young fella, but not in water this clear. Beautiful.

www.abc.net.au/news/2022-02-14/esperance-cinematographer-films-whales-surprising-paddleboarders/100828362

Yep it is a buzz being so near to such enormous creatures, especially when you feel relatively vulnerable ie floating in the ocean!

Swam next to a Whale Shark off Exmouth. Farkin 'ell talk about feeling insignificant!!!

Very cool drone footage!
So nice when the water is that beautiful.

Our water isn't that clear, but whales cruise through our line-up with some regularity.
Here's one that passed me this Fall