Even while whaling was at its peak, I have had whales come up beside the boat (a 15ft dinghy) while I was anchored and fishing. At night they can be seen by the florescence created by their movement in the water. You can actually see them coming in the dark at night. They will blow right beside the boat and give you a spray. "Thar she blows" is factual and the usual way they are spotted miles away. I've paddled a surf ski right beside them and put my hand on their back. These days you can cop a heavy fine for doing that.
