For anyone who has been whale watching, it's certainly a life experience you never forget. Seeing one of the world's largest mammals in its natural habitat is pretty amazing in itself, but it can certainly become even more memorable if you're able to get a close-up look.

Whale-watchers in Oregon's Depoe Bay were in for a special surprise this week when a gray whale swam just feet from their boat. What made this encounter unique, though, is that as the whale blew water from its blowhole, a rainbow appeared. Even though this appearing and disappearing rainbow can be explained by science (it's just the way the sun is reflecting on the water from the whale's blowhole), it's still amazing to see and makes the whole whale-watching experience that much better!

Travel and Leisure reports that gray whales breed during the winter near Mexico, then head back to Alaska, so Oregon is a great place to spot them in migration.

Watch the full video below.

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(h/t Travel + Leisure)

Headshot of Madison Alcedo
Madison Alcedo
Assistant Editor

Madison Alcedo was the Assistant Editor at WomansDay.com and Redbookmag.com.