Humpback whales delight beachgoers in Santa Cruz

SANTA CRUZ, Calif. (KGO) -- While many people in Santa Cruz are aware of the possible effects of a tsunami triggered after a deadly 8.3 earthquake struck in Chile, something big was also grabbing their attention. Humpback whales made a rare appearance close to shore at popular beach, attracting hundreds of people.

Mitchell's Cove in Santa Cruz is a very popular place. A lot of people walk on the path by the beautiful scenery every day. But something big, really big, came unusually close this week that made everyone stop and pay attention.

On Thursday, ABC7 News spotted a humpback whale cruising by at about 10 a.m. The giant mammal breached a few times, as we could see the water spout from the beach. But while this was exciting, it's nothing like the show that took place a day before.

Humpback whales, two or three according to most accounts, were feeding on anchovies. They cruised incredibly close to the beach, just past the breakers.

About 1,000 people were out there on Wednesday to watch, including the Martin-Etemadi family.

"It was really close to shore and it was just really amazing," said young Santa Cruz resident Zora Martin-Etemadi.

Tera Martin added, "I've seen tons of dolphins, seals, everything. But to see the whale that close was pretty outstanding."

People knew it was a perfect photo op.

Jenny Sandrof has lived here since 1987, and captured a beautiful image of the whale above the water.

"It was like nothing I've seen before in all my years I've been living here," she said.

Tomek Walas has lived there for 31 years. He snapped several pics, filling up his memory card, while making memories with a once in a lifetime experience.

"It was just amazing," he said. "It was nice to see a whale feeding on anchovies so close to the beach. It was like, hardly anything like that happens."

It's tough to know where the whales are going next, but we did get some advice from some of the amateur whale watchers -- follow the food and you'll find the birds. And if you're lucky, you'll see some whales.