Kayaker Briefly Swallowed by Humpback Whale in Chilean Waters

Adrián Simancas, 24, was kayaking in the Strait of Magellan when a humpback whale engulfed him and his kayak, releasing him moments later unharmed.

The incident occurred on February 8, 2025, near the San Isidro Lighthouse in Chilean Patagonia, with the entire event captured on video by Simancas' father.
Marine experts clarified that the humpback whale likely mistook the kayak for prey during a lunge-feeding attempt and could not have swallowed Simancas due to its small throat size.
Simancas described the brief ordeal as terrifying, recounting the slimy texture of the whale's mouth and his initial fear of being swallowed alive.
Both Simancas and his father safely returned to shore, but he expressed concerns about hypothermia and his father's safety during the encounter.
The viral video has sparked discussions about human-whale interactions, with experts urging kayakers to maintain safe distances from marine life to avoid accidental encounters.