Witnessing whales as they break water surfaces (aka breaching) is an enthralling experience in the wild. From a chin slap to a full-body aerial, this lunging behavior displays the impressive power and imposing size of these marine behemoths.

Seasickness, extreme patience, luck, timing, balance — all factors in seizing moments to shoot exciting whale shots like the ones featured here.

See more photos in the Whale Breaches gallery.

Photos from Justin Hart, Lacewing!, EricOPhotos, evanffitzer, and Tom Clifton