Today is World Whale Day, an event started in Maui, Hawaii, in 1980, to raise awareness and to protect these majestic creatures and their habitat. But this is no backyard conservation event: it's also a fun opportunity to participate in the The Maui Whale Festival, that will feature a parade, live music, and other festivities!

This leviathan of a list is Bored Panda's way of taking part, and letting you join, in these World Whale Day festivities. Which photo do you find the most inspiring? Do you have some whale photos of your own? Vote or submit your pics below!

More info: mauiwhalefestival.org

#1 Whale Whisperers

Whale Whisperers

Anuar Patjane Report

Final score:
153points
POST
MiguelRodrigues 2 years ago

I don´t like the first one. No matter what anyone will say, that courtain of bubbles and that croud of divers so close to a cuf and its mam IS stressing. All other photos are just fabulous!

1point
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#2 Gentoo And Adélie Penguins Watching Humpback Show

Gentoo And Adélie Penguins Watching Humpback Show

Zi Yao Report

Final score:
121points
POST
CarolynRogers 2 years ago

What an audience!

4points
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#3 Humback Whale And Diver Shake Hands

Humback Whale And Diver Shake Hands

Masa Ushioda Report

Final score:
117points
POST
TammyChapman 2 years ago

Wow!! I wish I was the diver in this photo. Beautiful.

3points
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#4 A Curious Beluga Whale

A Curious Beluga Whale

StupidFatHobbit Report

Final score:
114points
POST
JakeFerguson 2 years ago

So cool

2points
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#5 An Albino Humpback Whale

An Albino Humpback Whale

putuguk Report

Final score:
100points
POST
CarolynRogers 2 years ago

Truly incredible

5points
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#6 Under Water

Under Water

Michael AW Report

Final score:
96points
POST
SusannaVesna 2 years ago

Woah

6points
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#7 Mother And Baby

Mother And Baby

Gaby Barathieu Report

Final score:
95points
POST
TammyChapman 2 years ago

So beautiful and serene.

2points
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#8 Paddle Boarding With Whales In Esperance, Western Australia

Paddle Boarding With Whales In Esperance, Western Australia

Jaimen Hudson Report

Final score:
94points
POST
SmileyRie 2 years ago

How to feel really really little in two easy whales

1point
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#9 Man Face To Face With Whale

Man Face To Face With Whale

CursesFoiledAgain8 Report

Final score:
80points
POST
HayleyLightcap 2 years ago

That whale looks like he has experienced the hardships of life.

7points
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#10 Humpback Whale

Humpback Whale

Christopher Michel Report

Final score:
78points
POST
Maggie Stephens Dougherty 2 years ago

I live humpback whales the most! Just the sheer size of them is so majestic!

0points
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