> At a Glance
> – A Bryde’s whale burst through a sardine school inches from divers in Magdalena Bay.
> – Emily Marzilli, 27, filmed the November 2025 moment that left her in tears.
> – The whale, weighing up to 90,000 lb, vanished seconds after the surprise pass.
> Why it matters: The rare footage shows how quickly ocean giants can appear, even to seasoned pros.
Free-diving instructor Emily Marzilli never expected a 40-ton neighbor while swimming among sardines off Baja California Sur. The November 2025 encounter, shared via SWNS and her Instagram @emgonewild, has now been viewed thousands of times.
One Quiet Moment-Then Chaos
Marzilli and friends were hovering above a tight sardine bait ball when the fish suddenly scattered. A gaping Bryde’s whale rocketed upward, mouth open, clearing a path through the silver swarm. The entire sequence lasted under five seconds.
> “I have tears streaming down my face as I write this. There are moments the ocean chooses you.”
> – Emily Marzilli
Lucky Timing, Not a Chase
The group chose Magdalena Bay during peak sardine season to witness “National Geographic-level” action-yet whales were never on the target list. Marzilli stressed they kept distance once the giant appeared and watched it disappear into the blue.
| Species | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Bryde’s whale | 40-55 ft | up to 90,000 lb |
Key Takeaways
- The surprise encounter happened in November 2025.
- Sardine season lures predators, but whale sightings remain rare.
- Marzilli calls the moment a life-changing reminder that “magic is real.”
Video of the close call ends with the whale gliding away, leaving only ripples and stunned divers bobbing on the surface.
