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They're one of Earth's largest mammals - but these southern right whales seemed up for making friends when they were snapped in shallow waters off the Argentinian coast.

The mother and her calf appeared practically underneath a nearby tour boat when they emerged from the warm waters close to the Peninsula Valdes.

The brazen pair decided to give the boat full of whale watchers a taste of their medicine as they stared right back at the tiny vessel.

They even checked out a brave scuba diver who was allowed so close he could stare right into the giant creatures' eyes.

The images were captured by Justin Hofman in the warm waters where the massive mammals flock each year to raise their offspring.