Whales have been found to be intelligent. Echolocation is the primary source used to locate food and to guide it toward or away from objects. Migrating Bowhead whales are guided around ice by scout whales traveling miles far ahead of the pod. Humans have interacted with whales for centuries. First with whaling and now with research.
Some whales are naturally curious.
The Mink whale has been know to approach a boat to within 20 to 30 yards. After one quick pass, they usually go back to their main goal, feeding. Whale watching is a popular activity in the Northwest, especially during migration. Cetaceans are the only animals other than the elephant to have a brain larger than a human. This may account for its unusual sensory abilities and intelligence.