One of the reasons this is considered the best place to go whale watching in the whole world is because, yes, it’s the only place to touch the whales. Mamas and babies are particularly gentle and friendly and will often approach boats seeking affection. That said, this is a heavily regulated activity with only certain tour companies certified by the authorities.  Always do your due diligence and only travel with reputable, ethical service providers. Laws are in place about how and where the whales can be touched, how to approach them, how close you can get etc., and following these rules is an absolute necessity for the protection of the species and the lagoon.