Humpback whale gives swimmers a scare in Rio de Janeiro

Swimmers were left in shock after being approached by one very big, very unexpected visitor.

The now-viral scene was recorded on Monday, June 17 by an unnamed woman rowing a paddle boat in the sea near Barra da Tijuca, just west of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

A humpback whale can be seen breaching – seemingly out of nowhere – and scaring the bejesus out of swimmers. Watch the full clip above to see the majestic beast in action.

After the humpback breaches, the impact causes the boat to rock. At this point, onlookers stare in awe.

READ: Photograph of Aussie landmark almost unrecognisable from space

READ: The truth behind terrifying viral theme park ride in South Korea

The clip was shared to Reddit yesterday, and has racked up more than 7000 up-votes and over 250 comments in just 16 hours.

One commenter was more freaked out than impressed.

"That's enough ocean for me today," they commented.

Another questioned what they were doing so far from the shore.

"I would absolutely never chill like that in open ocean," they wrote.

One Reddit joked about the bravery of the onlookers.

"I jump in a boat faster than that when I feel a little seaweed on my foot," they said.

Scary or not, you can't deny this is epic.