Two women kayaking filmed the terrifying moment a humpback whale nearly swallowed them when it leapt out of the water and fell on their kayak.

Julie McSorley and her friend Liz Cottriel were whale watching in Avila Beach, California, on Monday afternoon, when they had the close encounter.

The pair sat in kayaks while watching the whales below the surface when they had their close call with the large mammal

Footage taken by the duo shows the moment when they were sent flying in the air as the large whale breached the surface.

The pair’s screams are muffled as they fall into the water. Julie McSorley was filming on her cellphone the moment they were tossed into the air.

Small fish can be seen flying around the pair, so the whale could have been trying to grab a bite to eat.

Another video, taken by a fellow whale watcher shows the hunchback whale scoop up the boat and the two friends, taking everyone by surprise.

The pair were lifted into the air in the jaws of the whale but they fortunately managed to escape.

Liz told Fox 26 News: ‘I’m thinking to myself, “I’m gonna push.” Like, I’m gonna push a whale out of the way! It was the weirdest thought. I’m thinking, “I’m dead. I’m dead.” I thought it was gonna land on me,’ Cottriel said. ‘Next thing I know, I’m under water.’

Concerned paddle boarders and kayakers quickly rushed over to help the two women.

Fortunately Julie resurfaced first and seconds later, Liz also escaped unharmed.

The pair managed to retrieve the kayak and ride it back to shore.

Liz said: ‘We got back to the car, I was shaking my shirt and a bunch of fish came out of my shirt.’

The only damage was Julie losing her car keys in the close call but both survived unharmed.

Liz said: ‘I was infatuated by them and in awe. But I never expected one to be right here, in my face!’