Kayaker Josh Reeves dives into the Gulf to take a closer look at the rarely spotted Basking Shark

According to News13 in Panama City, FL, on March 17, Reeves and other beach go-ers spotted the massive Basking Shark swimming along the Bay County pier. 

Employees at Gulf World explain that this type of shark has never been seen in Gulf waters before. The Basking Shark is the second largest species of fish, the first being the Whale Shark.

Upon spotting the shark, Reeves, who works with a shark tour service in Panama City Beach, decided to kayak out to the shark and then took it a step father when he jumped into the ocean and swam alongside the estimated 25-foot long shark.