Kayaker swallowed by whale recalls feeling 'slimy texture' in its mouth

For Adrián, the experience was not just about survival - but he said felt he had received a "second chance" when the whale spat him out.

The "unique" experience in one of the most extreme places on Earth had "invited me to reflect on what I could have done better up until that point, and on the ways I can take advantage of the experience and appreciate it as well", he added.

But there is a simple reason he was able to escape the whale so quickly, according to a wildlife expert.

Humpback whales have narrow throats "about the size of a household pipe" designed for swallowing small fish and shrimp, Brazilian conservationist Roched Jacobson Seba told the BBC.

"They physically cannot swallow large objects like kayaks, tires, or even big fish like tuna," he said.

"Ultimately, the whale spit out the kayak because it was physically impossible to swallow."

The humpback whale likely engulfed Adrián by accident, Mr Seba suggested.

"The whale was likely feeding on a school of fish when it unintentionally scooped up the kayak along with its meal.

"When whales surface too quickly while feeding, they can accidentally hit or engulf objects in their path."

He warned that the encounter served as "an important reminder" to avoid using paddleboards, surfboards or other silent vessels in areas where whales usually swim.

Boats used for whale watching and research must always keep their engines on, he added, as the noise helps whales detect their presence.

Additional reporting by Luis Barrucho and Maia Davies.