These stunning images show a humpback whale and its calf frolicking in the water during their migration route off the Peruvian coast.

The drone-filmed footage shows the magnificent beasts splashing in and out of the Pacific Ocean near Mazorca Island in Huacho province.

Humpbacks are often spotted off Peru between the months of June and October as they migrate from Antarctica to reproduce in warmer waters.

The National Service of Natural Protected Areas by the State said in a statement obtained by Newsflash on 24th July: “The passage of a humpback whale and its calf constitutes one of the most beautiful and magical spectacles that nature gives us from three areas of the National Reserve System of Islands and Guano Points, managed by the National Service of Natural Protected Areas (Sernanp) under the Ministry of the Environment.

“This wonderful sighting was specifically recorded on Mazorca Island in the province of Huacho, the Cavinzas Islands and Palomino islets in Callao, and Punta Coles – Ilo, the latter located in the department of Moquegua. Our park ranger personnel were able to capture images using a drone of the movement and interaction of a pair of humpback whales heading towards the northern region of the country.

“According to Sernanp, this beautiful spectacle can be observed in these protected spaces every year between the months of June and October, as it is a migration area for humpback whales.

“The Peruvian sea lies within the migration route taken by several individuals of this species from Antarctica, with the purpose of mating and giving birth to their calves. Upon reaching the northern coasts of Peru, which serve as a breeding and reproduction area, the mothers and their calves swim together.”

Male humpback whales can reach lengths of 14 to 15 metres, while females can grow between 16 and 18 metres long.

Specimens can weigh between 25 to 30 tonnes and can live for 45 to 50 years. In Peru, it is illegal to get too close to humpback whales.