This is the spectacular moment a pair of giant sperm whales was spotted off the coast of Newport Beach, California.

Tourists encountered the two whales, nicknamed Kiwi and Guava, swimming in the open ocean on September 19.

Footage shows a nearby boat carrying amused holidaymakers as the colossal mammals, each measuring around 60ft (18m), surfaced dramatically.

Their massive tails could be seen lobtailing high above the waves, creating a breathtaking sight.

The same pair had also been spotted just three miles from the harbour on Wednesday, delighting onlookers once again.

Sperm whales are instantly recognisable by their angled blowholes and wrinkled skin. They are the largest toothed whales in the world, with males weighing up to 50 tonnes.

These deep-diving predators can plunge for over 90 minutes, reaching depths of more than 4,000ft (1,219m) in pursuit of giant squid.

Though they occasionally pass by Newport Beach, such sightings remain rare and unpredictable.