Large groups of whales have been spotted swimming together along the coast from Port Elliot to Victor Harbor almost every day since Wednesday last week.

The gatherings began on July 22 when six whales were spotted between 70 and 150 metres from shore at Petrel Cove, delighting onlookers.

Five whales were sighted 500 metres from shore behind Wright Island the next day, with another three spotted at Basham’s Beach only 10 minutes earlier.

The largest group sighting yet was on last Saturday when seven Southern Right whales were spotted only 50 metres from shore at Basham’s Beach, with another adult and its calf discovered at Middleton the same day.

The giant marine mammals haven’t disappointed whale watchers this week either, with four adults and two calves spotted at Fisherman Bay on Monday.

The SA Whale Centre’s Natalie Perkins said the frequent group sightings close to shore were part of the whales’ mating habits.