A couple have told how they saw "splashes" in the sea before capturing on film the rare sight of a humpback whale off the coast of Cornwall.
Ryan Davis and Linda Cassidy, both aged 44, said it was "a real privilege" to see the amazing moment while on a tour along the coastline on June 5.
The pair, sailing bloggers from Bournemouth, found the humpback whale frolicking in the ocean in Falmouth, Cornwall.
"Initially it was a couple of splashes off to starboard that caught our eye, although we didn't actually see anything, just the splashes," said Ryan.
He then told how they then went on to see the whale.
"Then suddenly, we saw the whale slapping its fin on the surface of the water. It did this a number of times before going under," he told told NeedToKnow.co.uk.
"It then performed a breach off to our port side but a little further out - this was its finale as we didn't see it again!
"It was an incredible sight to witness this beautiful creature in its natural environment and totally unexpected, a real privilege."
Humpbacks are very rarely seen off the south of the UK, with more spotted in the northern seas. But conservationists believe that this sighting could mean the species are recovering from near-extinction nearly 40 years ago.
The couple shared their video online with the whale's tail clearly seen flipping out of the water and hitting the oceans surface.
As it rises and breaks through the surface, also known as breaching, its fin pops out of the water while it continues to play.
The couple captioned the post: "A whale! Yes we encountered a whale on our passage to Falmouth!"
It gained thousands of views and likes, as well as lots of comments from amazed viewers.
One person commented: "Wow, wow, wow, that's amazing! So lucky! What an incredible experience."
Lorna added: "This is incredible and so close to Falmouth!! Bet it was a pinch yourself moment."
Another person said: "Oh wow! We are currently sailing to St Mawes. Wonder if we'll spot it too."
A further user wrote: "That's extraordinary! I'd love to experience that one day on the south coast!"
Letisha wrote: "That's incredible, you are so lucky to see one," while Mike said: "No way! amazing."
Other comments included "that's incredible!!!" and "this is so amazing".
