Ahoy humpbacks! A surge in sightings as whale watchers spot plenty feeding off Southern California shores.

Humpback whales have been frolicking off local waters in recent weeks — spotted from Palos Verdes and San Pedro, off Newport Beach and down to Dana Point and San Clemente — delighting marine-life enthusiasts who have been able to see them up close. Whale watchers are hoping for a strong year of sightings for the mammals, which typically head toward Mexico and Central America to give birth.