Kitesurfer charged with allegedly getting too close to mother whale and calf

A man from Adelaide's south has been charged after allegedly kitesurfing too close to a mother whale and her calf.

Police were called to the Esplanade at Christies Beach just after 10am today after several people reported a kitesurfer appearing to get dangerously close to the two sea giants.

Officers took witness statements and were given photographs and a description of the alleged offender.

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The mother and her calf have been entertaining locals along the beach for the past week and some witnesses also reported a similar incident of a kitesurfer getting too close to them yesterday as well.

In one photo provided by witnesses, the man appears to see the close proximity of the whales while he is on the water.

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Following an investigation, police arrested a Reynella man and charged him with two counts of molestation of a protected animal and fail to keep a prescribed distance from a protected animal.

SA law states any ocean-going vessel must keep at least 100 metres away from a whale and 300 metres away from a calf.

The 32-year-old was granted conditional bail to appear at Christies Beach Magistrate's Court on August 2.