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The incredible moment a pod of dolphins protected a humpback and her calf being harassed by male whales has been caught on camera.

The whale was swimming with her offspring off Flinders Bay near Augusta in southwest Western Australia when five other whales started approaching to try and mate.

The competition for mating can be fatal if the calf becomes separated from its mother.

Footage shows the mother trying to use a nearby fishing vessel as a barrier from the other whales as the calf swims onto her back.

View photos The incredible moment a pod of dolphins protected a humpback and her calf being harassed by male whales has been caught on camera. Photo: Whale Watch Western Australia More

After 40 minutes of sticking near the hull of the boat, some of the male started to lose interest.

But the pair were still in danger and that was when a pod of bottlenose dolphins rushed in.

“One of the dolphins was even sighted flashing their mouth wide and showing off his teeth towards the male Humpback,” a post on Whale Watch Western Australia said.

View photos A pod of bottlenose dolphins rushed in to protect the mother, with one even baring its teeth, according to onlookers. Photo: Whale Watch Western Australia More

“They could feel the energy between mother and calf who were slowly calming back down as the immediate danger of separation had settled slightly.”

The mother and child were able to escape the group of males and swim to safety.