A record number of Southern right whales have been counted this year in Argentina's Patagonia region, conservation groups say.

Thousands of tourists have enjoyed watching the whales and their calves this season swimming near the shoreline of El Doradillo area.

The Whale Conservation Institute says 788 Southern right whales were counted in the region this year — the highest number since records began in 1971.

"We have had the great pleasure this year of receiving a really large number of the [southern right whales], almost 800 individuals were counted in the census and about 300 calves were born," wildlife ranger Roberto Bubas said.

"This is due in most part to the conservation measure that have been put in place by the government of the province of Chubut."

Southern Right whales can grow up to 18 metres long and weigh up to 60 tons. ( AP: Maxi Jonas )

Southern right whales migrate from their icy feeding grounds off Antarctica to warmer climates.

Many come to El Doradillo, on the coast of Golfo Nuevo in the Argentine Patagonia, to breed and nurse their young.

The tiny inlet on the Atlantic coast is one of the few places on Earth where the whales can be seen from shore.

Tourists are able to watch as the whales, some of them bigger than the whale watching boats themselves, breach the water and swim alongside.

With more whales coming to the inlet each year to reproduce, Mr Bubas said there was also a very notable increase in the number of tourists drawn to the region.

"The measures of protection put in place by the province are very successful because they produce a harmony between the two species; the human visitors and the southern right whales," he said.

Tourists watch as the whales breach the water in Argentina ( AP: Maxi Jonas )

AP