WHILE white whale Migaloo may be overdue, his humpback mates have been putting on a spectacular show off Cairns and around Green Island, including the first sighting of a humpback inside the Reef.

In what many herald the start of a significant new tourism product for the region, whale watching tour operator Reef Magic has had a 100 per cent success rate since it began dedicated tours last week.

• Pictures: Whales near Cairns
  

"Every time we have been out we have seen whales including one encounter where we saw three humpbacks and a pod of dolphins," Reef Magic boss Tim North said.

"We have had multiple sightings but the most spectacular was a whale on its own that went off breaching and coming out of the water."

• Do you have a picture of a whale in the Cairns region? Share your photos here. 
  

Mr North said the initial success of the operation indicated whale watching tours could be a new alternative tourism product for the north that could challenge whale watching hot spots like Hervey Bay.

"We are trying to establish Cairns as a whale watching destination not just a Reef destination," he said.

Tourism Tropical North Queensland boss Rob Giason said Mr North’s initiative was exactly the type of diversification needed for the region’s future.

"This area is all about being nature’s playground," he said.

"The more whales that venture into our waters the more opportunity it can provide.

"The industry is being challenged to diversify and this is a great example of using our plant and equipment and providing another dedicated activity for visitors."

• Pictures: Migaloo the white whale near Cairns
  

Mr North said what was surprising was the mix of people watching the whales, which was so far about half local and half from outside the region.

He said one retired Cairns couple had planned to drive to Hervey Bay but cancelled after seeing whales in their own backyard. But it was not just those with a mission to see the annual humpback migration from the Antarctic who were having a whale of a time.

Visitors to the Reef and Green Island have also had some awe-inspiring encounters, including what is believed to be one of the first ever underwater whale sightings from a semi-submersible.

Big Cat general manager Kim Thomas said visitors to Green Island recently witnessed an 11m humpback 100m offshore and clearly visible from the beach.

"This is the first time we have ever seen a humpback inside the Reef. It was an amazing surprise for our guests and crew," he said.

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