SEASON IS JUMPING INTO LIFE

HUMPBACK whales have been spotted splashing around and showing off their white bellies in front of excited crowds on the Gold Coast.

Yesterday, Sea World Whale Watch spotted a subadult 8-year-old humpback male whale performing for punters – or was he?

Sea World Whale Watch General Manager David Robertson said the males were doing everything they could to show they would make excellent mates, including breaching.

“They’re showing off, it’s a way of communication,” he said. “‘Listen to me, I’m very big. I can make a bigger splash.’ It’s a mating ritual.”

Mr Robertson said the male pictured was a 10m long ‘teenager’ looking for a potential mate and would weigh about 25 tonnes.

Picture: SEA WORLD WHALE WATCH Sea World Whale Watch have had a bumper beginning to the season with an 8-year-old male showing off on the Gold Coast.