A JUVENILE humpback whale snapped frolicking beside the iconic Hippolyte Rocks off Eaglehawk Neck is undertaking a late migration to Antarctic waters.

Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment wildlife biologist Kris Carlyon said the southern migration for humpback whales was usually between September and December.

They migrate to the Southern Ocean to feed.

“This animal is clearly a straggler and while this is not unheard of, they are few and far between,” Dr Carlyon said.

“It could be because of inexperience or it didn’t have others to make the migration with.

“Sometimes the drive is not as strong [for juveniles] to go south [to feed] as they may not have bred and have not had much expenditure. This whale certainly looks healthy though.”

Dr Carlyon said the peak time to see the marine mammals in Tasmania was between October and November, after which they migrated north from May and August to breed and give birth.

The photo of the young humpback whale was snapped by Pennicott Wilderness Journeys guide Ange Anderson on Sunday.

“It’s not usual to see them this time of the year as they migrate earlier, but there have been younger whales hanging around over the last few years,” she said.

“It’s pretty amazing to have seen it breaching for about 20 minutes.”

If you see a whale contact the whale hotline on 0427 942 537.