The first whale of the season has been spotted off West Island near the Waitpinga cliffs on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula.

The Humpback whale was first spotted on the afternoon of Monday 19 April – just in time for the second week of school holiday visitors.

It was reported to be active, with behaviour including tail slapping and breaching.

The South Australian Whale Centre, in Victor Harbor, is currently closed to the public while major renovations are completed.

It is due to reopen in June; whale sightings can be monitored on its website.