Pods of visiting humpback whales put on a show for whale-watchers, and there to capture the display was photographer Michael Simmons.

The snapper said he caught a series of pictures during an expedition on board the Endurance on Saturday afternoon when the massive animals leapt from waters to the island’s south.

Mr Simmons said: “I am somewhat used to seeing the whales, but not that close. I was totally excited inside and trying to focus on getting a couple of shots.

“It was a little rough out there. We were rolling about so it was difficult to get shots.

“I’m a little surprised that we got the shots we did because I was timing the shots with the rolling of the boat.”

Mr Simmons said the group saw several small pods of humpback whales during the trip.

He noted: “We were seeing them when they were pretty active. They were active for about an hour.”

March and April are usually busy months for whale-watchers as humpbacks migrate north from the Caribbean to feed.

Mariners interested in taking a closer look at the massive animals are urged to use caution, with guidelines available online at environment.bm/whale-watching-guidelines.

Under the Protected Species Act 2003, it is an offence to disturb or harass humpback and sperm whales, and boats are instructed to stay at least 100 metres away from whales and 50 metres from dolphins.

Whale-watchers should aim to travel parallel to the animals and never touch or swim with them.

The Act states that anyone convicted of harming, disturbing or harassing a humpback or sperm whale can face a maximum fine of $25,000 or up to two years in prison.