Migaloo the white whale continues to surprise marine researchers, helping them understand whales' migration patterns.

It was spotted off the far north Queensland coast near Cairns on the weekend.

A tour boat was treated to a 20-minute display by the albino whale, which was being kept company by two female whales.

Wally Franklin, who heads a whale research program in Hervey Bay, says Migaloo's distinct colour is helping researchers find out more about how far and for how long whales migrate north.

"It's not unusual for humpbacks to be that far north," he said.

"There are a small number that travel north of Cairns.

"What's very interesting about Migaloo is the fact that he is so distinctive and people are able to spot him.

"He's actually giving us information that we otherwise would find difficult to get."