Aberdeen is noted for the number of sightings of Dolphins, but an altogether larger visitor was spotted this week.
The humpback whale was captured on camera as it swam in the waters of the North Sea near to Bridge of Don.
The discovery was made by the Aberdeen Harbour Tours crew as they were making an emergency repair to another boat on Tuesday evening.
Getting close, the team were able to catch images of the baleen type whale surfacing for air.
Ricky Greenhowe, owner of Aberdeen Harbour Tours, said: “This is a very rare sighting and it is incredible to get so close.
“The last time I spotted a humpback whale was at least three or four years ago.
“We approached with caution as it raised its head up from the water as we didn’t want to disturb it too much.”
The whales are more commonly found off the west coast of Scotland.
Mr Greenhowe said: “I suppose the whale was hunting or just passing through – there must be some good food in the area.
“It was just amazing to see it.
“Other sightings haven’t been confirmed as usually people only see a quick glimmer of a tail and a splash.”
The last time a humpback whale was spotted around Aberdeen was in October 2016 by Paula Craib, with the whale then visible from the Esplanade at Aberdeen beach.
Aberdeen Harbour Tours’ video, posted to Facebook, has since been viewed more than 6,000 times.