AS Migaloo the white humpback heads closer to Cairns, the city has been caught up in whale watching fever.

The all-white whale was expected to be spotted off Cairns this week, after he was seen by a fisherman off Hinchinbrook Island last Tuesday.

The city’s fleet of dive boats have been fielding phone calls from visitors, eager to catch a glimpse of the whale on the Great Barrier Reef.

Passions of Paradise CEO Scott Garden said the company had plenty of passengers asking about whale watching tours.

"It’s a great excitement for the passengers who have come from oversees or from interstate as well," Mr Garden said.

Migaloo on her way to Port Douglas after a quick visit to Cairns