A humpback whale has been spotted performing an incredible backflip off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada.

The animal was captured flinging its massive frame into the air by Penny Graham, the head of a marine life sightseeing tour in the region.

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Ms Graham has been watching whales jumping for over 30 years, but she explained this one was the best of the lot.

“It was just amazing!” Ms Graham told CBS News. “I’m not sure I’ll ever live to see that again.”

“It was the angle that made it so phenomenal … That whale was upside down heading towards us.”

GIF: Penny Graham/Mariner Cruises Whale and Seabird Tours

According to scientists, whales jump or “breach” for many different reasons, including communication and herding fish into bigger schools.

Ms Graham said that in her eyes, and judging by the excitement of the watchers, it looked like the whale just wanted to have fun.

“There was a lot of hollering and screaming on that boat,” she said. “Everybody was clapping and laughing. I had tears of joy. It was amazing to be part of that.

“That whale was having just as much fun as we were,” she said.

“I think it was doing it out of pure enjoyment.”