The extraordinary moment a wild sea lion swam up to a teenager off the coast of Mexico has been captured on camera, baffling viewers.
Ethan Becker, 15, was diving with his father Chuck Becker, 47, in August when they saw the sea lion heading towards them.
Although it could have looked like a potentially dicey situation, the friendly sea creature just wanted to play with Ethan — which his dad caught on film.
In the clip posted online, the friendly sea lion swims around the teenager, who cautiously pats him at first.
The animal gets visibly gets more comfortable and excited, and starts playing with Ethan — even hugging him at one point.
It then briefly swims up to Chuck — who is still filming — and curiously checks out his flippers before swimming off.
According to Ethan, he was shocked with his brief but surreal underwater interaction.
“It felt so euphoric in that moment that I almost forgot to put the snorkel in my mouth so I could breathe!” he said, according to the Daily Mail, adding he would definitely go diving there again to see his new best friend.
“Looking back, I probably should have been more scared of being bit,” he admitted. “But if I was ever given the chance I’d definitely dive there again.”