Footage of a diver getting a "surprise cuddle" from an affectionate seal off the coast of California, USA.

The video, shows free diver John Sahas encountering the young seal off underwater off the Palos Verdes Peninsula.

The filmer later wrote online: "Note that the free diver acted appropriately by NOT seeking out, chasing, following, touching, petting, feeding, or in any way provoking an interaction with this marine protected animal.

"The animal approached of its own accord and the diver remained still until it left."

Los Angeles man gets surprise cuddle from affectionate seal!

Freediver John Sahas was enjoying the winter visibility in the kelp beds off of Palos Verdes when this curious, young seal approached and began to snuggle up to him.

Note that the freediver acted appropriately by NOT seeking out, chasing, following, touching, petting, feeding, or in any way provoking an interaction with this marine protected animal. The animal approached of its own accord and the diver remained still until it left.