This is the spectacular moment a waterspout tornado formed along crystal blue waters near a beach in the Philippines.

The funnel-shaped weather phenomenon was seen climbing down from the storm clouds to the water in Palawan province on November 14.

It was about 50ft away from the shore, scaring tour guides and fishermen on the beach.

Footage shows the spinning vortex of air and water moving along the surface with the beautiful destination as its background.

Local Joselita David said: ‘I was the first to see it. I could not believe it. The weather was hot that day, and it didn't seem like it would rain, but then it became windy.'

Joselita added the weather quickly shifted, and soon there were dark clouds in the area. However, the waterspout disappeared in about five minutes.

She said: ‘I thought it would reach the beach, but it was gone. The weather was windy, and there was light, quick rain after.'

Waterspout tornadoes form when wind merges from opposite directions near the water's surface, creating a small area of spin. Warm air at the surface causes the spinning air to rotate faster and start to rise – picking up water simultaneously and forming the distinctive elephant-funnel shape.

As warm air rises, the cooler air moves in below and then rises, too. Sometimes the air spins so fast that it stretches and a funnel appears from the water to the thunderstorm cloud above.

Waterspouts are generally not dangerous but they can be a risk for aircraft flying through the area and for coral reefs and marine life in the water immediately below. Sailors should also try to avoid waterspouts as the power of the wind can cause damage.

They very rarely damage buildings as they dissipate when they reach land. However, they are dangerous of boats caught in their path or aircraft that fly through them.