The footage shows a friendly dolphin doing an unusual underwater performance of backflips for a diver.

Experienced diver Michael Aery, 60, encountered the playful creature on a dive in the Bahamas.

Stunning footage shows the playful dolphin performing a spectacular display of spins and backflips, swimming up to Michael, as if to get his attention, before repeatedly flipping.

Michael, who has completed hundreds of dives since he took up the hobby in 2017, said the moment was the "encounter of a lifetime".

The diver from Boston, Massachusetts, USA, said: "I have always had a passion for travel so diving is perfect for me.

"I've encountered animals from sea lions to giant mantras and several species of sharks - but I knew this one would be special the second I saw the dolphin nearby in the water.

"I couldn't believe I managed to capture the incredible experience on video."

Michael and his diving group first spotted the friendly dolphin when it began to follow their boat, off the coast of San Salvador, Bahamas.

Immediately deciding it "was an opportunity not to be missed", Michael and his diving group dropped their anchor.

Michael said: "This was a chance encounter on our way to a dive site called Twin Peaks - but we put that plan on hold because we couldn't miss it.

"I was the first diver in the water and as soon as I got in, the dolphin excitedly swam up to me and started going round in circles.

"At first he was going so fast I could hardly keep him in the camera shot!"

Michael recalled how the dolphin eventually slowed down for a minute, and began gliding along on his back and "showing off his belly".

But the slow period didn't last long - and moments later, the energetic dolphin picked up speed again.

He said: "Suddenly, he was zipping around again and playing in the bubbles from my tank!

"I could tell immediately that this was going to be an encounter of a lifetime.

"I was absolutely thrilled I managed to capture his performance on camera too.

"Interacting with wild marine animals is a life-changing experience!"

The clip was filmed in January 2020.