A large male Australian sea lion posed for nearby snorkelers taking pictures in Point Picquet.

Footage shows the sea lion proudly posing with its head in the air and eyes closed, allowing the snorkelers to get a few close-up shots.

The large marine mammal then calmly swam off into the bay.

Australian Sea Lions (Neophoca cinerea) are the only species of pinniped (seal) endemic to Australia. Their populations are decreasing, and their conservation status is listed as Endangered. Australian Sea Lions are large animals, weighing between 105 to 300 kilograms (about 230 to 660 pounds). Males are much larger than females and are dark brown with a cream-coloured head and nape, while females are silvery grey with pale yellow or tan undersides. Sea Lions can be dangerous, and Australian wildlife authorities discourage close contact by people. However, adequate separation can be difficult to achieve. A couple had just finished snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters off Point Picquet in south-western Australia and were sitting on a rock with their feet in the sea when a large male Sea Lion approached and posed calmly nearby only a couple of metres from them before swimming off into Geographe Bay.