Dozens of snorkelers were seen clamoring for views of a turtle on the seabed off a Thai island.

Footage shows the holidaymakers in swimsuits and board shorts crowding above the marine creature underwater near Koh Tao island in Surat Thani province, Thailand, on July 26.

The tourists were kicking only inches away from the animal, which appeared to be startled by the number of human limbs in the water above it.

The visitors were using snorkelling gear and some held waterproof cameras to record the lone sea turtle.

Tourist Baitoei Ap said: ‘Everyone was so excited to see the turtle. We all wanted to have a look.'

The swimmers continued to flock around the sea turtle for more than a minute before it slowly moved away.

The footage raises concerns about over-tourism, which can disturb marine life in popular tropical beach destinations due to the increased number of boats and people.

Last month, Marine protection officials filed a police complaint against Chinese tourists for taking photos with rare sea creatures in the sea off Koh Racha.

Sanyang Qin and Wen Zhang were accused of holding up a starfish and stepping on coral reefs during their Thursday diving trip in Phuket province.

They allegedly broke laws forbidding harm to the coastal environment, environment minister Varawut Silpa-archa said.

Sea turtles are an important part of the marine ecosystem in Thailand but their populations have declined in recent years. Marine pollution is one of the reasons they are suffering.