A snorkeller exploring corals had a near miss with a sea turtle that passed by.

Charity Apolo was enjoying the underwater view with a guide when the friendly marine animal approached them in Cebu, the Philippines on June 24.

Footage shows Charity swiftly paddling upwards to avoid touching the endangered animal that glided underneath her.

The guide pulled her away, and the creature was safe as it climbed the sea bed for food.

Charity said: ‘We went turtle chasing but didn't expect the animals to be too friendly.'

Touching sea turtles is prohibited in tourist destinations to protect endangered species from stress, disease transmission, and habitat disruption. Human contact can expose turtles to harmful chemicals from sunscreen or lotions.