A baby whale shark swam behind tourists who were waving for the camera.

Footage shows the juvenile beast gliding nearby as the holidaymakers dipped into the sea from the surface in Cebu, the Philippines, on December 3.

It was followed by a school of fish swimming behind its tail, and the pair distanced themselves from it as it passed by.

Tourist Ric Laurence Jay Bague said: 'We had a great time exploring nature and meeting large marine animals in Oslob.'

Tourists travel to specific regions where whale sharks are commonly found, such as in the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia's Ningaloo Reef. Guided tours allow people to observe these majestic creatures from boats or a distance in the water.

However, whale shark tourism has been criticised for its impact on the environment and the behaviour of the animals. Popular destinations can become overcrowded with tourists, increasing the risk of accidents and harm to animals and visitors.