A whale shark crashed into a diver's backside while she was swimming at a snorkelling spot in the Philippines.

The large marine mammal was gliding near the surface and bumped its nose behind swimmer Honey Lil Arellano in Cebu on November 28.

Footage shows the ocean beast gently hitting Honey Lil's bottom as it passes behind her. She was startled and motioned to give way to the whale shark that was only a juvenile despite its already massive size.

Honey Lil said: 'I did not know that was heading towards our way. I was a bit scared because of its size.'

Tourists flock to spots like Oslob in the Philippines, Donsol Bay, and Ningaloo Reef in Australia to witness the majestic whale sharks in their natural habitat.

However, conservationists and marine biologists have criticised whale shark tourism. Many argue that these activities, especially when poorly managed, can disrupt the animals' natural behaviours, such as feeding and migration patterns.