A massive whale shark photobombed a freediver's underwater swimming video.

Footage shows tourist Irish Abne gliding alongside a juvenile marine mammal when an even larger animal crossed between her and the videographer in Bohol, the Philippines on January 18.

The whale shark swam above Irish whose leg lightly bumped into its tail.

It moved along its way and Irish paused for a moment as she was called by her friend who recorded the video.

Irish said: 'There were at least 15 whale sharks in the area that time. I did not know I almost hit the big whale shark because I was trying to follow the smaller one.

'I felt my leg hit its tail. What if its mouth was open? It is kind of scary to think about.'

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.