This is the terrifying moment tourists unknowingly handled a highly venomous blue-ringed octopus.

Holidaymaker Regine Niepes and her friends spotted the deadly cephalopod and picked it up from the rocky shore of Higatangan Island in Biliran, the Philippines.

Footage shows the sea creature crawling across the women's palms, seemingly trying to escape on June 2.

The group can be heard laughing and marvelling at the octopus, unaware of the danger.

Blue-ringed octopuses are among the most dangerous marine animals in the world. Despite their small size, they carry enough venom to kill multiple humans.

Their bite is often painless but can cause paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death within minutes if untreated. The rings on their body glow a vibrant blue as a warning when they feel threatened.