This is the scary moment a tourist whacked his head on a shark's belly while snorkelling in the Maldives.

Footage shows the diver swimming among schools of fish and nurse sharks in the ocean on March 7.

Moments later, the holidaymaker accidentally bumps into the passing sea creature as he swims down.

Startled, he frantically turns to face the elasmobranch fish and swims to the surface.

Meanwhile, the marine animal, seemingly unfazed, glides away calmly.

Nurse sharks are docile, bottom-dwelling species common in tropical waters like the Maldives. Growing up to 14 ft (4 m), they feed primarily on crustaceans and small fish.

They are known for their non-aggressive nature and rarely attack humans, with most encounters harmless unless provoked.