Incredible moment wild sea lion hugs teenager

By Jessica Hehir-Smith via SWNS

This is the incredible moment a wild sea lion swam up to a snorkeling teenager - and HUGGED him.

Ethan Becker, 15, was snorkeling with his dad Chuck Becker, 47, when they spotted a sea lion heading straight toward them.

Chuck got out his underwater camera and began filming as soon as he realizes his son was in no danger and that the curious animal just wanted to play.

Ethan swam around with the sea lion, in the Gulf of California, off the coast of Mexico, and let it check him out for about 30 seconds - even hugging him a couple of times - before it swam over to have a look at Chuck.

After inspecting Chuck’s flippers, the animal swam away and left Ethan and Chuck in awe of what had just happened.

Ethan, who lives in Washington with his dad, described it as a moment he’d never forget and one he’d love to experience again.

“I don't really know how to describe it as I was just totally taken back," he said.

“It felt so euphoric in that moment that I almost forgot to put the snorkel in my mouth so I could breathe!

“Looking back, I probably should have been more scared of being bit. But if I was ever given the chance I'd definitely dive there again.”

This video was filmed on August 3.