Watch the Incredible Moment a Sea Lion Swam up to Snorkeling Teen–And Hugged Him: ‘It Felt So Euphoric’

A 15-year-old experienced the wildlife moment of a lifetime while on summer vacation.

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

Chuck got out his underwater camera and began recording after he realized his son was in no danger and the curious animal seemed simply to want to play.

Ethan spun around with the sea lion, in the Gulf of California off the coast of Mexico, allowing the mammal to embrace him in a slow dance for almost a minute, 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.

“I don’t really know how to describe it as I was just totally taken back.

“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.”