Scuba diver comes face to face with gigantic sea turtle

Sea turtles are among the most loved of all the ocean's creatures.

Here we see them swimming gracefully in the Galapagos Islands.

Pacific Green turtles grow to an enormous size.

Once they reach maturity, only large sharks and humans pose a threat to them.

A cautious and respectful diver might be lucky enough to get close enough for a video or photo opportunity like this one.

Moments like these are cherished by any who love the underwater world.

This turtle casually swam along in search of vegetation while the nearby diver joined, in complete awe.These beautiful animals grow to 1.5m (5 feet) in length and can weigh up to 190kg (419 pounds), although exceptionally large males have been measured as high as 395kg (871 pounds).

They are endangered due to the overharvesting of both adults and turtle eggs for human consumption, as well as due to mortality from being caught in fishing nets.

Loss of nesting areas for real estate development has put even more pressure on the turtles.

Once full grown, humans are their biggest threat.

It would be beyond tragic to lose these beautiful creatures forever.