Couple Spots Water Bubbles Near Boat, But Woman Yells ‘He’s Massive!’ When Huge Turtle Pops Up

Pippa Partington and a friend were boating near Auckland, New Zealand, when they received a surprise from an unlikely creature: a massive leatherback sea turtle.

According to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, the beautiful leatherback is sadly a critically endangered species of turtle.

Which makes this sighting all the more shocking!

“I didn’t even know that turtles visited [New Zealand] waters, so was totally amazed!” Pippa recalled to Storyful.

In the video below, the couple spots rising bubbles in the water near their boat.

Something is moving under the water. Pippa records as the two go in for a closer look.

As if on cue, the huge turtle reveals himself, peeking his head out of the water, almost as if he’s saying “Hi!”

“He’s massive!” Pippa yells, and that’s no understatement — even from underwater, the turtle’s shell is indeed visibly large!

The leatherback swims over to the side of the boat and Pippa is able to film the animal in his big, beautiful glory!

“Oh my gosh, hi!” she says as the turtle remains there, relaxed as he spends time with the couple!

Turtles are amazing!