A woman from Florida was paddle boarding with a friend when she encountered a pair of friendly manatees.

Celine Chasteen said one of the manatees seemed particularly playful as it repeatedly rolled over onto its back before putting its flibbers on Chasteen’s board, propping itself up.

She told the WPTV the encounter was “the craziest thing ever”.

"At first, I was like, 'What is going on?' But honestly, it was so cool. I've never experienced anything like that before," Chasteen told The Dodo.

"I thought he was really cute. He was really nice and stuff. I hope he drops by again."

Manatees are protected in Florida. Local Wildlife Conservation advices people to “look, but not touch”.

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