Footage of a tourist desperately swimming back to shore as a crocodile stalks him has emerged - and it is terrifying.

VIDEO: WATCH WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A MAN GETS INTO THE WATER WITH TWO CROCODILES

The swimmer is seen being pursued by a large crocodile, as he desperately ploughs through the water to get to the shore.

Onlookers from a boat nearby can be heard crying and screaming in the background, eventually throwing something at the crocodile to stop his pursuit.

WATCH: CROCODILE ON THE LOOSE IN CRETE FILMED BY DRONE CAMERA

Manual Carrera, who filmed the close encounter, said that the crocs are experts in stealing fish from local fishermen, and taking food left behind by tourists.

The encounter, that took place in Sian Ka'an, could have been much worse, and Mr Carrera warned other tourists not to feed crocodiles, which make them associate humans with food.

'The boy was saved because the crocodile is well fed and chased at a pace that allowed him to reach the shore,' he added.

Eek. That's what you call swimming for your life.