A cheeky polar bear cub taking a quick dip spared a moment to wave to a passing photographer.

The little bear was playing with one of his brothers near the coast of Alaska when he appeared to greet the watching public.

The stunning snaps were captured by Christophe Vasselin, who was sailing close to the animals.

It's not just a one-off as the bear sticks his head out of the water to continue to greet the boat with his paw. Photographer Christophe Vasselin said: 'When the bear waved at me, I hoped the warm welcome was going to be a good sign for the rest of our trip - and it was'

A confident polar bear cub appears to give a passing boat a wave as he plays in the water near Kaktovik, Alaska

The 42-year-old wildlife photographer, from Eischen, Luxembourg, said: 'I came across the polar bears on the first day of our stay at Kaktovik, it was quite a sight.

'Polar bears are maritime mammals so they love the water.

'The two cubs played for a while, mostly simulating fights and diving and swimming.'

The little bears quickly became curious about the camera equipment and swam around the small boat.

After the greeting the two bears play in the water, fighting and nuzzling each other with their strong jaws

Polar bears are the world’s largest land predators and spend many months at sea. The two cubs are pictured above trying out their skills on each other

Both baby bears become interested in the camera equipment and make a speedy dash toward the boat so they can see what is going on

Mr Vasselin said: 'As soon as I spotted them, I got my camera out to take a few pictures.

'When one of them waved at me, I hoped the warm welcome was going to be a good sign for the rest of our trip - and it was.

'The waving picture is one of my favourites.'

After their moment in the spotlight the bears move to the shallows to wash. Mr Vasselin described the event as 'quite a sight'