Most people spoil their pets with treats and toys – but one parrot has gone viral after his owner took him snorkelling in a custom–built submarine.

The white-winged parakeet called Bebe, who measures around six inches from beak to tail, has become an internet sensation after a video emerged showing him exploring under the waves.

His owner, Steven Lawyer, created a custom-made, bird-sized submarine which provided a steady stream of oxygen.

The 15-minute adventure saw the bird travel three feet (0.9 metres) deep amid brightly coloured coral and fish.

The pet appeared relaxed and interested in his surroundings as the device bobbed beneath the surface.

His owner said he was 'not stressed' and enjoys going on adventures, and went into the submarine 'willingly'.

Delighted fans have joked that 'his friends are not gonna believe him', while others said he's 'having the time of his life'.

But others have criticised the stunt, arguing the parrot has 'no business down there' and it is 'the literal exact opposite place' a bird should be.

The clip, which was shared on Instagram four days ago, has already received more than 600,000 likes.

Bebe's owner, Steve, has since made a separate video insisting that the clip was not made by AI.

'It is completely authentic,' he said, holding up the submarine. 'This is what you saw him in in the video – this is the "Bebesphere".

'This was a homemade contraption, extensively tested before Bebe ever went into the water with it.'

He explained the plastic container is 'food-grade safe' and was equipped with a 3000PSI paintball air cylinder that they filled with heavily filtered air.

A needle valve allowed him to control the flow rate of air going into the container, while a one-way outflow valve let air bubbles out.

There were also lead weights on the outside of the container to help with buoyancy, while an oxygen meter meant his owners could monitor conditions within the cylinder.