Best underwater photos of 2025 revealed

The winners of the 2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) competition have been revealed.

The competition includes 13 different categories, encouraging photographers from around the world to capture the beauty of the underwater world, from intricate macro details to dramatic wide-angle scenes. According to the official website of the competition, this year saw a record 7,000 entries from over 600 photographers, highlighting the growing interest in underwater photography.

The results were announced on February 21, but the exact date of the competition itself was not specified. Typically, the Underwater Photographer of the Year competition requires participants to submit their work months in advance, so the competition likely took place in late 2024 or early 2025.

Spanish photographer Alvaro Herrero won the Underwater Photographer of the Year 2025 award for his stunning photo, Radiant Bond. The image captures a tender moment between a mother whale and her newborn calf as it takes its first breath at the surface.

“The young whale is blowing a few bubbles as it rises—perhaps still learning to breathe or simply playing,” Herrero explained.

The judges praised the image for its perfect composition, lighting, and ability to capture a rare moment in nature. UPY judge Tobias Friedrich noted:

“The light from the upper left, the graceful movement of the whales, and the masterful framing make this a standout image.”

Second Place: Aurora Underwater – Captured by Ruruka (South Korea) in Cancun, Mexico. The photographer, who first visited Cancun two years ago, describes it as an ideal location for underwater photography.

Third Place: Let’s Protect Our Marine Resources – A powerful image by Robert Marc Lehmann (Germany), depicting people capturing a large shark, highlighting the threat humans pose to marine life. According to Lehmann, “Over 200 million sharks die at the hands of humans each year. Through my images, I want to raise awareness about their importance to ocean ecosystems.”

Fourth Place: Curious Seal – Taken by David Alpert (UK), this heartwarming photo showcases the natural curiosity of seals. The photographer described the experience as a rare moment of connection with nature.

Fifth Place: Fluorescent Lobster – A unique night dive image by James Jnott (UK), featuring a rare lobster with striking fluorescent colors. Jnott explained that while lobsters typically hide in rocky crevices, he was lucky to capture this one moving in the open.

The 2025 Underwater Photographer of the Year competition not only celebrates the beauty of the ocean but also serves as a reminder of the importance of marine conservation and the need to protect fragile underwater ecosystems.