The ocean covers most of our planet, yet it remains one of the least understood places on Earth. That sense of wonder is exactly what makes the Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards so compelling. Organized by Oceanographic Magazine, the competition celebrates the beauty, mystery, and sheer scale of the marine world through breathtaking images captured by photographers from around the globe.
But these awards are about more than visual spectacle. Alongside dramatic encounters with whales, sharks, coral reefs, and deep-sea creatures, the competition also shines a light on the fragility of ocean ecosystems and the urgent need to protect them. Many of the winning and shortlisted photos tell stories of survival, change, and conservation, reminding viewers that the sea is as vulnerable as it is vast.
Since the awards began in 2020, they have produced a remarkable collection of images across a wide range of categories, from underwater wildlife and adventure to fine art and conservation photography. For this best-of selection, we’ve picked 51 standout shots from across the years that showcase just how powerful ocean photography can be.
Scroll down to explore some of the most unforgettable images ever featured in the Ocean Photographer of the Year Awards.
#1 Finalist Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2024 - Enric Gener
Location: Menorica, Spain
Description: “Spotting pelagic life in the Mediterranean Sea can be tough, because you usually spend hours without seeing a single splash,” says Gener. “After about five hours of searching, we spotted this seagull and noticed that its legs weren’t underwater. We approached slowly with the boat and suddenly realized that it was standing on a sea turtle. I decided to jump into the water, thinking I would find the turtle dead because it wasn't moving. When I got close enough, I saw its face underwater and realized that the sea turtle was alive. What a surreal scene!”
Description: “Spotting pelagic life in the Mediterranean Sea can be tough, because you usually spend hours without seeing a single splash,” says Gener. “After about five hours of searching, we spotted this seagull and noticed that its legs weren’t underwater. We approached slowly with the boat and suddenly realized that it was standing on a sea turtle. I decided to jump into the water, thinking I would find the turtle dead because it wasn't moving. When I got close enough, I saw its face underwater and realized that the sea turtle was alive. What a surreal scene!”
24points
#2 Ocean Photographer Of The Year 2024 - Rafael Fernandez Caballero
Location: Baja California Sur, Mexico
Description: A Bryde’s whale takes a bite. “A feeding frenzy is the biggest show on earth for me. The smallest animals on earth, plankton, attract bait balls of sardines and, in turn, giant whales show up,” says Fernández Caballero. “I was lucky to witness this show off Baja California Sur at the end of 2023. Due to El Niño and warmer temperatures, different species joined the party and I witnessed huge numbers of beautifully colored dorados and large groups of sea lions that were attracted by the bait balls. The highlight was this whale coming out of nowhere with its mouth wide open.”
Description: A Bryde’s whale takes a bite. “A feeding frenzy is the biggest show on earth for me. The smallest animals on earth, plankton, attract bait balls of sardines and, in turn, giant whales show up,” says Fernández Caballero. “I was lucky to witness this show off Baja California Sur at the end of 2023. Due to El Niño and warmer temperatures, different species joined the party and I witnessed huge numbers of beautifully colored dorados and large groups of sea lions that were attracted by the bait balls. The highlight was this whale coming out of nowhere with its mouth wide open.”
20points
#3 1st Place Collective Portfolio Award 2021 - Stefan Christmann
Location: Antarctica
Description: The emperor penguin egg is bred by the fathers and carried on their feet.
Description: The emperor penguin egg is bred by the fathers and carried on their feet.
18points
#4 2nd Place Adventure Photographer Of The Year 2020 - Sean Scott
Location: Quobba Station, Western Australia
Description: Two sharks surf a wave at Red Bluff, Quobba Station, in remote Western Australia. “The huge bait ball the sharks were feeding on had moved very close to the shoreline,” says photographer Sean Scott, who was on an expedition spanning the full WA coast. “I got the long lens out and took a test shot of the waves, and the very next wave the sharks were in it. I didn’t see this happen again throughout the next two days that I was there.”
Description: Two sharks surf a wave at Red Bluff, Quobba Station, in remote Western Australia. “The huge bait ball the sharks were feeding on had moved very close to the shoreline,” says photographer Sean Scott, who was on an expedition spanning the full WA coast. “I got the long lens out and took a test shot of the waves, and the very next wave the sharks were in it. I didn’t see this happen again throughout the next two days that I was there.”
18points
#5 Finalist Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2025 - Luis Arpa Toribio
Location: Indonesia
Description: “This is an image of a juvenile Pinnate Batfish captured using a slow shutter speed, snooted light, and deliberate camera panning to create motion and drama,” says Arpa Toribio. “Juveniles are known for striking black bodies outlined in vibrant orange — a coloration lost within months. I encountered this restless subject in the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait. Capturing the image required patience and persistence over two dives, as these active young fish constantly dart into crevices for cover, making the shot particularly challenging to execute without interfering with the fish’s natural behavior.”
Description: “This is an image of a juvenile Pinnate Batfish captured using a slow shutter speed, snooted light, and deliberate camera panning to create motion and drama,” says Arpa Toribio. “Juveniles are known for striking black bodies outlined in vibrant orange — a coloration lost within months. I encountered this restless subject in the tropical waters of Indonesia’s Lembeh Strait. Capturing the image required patience and persistence over two dives, as these active young fish constantly dart into crevices for cover, making the shot particularly challenging to execute without interfering with the fish’s natural behavior.”
16points
#6 1st Place Fine Art Photographer Of The Year 2023 - Jade Hoksbergen
Location: Maldives
Description: “At night in the Maldives, bright lights shine down into the water as fishermen seek out baitfish for the country’s sustainable pole and line tuna fishery,” says Hoksbergen. “The light attracts plankton, which in turn attracts small fish. On occasion, they also bring in the largest fish in the ocean - whale sharks. While they were a nuisance to the fishermen in the past, a positive solution has been found by combining the two most important industries in the Maldives: tourism and fishing. Now, when a whale shark shows up at night, the fishermen call the team at COMO Maalifushi and eager guests are able to see and swim with an ocean giant. While taking this photograph, I was enveloped in darkness. I felt dwarfed in the shark’s presence.”
Description: “At night in the Maldives, bright lights shine down into the water as fishermen seek out baitfish for the country’s sustainable pole and line tuna fishery,” says Hoksbergen. “The light attracts plankton, which in turn attracts small fish. On occasion, they also bring in the largest fish in the ocean - whale sharks. While they were a nuisance to the fishermen in the past, a positive solution has been found by combining the two most important industries in the Maldives: tourism and fishing. Now, when a whale shark shows up at night, the fishermen call the team at COMO Maalifushi and eager guests are able to see and swim with an ocean giant. While taking this photograph, I was enveloped in darkness. I felt dwarfed in the shark’s presence.”
16points
#7 Finalist Adventure Photographer Of The Year 2021 - Steve Woods
Location: Canada
Description: Sea lions swarm a diver. “Sea lions have been periodically culled for more than a century in British Columbia, with some now pushing for a cull of 25,000 animals,” says photographer Steve Woods. “When photographing them underwater, absolutely no bait or food is used, they simply want to play and interact. I have never observed this unique behavior anywhere else in the world, which makes it even more devastating that they are under threat of a cull.”
Description: Sea lions swarm a diver. “Sea lions have been periodically culled for more than a century in British Columbia, with some now pushing for a cull of 25,000 animals,” says photographer Steve Woods. “When photographing them underwater, absolutely no bait or food is used, they simply want to play and interact. I have never observed this unique behavior anywhere else in the world, which makes it even more devastating that they are under threat of a cull.”
16points
#8 Finalist Adventure Photographer Of The Year 2024 - Ben Yavar
Location: Philippines
Description: A freediver amidst a shoal of sardines. “As a freediver and photographer, I'm always mesmerized by the dance of sardines,” explains Yavar. “On this dive, I found myself beneath a swirling ring of sardines, forming a perfect circle above me. The sunlight piercing through the water created a stunning contrast, highlighting the intricate patterns of the fish and the diver. It felt like every movement was in perfect harmony. Capturing this moment was a blend of luck and timing. This shot captures the harmony between human and marine life, showcasing the serene beauty of the underwater world.”
Description: A freediver amidst a shoal of sardines. “As a freediver and photographer, I'm always mesmerized by the dance of sardines,” explains Yavar. “On this dive, I found myself beneath a swirling ring of sardines, forming a perfect circle above me. The sunlight piercing through the water created a stunning contrast, highlighting the intricate patterns of the fish and the diver. It felt like every movement was in perfect harmony. Capturing this moment was a blend of luck and timing. This shot captures the harmony between human and marine life, showcasing the serene beauty of the underwater world.”
14points
#9 2nd Place Conservation (Hope) Photographer Of The Year 2024 - Edwar Herreno
Location: Costa Rica
Description: A whale shark swims alongside the Sharkwater research vessel, a ship that was initially used by the Japanese fishing fleet and is now used for research. “I was on a shark tagging expedition with Fins Attached, CREMA and Pelagios Kakunjá aboard the Sharkwater,” explains Herreño Parra. “When we got back from one of our dives, the crew spotted a friendly whale shark. We jumped in to install an acoustic tag, took tissue samples and measured the individual, while I was documenting everything. After the researchers went back on the boat, I stayed in the water with the shark for almost an hour, trying to take an image of the endangered species below the scientific vessel. It all came together, and the moody light and the rough sea add to the image’s special appeal.”
Description: A whale shark swims alongside the Sharkwater research vessel, a ship that was initially used by the Japanese fishing fleet and is now used for research. “I was on a shark tagging expedition with Fins Attached, CREMA and Pelagios Kakunjá aboard the Sharkwater,” explains Herreño Parra. “When we got back from one of our dives, the crew spotted a friendly whale shark. We jumped in to install an acoustic tag, took tissue samples and measured the individual, while I was documenting everything. After the researchers went back on the boat, I stayed in the water with the shark for almost an hour, trying to take an image of the endangered species below the scientific vessel. It all came together, and the moody light and the rough sea add to the image’s special appeal.”
14points
#10 1st Place Community Choice Award 2020 - Tobias Baumtgartner
Location: Australia
Description: Two penguins seemingly comfort one another as they gaze upon Melbourne’s lights. “I originally intended to capture an image that shows the pressures that human developments can have of wild animal populations,” says photographer Tobias Baumgaertner. This image is so much more. It communicates togetherness and love.”
Description: Two penguins seemingly comfort one another as they gaze upon Melbourne’s lights. “I originally intended to capture an image that shows the pressures that human developments can have of wild animal populations,” says photographer Tobias Baumgaertner. This image is so much more. It communicates togetherness and love.”
14points
#11 1st Place Conservation (Hope) Photographer Of The Year 2023 - Sylvie Ayer
Location: Florida, USA
Description: “I went to Florida with one dream: to capture beautiful images of manatees,” says Ayer. “With a local friend, we saw several manatees. The manatee in the picture came close to look at me and was suddenly perfectly positioned in front of the sun's rays. I hope this photo helps raise awareness of the need to protect these mammals.”
Description: “I went to Florida with one dream: to capture beautiful images of manatees,” says Ayer. “With a local friend, we saw several manatees. The manatee in the picture came close to look at me and was suddenly perfectly positioned in front of the sun's rays. I hope this photo helps raise awareness of the need to protect these mammals.”
14points
#12 2nd Place Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2023 - Craig Parry
Location: Paradise Bay, Antarctica
Description: “Surrounded by diverse wildlife in Paradise Bay, a raft of energetic gentoo penguins charged towards our inflatable,” says Parry. “Getting low on the boat, I pre-focused my lens anticipating the moment. Freezing the fastest penguin species in the world head on wasn’t easy as they raced at speeds of over 20mph towards me. An epic moment as I maintained focus and composition and fulfilled my gentoo vision by locking in a dynamic front-on portrait that surpassed even my wildest visions.”
Description: “Surrounded by diverse wildlife in Paradise Bay, a raft of energetic gentoo penguins charged towards our inflatable,” says Parry. “Getting low on the boat, I pre-focused my lens anticipating the moment. Freezing the fastest penguin species in the world head on wasn’t easy as they raced at speeds of over 20mph towards me. An epic moment as I maintained focus and composition and fulfilled my gentoo vision by locking in a dynamic front-on portrait that surpassed even my wildest visions.”
14points
#13 2nd Place Ocean Portfolio Award 2023 - Renee Capozzola
Location: Fakarava Atoll, French Polynesia
Description: “This split image was shot on the remote atoll of Fakarava which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,” says Capozzola. “Due to strong protections, the marine ecosystem here is full of life, and you can view many sharks in their natural habitat. During this visit, I was extremely lucky to be there just after the full moon when a large school of tangs spawned for several days just before sunset in shallow water nearby, attracting even more sharks with the heightened activity. When this picture was taken, it was getting quite dark, but I captured the moment using my flash guns underwater and a higher shutter speed.”
Description: “This split image was shot on the remote atoll of Fakarava which is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve,” says Capozzola. “Due to strong protections, the marine ecosystem here is full of life, and you can view many sharks in their natural habitat. During this visit, I was extremely lucky to be there just after the full moon when a large school of tangs spawned for several days just before sunset in shallow water nearby, attracting even more sharks with the heightened activity. When this picture was taken, it was getting quite dark, but I captured the moment using my flash guns underwater and a higher shutter speed.”
13points
#14 1st Place Female Fifty Fathoms Award 2021 - Renee Capozzola
Location: French Polynesia
Description: Split shot of a blacktip reef shark, taken on Moorea, French Polynesia at sunset.
Description: Split shot of a blacktip reef shark, taken on Moorea, French Polynesia at sunset.
13points
#15 Finalist Conservation (Hope) Photographer Of The Year 2022 - Ellen Cuylaerts
Location: Canada
Description: “Every year harp seals make their journey from the Greenland area to fast ice floes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to give birth to their pups at end of February / early March,” says photographer Ellen Cuylaerts. “The mothers feed the pups for just two weeks with milk rich in fat and nutrients. Soon the mothers abandon their pups to join the males for courting and mating, leaving the vulnerable white young on the ice until they moult, lose most of their reserves and learn to swim and hunt by themselves. During this time they fully depend on strong sea ice that lasts at least another four weeks.”
Description: “Every year harp seals make their journey from the Greenland area to fast ice floes in the Gulf of St. Lawrence to give birth to their pups at end of February / early March,” says photographer Ellen Cuylaerts. “The mothers feed the pups for just two weeks with milk rich in fat and nutrients. Soon the mothers abandon their pups to join the males for courting and mating, leaving the vulnerable white young on the ice until they moult, lose most of their reserves and learn to swim and hunt by themselves. During this time they fully depend on strong sea ice that lasts at least another four weeks.”
13points
#16 1st Place Conservation Photographer Of The Year 2020 - Matt Sharp
Location: Maldives
Description: A hermit crab crawls atop a pile of plastic in a shell made from manmade waste. Photographed on the small island of Thanburudhoo in the Maldives, photographer Matt Sharp hopes his image communicates the direct impact plastic pollution is having on the natural world: “We were so shocked at the plastic waste littering the island. And then I saw this hermit crab crawling through the knee-deep plastic. It demonstrates the scale of the problem.”
Description: A hermit crab crawls atop a pile of plastic in a shell made from manmade waste. Photographed on the small island of Thanburudhoo in the Maldives, photographer Matt Sharp hopes his image communicates the direct impact plastic pollution is having on the natural world: “We were so shocked at the plastic waste littering the island. And then I saw this hermit crab crawling through the knee-deep plastic. It demonstrates the scale of the problem.”
12points
#17 Finalist Adventure Photographer Of The Year 2021 - Tanya Houppermans
Location: Cuba
Description: An American crocodile glides through the water at sunset at Gardens of the Queen, Cuba, a protected marine reserve since 1996. There is a healthy population of American crocodiles that live amongst the shallow mangroves here, the largest of them growing up to four and half meters.
Description: An American crocodile glides through the water at sunset at Gardens of the Queen, Cuba, a protected marine reserve since 1996. There is a healthy population of American crocodiles that live amongst the shallow mangroves here, the largest of them growing up to four and half meters.
12points
#18 Finalist Wildlife Photographer Of The Year 2024 - Clayton Harris
Location: Australia
Description: A breaching humpback whale on its migration path along the Australian coastline. “I headed out to sea, to catch a glimpse of these majestic ocean travelers. With the smell of forest fires in the distance, a smoggy haze blanketed the horizon, softening the background of my composition. After sighting some activity in the distance, I readied myself in anticipation,” says Harris. “All of a sudden, an inquisitive juvenile surfaced near the boat, followed by this fully grown humpback whale lunging from the depths. It towered above us, in what can only be described as the most incredible display of power by an animal.”
Description: A breaching humpback whale on its migration path along the Australian coastline. “I headed out to sea, to catch a glimpse of these majestic ocean travelers. With the smell of forest fires in the distance, a smoggy haze blanketed the horizon, softening the background of my composition. After sighting some activity in the distance, I readied myself in anticipation,” says Harris. “All of a sudden, an inquisitive juvenile surfaced near the boat, followed by this fully grown humpback whale lunging from the depths. It towered above us, in what can only be described as the most incredible display of power by an animal.”
12points
#19 Finalist Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean 2022 - Tom Vierus
Location: French Polynesia
Description: Shark scientists attach a temperature logger to the dorsal fin of a newborn blacktip reef shark in the shallow waters just off Moorea, French Polynesia. “During fieldwork, the young sharks are captured with a gillnet, measured, tagged and released and some individuals received temperature loggers as seen in this photo,” says photographer Tom Vierus. “These loggers will record the surrounding water temperature for as long as they are attached and once retrieved will aid the scientists in understanding how warming waters affect the physiology and ecology of young sharks.”
Description: Shark scientists attach a temperature logger to the dorsal fin of a newborn blacktip reef shark in the shallow waters just off Moorea, French Polynesia. “During fieldwork, the young sharks are captured with a gillnet, measured, tagged and released and some individuals received temperature loggers as seen in this photo,” says photographer Tom Vierus. “These loggers will record the surrounding water temperature for as long as they are attached and once retrieved will aid the scientists in understanding how warming waters affect the physiology and ecology of young sharks.”
12points
#20 1st Place Human Connection Award: People & Planet Ocean 2025 - Craig Perry
Location: Australia
Description: “In the early hours of July 1st, we received a call about a stranded humpback whale,” says Parry. “Wildlife veterinarian Steve Van Mil quickly assessed the situation and contacted SeaWorld Marine Rescue and other key agencies to coordinate a response. For 15 hours, rescue teams and the local community worked tirelessly in a unified effort to save her. Sadly, despite their dedication, she could not be saved. While the outcome was heartbreaking, witnessing the collaboration and compassion shown by multiple agencies and volunteers was incredibly moving - a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.”
Description: “In the early hours of July 1st, we received a call about a stranded humpback whale,” says Parry. “Wildlife veterinarian Steve Van Mil quickly assessed the situation and contacted SeaWorld Marine Rescue and other key agencies to coordinate a response. For 15 hours, rescue teams and the local community worked tirelessly in a unified effort to save her. Sadly, despite their dedication, she could not be saved. While the outcome was heartbreaking, witnessing the collaboration and compassion shown by multiple agencies and volunteers was incredibly moving - a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together with a shared purpose.”
11points