Underwater photography captures the mesmerizing beauty of marine life, offering glimpses into a world often hidden from view.
Award-winning photos not only showcase the skill of the photographers but also highlight the incredible diversity and wonder of underwater creatures.
Here are ten unbelievable photos of underwater animals that have won prestigious awards, each with its own unique story.
1. Lemon shark at dusk
Rodolphe Guignard’s photo of a lemon shark rising from the depths off Grand Bahama earned third place in the Wide Angle category. Taken at dusk, this image captures the eerie beauty of a singular lemon shark emerging from the ocean. The split shot, with the shark below and the fading light above, creates a dramatic and unforgettable scene.
2. Octopus mother guarding eggs
Kat Zhou’s photo titled “Octopus Mother” won the Best in Show and Macro category in the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition. Captured off the coast of West Palm Beach, Florida, this image shows a Caribbean reef octopus guarding her eggs. The bittersweet moment highlights the octopus’s dedication, as she will not eat and will die shortly after her eggs hatch.
3. Whale skeleton beneath the Ice
Alex Dawson’s photo of a whale skeleton on the seafloor beneath the ice in Greenland won the title of Underwater Photographer of the Year 2024. This haunting image was captured in the frigid waters of Greenland, where the skeletal remains of a whale lie undisturbed. The stark contrast between the white bones and the dark ocean floor creates a powerful visual impact, emphasizing the cycle of life and death in the ocean’s depths.
4. Potbelly seahorse’s abstract portrait
Talia Greis won the Macro category with her stunning portrait of a potbelly seahorse off Bare Island in Sydney, Australia. The seahorse’s distinguished markings around its eye and the vibrant color palette of the surrounding coral make this image a standout. The intricate details captured in this close-up shot highlight the delicate beauty of these tiny creatures.
5. School of fish at the Virgo wreck
Fabi Fregonesi’s photo of a school of fish at the Virgo wreck in Recife, Brazil, won third place in the Wrecks category. The fish form a shape reminiscent of a boat sail, adding a unique element to the underwater scene. The wreck, sunk in 2017 to create a dive site, provides a fascinating backdrop for this lively and striking image.
6. Grey whale connection
A close-up view of a grey whale in Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico, earned accolades in the Portrait category. This photo, taken from a boat by Rafael Fernandez Caballero, captures the gentle giant’s eye, creating a sense of connection between the whale and the viewer. The calm waters and the whale’s serene expression make this image both captivating and peaceful.
7. Atlantic spotted dolphins in the Bahamas
Remuna Beca’s photo of a pod of Atlantic spotted dolphins swimming in the Bahamas was the runner-up in the Wide Angle category. Captured in Bimini, this image shows the dolphins’ playful and acrobatic nature. The clear blue waters and the dynamic movement of the dolphins create a sense of freedom and joy, making it a memorable shot.
8. Purple sea urchin among brittle stars
Jenny Stock’s photo of a purple sea urchin surrounded by brittle stars near Oban, Scotland, won the British Waters Macro category. The vibrant purple of the sea urchin contrasts beautifully with the delicate, star-like arms of the brittle stars. This image showcases the comples and colorful life found in British waters.
9. Black and white water dancers
A photo of swimmers performing underwater in a dive pool in Perth, Western Australia, won the Black & White category. The graceful movements of the swimmers, captured by Jasmine Skye Smith in monochrome, create a striking and elegant image. The play of light and shadow adds depth and drama to this artistic shot.
