The Underwater Photographer of the Year Celebrates 60 Years of Wildlife Diversity

Entering its 60th year, the Underwater Photographer of the Year Contest continues to be one of the most noteworthy international photography competitions. Surpassing last year’s numbers, the 2025 edition received more than 6,750 entries with winners from around 30 different countries.

From the depths of the Red Sea to the swamps of the Everglades, the noteable images take viewers on a journey across the world, highlighting the diversity of ocean wildlife and emphasizing the importance of conservation. Diver and photographer Alvaro Herrero, a.k.a. Mekan, snagged the top honor this cycle with “Radiant Bond.” Off the coast of Mo’orea, a young whale still learning to breathe travels to the surface with its mother.

The Underwater Photographer of the Year Celebrates 60 Years of Wildlife Diversity
“Radiant Bond.” Photo © Alvaro Herrero (Mekan)/UPY 2025

Among the other winning snapshots are scenes of two Asian sheepshead wrasse fighting in Japan, teeming coral reefs in Indonesia, a distorted portrait of camels hydrating in Kuwait, and a Florida gar circling its swampy habitat.

Read the context behind each photo and see more on UPY’s website.

a fluorescent image of a spiny squat lobster against a black background
“Fluo Spiny Squat Lobster.” Photo © James Lynott/UPY 2025
a teeming coral reef
“Kaleidoscope of Colour.” Photo © Catherine Holmes/UPY 2025
a Florida Gar swimming in a swamp
“The Beauty of the Swamp.” Photo © Bryant Turffs/UPY 2025
A diver using a rebreather glides through a cave in the Yucatán Peninsula
“Ethereal Moonscape.” Photo © Alvaro Herrero (Mekan)/UPY 2025
a black and white photo of bottlenose dolphins swimming underwater
“Chasing Dolphins.” Photo © Enric Gener/UPY 2025
The Underwater Photographer of the Year Celebrates 60 Years of Wildlife Diversity
“A Frondly Snoot Boop.” Photo © Patrick Webster/UPY 2025
two male Asian sheepshead wrasse fighting
“Face Off.” Photo © Shunsuke Nakano/UPY 2025
The Underwater Photographer of the Year Celebrates 60 Years of Wildlife Diversity
“New Moon Madness.” Photo © Joost van Uffelen/UPY 2025

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article The Underwater Photographer of the Year Celebrates 60 Years of Wildlife Diversity appeared first on Colossal.

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