Winners of the UN World Oceans Day 2025 Photo Competition!

Each year, photographers from around the world dive deep—literally and creatively—to capture the ocean’s magic. In celebration of this year’s World Oceans Day, we’re spotlighting the breathtaking winners of the 2025 UN World Oceans Day Photo Competition. Entries were judged in four captivating categories: Wonder, Above Water Seascapes, Underwater Seascapes, and Big and Small Underwater Faces.

The winning images are not just stunning—they tell powerful stories of life, loss, beauty, and balance beneath the waves. From the tragic tale of a beloved humpback whale to jellyfish blooms and shipwreck sentinels, these photos bring us closer to a world we rarely see—but one we all depend on.

Click on the photos to view the caption and category for each. Use the arrows to the side to slide of each photo to move to the next one.

Discussion Questions

1) One of the winning photos captures a humpback whale named Sweet Girl just days before she was killed by a ship strike. Why do you think this image was chosen as the overall winner? What emotions or thoughts does it stir in you?

2) The contest included four categories: Wonder, Above Water Seascapes, Underwater Seascapes, and Big and Small Underwater Faces. Which category do you think would be the hardest to photograph—and which would be your favorite to explore?

3) These images were created to celebrate the ocean—but also to remind us that it needs protecting. After seeing these photos, what do you think is the most important thing people should understand about life beneath the surface?