There is a whole world hiding just below the surface that most of us can never see. I’m talking about deep caves, dramatic water encounters and tiny creatures fiercely guarding their eggs in the dark. That’s why Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026 (UPY) competition is such a highlight—it gives us a rare glimpse into the planet’s most fascinating and fragile ecosystems.
This year’s top award went to Matthew Smith for his incredible photo of two young elephant seals in the Falkland Islands. The way he captured their strange faces – one above and one below the waterline – is absolutely magical. It is a perfect example of why underwater photography is so unique. captures moments of marine life that feel almost otherworldly.
Since 1965, UPY has highlighted the vulnerability and beauty of our submerged world. Whether it’s a wide-angle shot of a shark gliding over a reef at sunset or a tiny shrimp lost in a sea of color, these images remind us of how much we have to protect.
I’ve shared some of my favorite shots here, but you really need to head over to UPY website to see the full gallery of winners. Trust me, your eyes will thank you!
© Matthew Smith (Australia), ‘Rockpool Rookies’, Sealion Island, The Falklands. Overall winner of Underwater Photographer of the Year and winner of the Portrait category. All images courtesy of Underwater Photographer of the Year, shared with permission
© Kirsty Andrews (UK), ‘Dusk Encounter’, Porthkerris, Cornwall, UK Runner-up in the British Waters Wide Angle category3
© Anton Sorokin (USA), “Egg Clutcher”, San Francisco Bay Area, California, USA Third place in Behavior category
© Dan Bolt (UK), ‘New Life’, Manse Point, UK Third place in the British Waters Macro5 category
© Simon Theuma (Australia), ‘A Time to underwater,6 The Gutter, Shellharbour, NSW, Australia. Third place in the Macro category
© Natalie Yarrow (UK), ‘Crowded House’, Bali, Indonesia. Highly commended in the Up & Coming category and winner of Most Promising British Underwater Photographer 2026
© Kazushige Horiguchi (Japan). “Clownfish Hatchout”, Kagoshima Minamisatsuma, Japan. Behavior category winner
© Sam Blount (USA), “Lunging Leopard”, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica. Winner of Up & Coming and Up & Coming Underwater Photographer of the Year 2026
© Renee Capozzola (USA), ‘Sunset Patrol’, Fakarava, French Polynesia. Runner-up in the Coral Reefs category
