From dramatic aquatic encounters to deep caves to fish and amphibians closely guarding their eggs, there’s an entire world below the surface that few of us ever really get to see. That’s where images like those in the annual Underwater Photographer of the Year (UPY) come in, glimpsing some of the darkest depths and most alluring and fragile ecosystems on the planet.
The top prize of the 2026 competition, which has been running annually since 1965, goes to Matthew Smith for his capture of two young sea lions in the Falkland Islands. Additional winning images include Natalie Yarrow’s tableau of hinge-beak shrimp inside a pink barrel sponge, Khaichuin Sim’s observation of the controversial annual whale hunt in the Faroe Islands, and Sam Blount’s dramatic encounter with a leopard seal.
UPY’s categories range from portraits to coral reefs to macro images, all with an emphasis on the diversity, beauty, and vulnerability of the vast parts of our submerged world. We’ve shared a selection of our favorites here, but you can see the entire winners’ gallery on UPY’s website, and follow updates on Instagram.
