Amazing Winning Photos from the 2025 United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Contest

Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – 1st Place Winner: Rachel Moore, USA

The 2025 United Nations World Oceans Day Photo Contest showcases breathtaking underwater and ocean photography, raising awareness of marine beauty and fragility.

Organized in collaboration with global ocean advocacy groups, the contest features 12 winning images across six categories, each telling a powerful story of biodiversity, human connection, and environmental urgency. From striking seascapes to intimate depictions of ocean life, these photographs inspire appreciation and action for marine conservation. As climate challenges grow, the collection serves as a reminder to protect our planet’s blue heart not just on World Oceans Day, but every day.

More: United Nations World Oceans Day, Instagram

Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – 2nd Place Winner: Luis Arpa Toribio, Spain

Wonder: Sustaining What Sustains Us – 3rd Place Winner: Steven Lopez, USA

Big and Small Underwater Faces – 1st Place Winner: Andrey Nosik, Russia

Big and Small Underwater Faces – 2nd Place Winner: Giacomo Marchione, Italy

Big and Small Underwater Faces – 3rd Place Winner: Lars von Ritter Zahony, Germany

Underwater Seascapes – 1st Place Winner: Dani Escayola, Spain

Underwater Seascapes – 2nd Place Winner: Gerald Rambert, Mauritius

Underwater Seascapes – 3rd Place Winner: Pedro Carrillo, Spain

Above Water Seascapes – 1st Place Winner: Leander Nardin, Austria

Above Water Seascapes – 2nd Place Winner: Nur Tucker, UK/Turkey

Above Water Seascapes – 3rd Place Winner: Audrey Nosik, Russia