The finalists for the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 have been officially revealed, showcasing images that celebrate the ocean’s beauty and highlight the urgent need to protect it.

This year’s submissions include extraordinary moments of wild ocean wonder, such as a Komodo dragon paddling in the shore, a surfer flying through a rainbow and a spaceship-like jellyfish that appears to be departing Earth's atmosphere.

Our link with the ocean is celebrated in the Human Connection and Adventure categories with images of audacious surfers in huge waves, bold divers in cavernous systems and artisanal fishers resurrecting traditional fishing methods.

That same human connection is challenged by images that highlight our impact on the ocean. Subjects include climate change-induced coral bleaching, the effects of plastic pollution on marine mammals and the killing of pilot whales in the Faroe Islands, in a hunt known as the grindadráp.

Ocean Photographer of the Year director, Will Harrison, said: “In the midst of a deepening climate and biodiversity crisis on our blue planet, ocean photography has never been more important. These images are far more than just beautiful - they are powerful visual testaments to what we stand to lose, and they remind us of the urgent need for protection.

"Ocean Photographer of the Year continues to be a vital platform for sharing critical stories from above and below the waterline. We’re in awe of this year’s finalists and look forward to revealing the winners to the world next month. Their work has the power to inspire change.”

Category winners, along with the overall Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025, will be announced on September 18 2025. The competition is presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain.