Celebrate the wonder and fragility of our blue planet through the world’s leading ocean photography competition, returning to the Australian National Maritime Museum this November.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year showcases more than 15,000 submissions from around the globe, distilled into a breathtaking gallery of winning and finalist images. From intricate macro shots of tiny amphipods to vast underwater vistas and dramatic drone scenes, these photographs reveal both the beauty of the ocean and the urgent need to protect it.
This year’s overall winner is Indonesia-based photographer Yury Ivanov, whose mesmerising image of two 3mm ‘ladybugs of the sea’ captivated judges with its message that wonder exists at every scale. Two Australians are also among this year’s category winners: Marcia Riederer took out the Fine Art category with her portrait of a Dwarf Minke whale on the Great Barrier Reef, while Craig Parry won Human Connection for a powerful drone image of a stranded Humpback whale rescue attempt on Seven Mile Beach.
The exhibition celebrates excellence across categories including The Ocean, Wildlife, Fine Art, Adventure, Conservation (Hope), Conservation (Impact), Human Connection, Young Photographer of the Year and the Ocean Portfolio Award, along with the prestigious Female Fifty Fathoms Award, this year awarded to Jialing Cai.
Presented by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain, this powerful exhibition is a reminder that photography can connect us to the ocean in ways words cannot and invites us to see, feel, and ultimately protect our shared blue planet.
Event Details:
Dates: From 6 November 2025 until 3 May 2026
Times:
The Museum is open daily, 10am—4pm. (Last vessel boarding 3:10pm)
School holiday hours, 9:30am—5pm (Last vessel boarding 4:10pm
Closed Christmas Day (25 December)Location: Australian National Maritime Museum