Triumphant Images from the 2025 Underwater Awards Australasia: A Presentation of 20 Motivating Photos
A photograph showcasing a leopard seal yawning in the Antarctic waters secured photographer James Ferrara the top accolade at the 2025 Underwater Awards Australasia. Held for its second consecutive year by DivePhotoGuide (DPG), Underwater Australasia, and UW Images, the competition invites scuba photographers globally to submit their finest shots taken in the Australasia region. (Australasia designates a vast geographical area in the southern hemisphere, generally encompassing Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and more.)
The photographer based in South Florida captured this stunning image during an intimate encounter with the leopard seal. These formidable animals weigh between 400 and over 1,300 pounds and plunge into the ocean to hunt a variety of prey from krill to penguins. For Ferrara, spending time in the water with the seal was a long-anticipated experience.
“Leopard Seals are recognized for their ferocity, and I won’t deny that I felt a bit anxious at times,” he shared on Instagram. “Their incredible speed and nimbleness in the water are captivating and a delight to witness.”
Ferrara’s photograph wasn’t the sole outstanding submission. Winners were revealed across eight photography categories and one video category. Many of the awarded images prominently featured Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia, a favored location for photographers. Numerous winning images showcase manta rays, sea turtles, and reef sharks, including Jake Wilton’s impressive portfolio that clinched the portfolio category.
Continue reading to discover more winners from this year’s competition, sure to inspire your underwater exploration.
The winners of the 2025 Underwater Awards Australasia have been revealed.
“Mosely’s Glistening Brood” by Imogen Manins. 1st Place, Tough TG
“This weedy seadragon, affectionately referred to as ‘Mosely’ in the SeadragonSearch database, has returned to Flinders Pier annually since 2018 to court, mate, and nurture a cherished brood of eggs. During an early morning dive, I was thrilled to meet this calm and photogenic seadragon once again, his freshly placed brood sparkling as sunlight illuminated the water. In this shot, I aimed to capture not just Mosely but the lush field of sea nymph (Amphibolis antarctica), which plays a crucial role in the habitat at Flinders.”
“The Conductor” by Talia Greis. 1st Place, Sydney
“A giant cuttlefish glides gracefully through the shallow waters at Shark Point, an exquisite yet challenging shore dive located in Clovelly. These extraordinary creatures make their seasonal appearance in Sydney’s waters during the height of winter, providing divers a unique opportunity to encounter them in crystal-clear visibility amidst a flourishing marine ecosystem. With experiences like this, why travel all the way to Whyalla?”
“Minke Elegance” by Marcia Riederer. 1st Place,