Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition makes African debut at Two Oceans Aquarium
Romain Barats: Ocean adventure finalist. A diver surrounded by a pod of sperm whales. “We saw 15 whales socialising,” says Barats. “The sea was rough but when you get to see something like that, you quickly forget the conditions”
Image: Romain Barats/Ocean Photographer of the Year
Hosted for the first time on the African continent, the Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition shines a light on the wonder and fragility of the planet.
The Two Oceans Aquarium is hosting the exhibition which includes the winning image by Indonesia-based macro photographer Yury Ivanov, together with the collection of work from the 2025 contest.
This year’s photographs comprise epic wildlife images, including a drooling dragon, torpedo-like penguins and a puffin desperately trying to evade a thief; sensational visions of fine art, such as a stingray atop a billowing sand-cloud, the mountain range-like ruffles of a Weddell seal’s fur coat, and a juvenile candy crab ruling over its pink wonderland. Other images show a nuanced exploration of humanity’s connection with the ocean, including a gravity-defying surfer launching toward a rainbow.
Craig Parry: Winner of the Human Connection Category of the OPY. In Australia people try to rescue a stranded humpback whale. “For 15 hours, they worked tirelessly,” says Parry. “Sadly, she could not be saved, but the compassion shown is powerful reminder of what can be achieved when people come together."
Image: Craig Parry /Ocean Photographer of the Year
Ivanov’s vibrant image of two synchronised ‘ladybugs of the sea’ mesmerised the judging panel, who connected with the simplicity of its message that the ocean is a place of wonder, colour, and life of all sizes (the ladybugs are just 3mm tall).
The winning photograph – taken at Ivanov’s local dive site in Bali, Indonesia – was chosen from more than 15 000 images from all over the world.
"Winning Ocean Photographer of the Year is an incredible feeling; I’m deeply grateful for the recognition. This award is not just about one image, but about celebrating the ocean itself – its fragility, its diversity, and its extraordinary power to inspire us,” Ivanov said.
Alichia Nortjie, Guest Experience Manager said it was an incredible honour to be hosting the Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition for the first time on the African continent.
"Exhibitions such as these shine a light on the magnificence of the ocean and its inhabitants, illustrating what we have to lose without action. This aligns with what the Two Oceans Aquarium stands for: Conservation, education and research with the aim of inspiring action for the future well-being of our oceans,” said Nortjie.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year programme is composed of three interconnected pillars: raising awareness of the ocean’s beauty, supporting scientific research on ecosystems and underwater phenomena, and taking concrete conservation actions, such as helping to create marine protected areas around the world.
"The winners of this year’s Ocean Photographer of the Year remind us that photography is more than art – it is a bridge. Their images connect people to the ocean in ways words cannot, reaching those who may never dive in it or paddle on it, but whose lives are deeply intertwined with it. In a time of planetary urgency, this year’s photographers invite the world to see, feel, and ultimately care. Their work is critical, because we protect what we understand," said Will Harrison, Director of Ocean Photographer of the Year.
The Ocean Photographer of the Year Exhibition, coordinated by Oceanographic Magazine and Blancpain with sponsorship from Canon, is open to all Two Oceans Aquarium visitors this summer festive season until January 21, 2026.
Entry into the exhibition and the Canon activation zone is included in a regular entry ticket to the Two Oceans Aquarium.
Cape Times