Published on August 27, 2025
This September, Monaco will sparkle pinch an astonishing look astatine nan underwater world, and tourists, divers, and anyone who loves snapping photos will beryllium invited to dive in. From September 4 to 7, nan Monaco Underwater Photography Festival will move nan metropolis into an water gallery, pinch stunning shots by some section and worldwide photographers. Organized by nan Monaco Underwater Exploration Club (CESMM), this show is simply a must-see connected nan world underwater photograph map, and it champions water conservation pinch each exhibit.
To beryllium Monaco’s committedness to protect nan planet, nan show will big 3 breathtaking contests: nan 20th National Underwater Photography Contest, nan 2nd International Challenge, and a Junior Contest for young talents. Each title carries nan inspiring motto, “To cognize amended is to protect better.” By taking portion successful these events, visitors and participants will study really to worth and safeguard nan singular Mediterranean marine life that nan show celebrates.
Prince Albert II of Monaco, a longtime champion of water protection, will lead this year’s festival, highlighting really earnestly nan principality takes nan work of protecting our bluish planet.
A Celebration of Marine Beauty: Three Unique Competitions
Festival goers, from seasoned pros to schoolchildren pinch a camera, will find a lucifer for their accomplishment level. Monaco’s glass-clear waters service arsenic stunning theatre for nan competitions, displaying nan breathtaking beauty and whispers of diminution nan water offers.
At nan bosom of nan schedule is nan 20th National Underwater Photography Contest. There, 13 rival teams of diver-photographers will pursuit bragging authorities crossed macro miracles, wide-angle seascapes, and food image masterpieces. An imposed taxable adds an other cogwheel of creativity, while prize “Best of” prizes reward nan astir jaw-dropping shots.
To broaden nan event’s world reach, nan 2nd International Challenge will showcase 11 teams punctuated from each continent. They will look a lineup of immersion-based tests, spotlighted by a groundbreaking nocturnal dive an unprecedented accumulation that guarantees viewers an bonzer glimpse of water wildlife. Roger Mullot notes, “Firing conditions are decidedly trickier aft dark, yet nan type observed are conscionable not nan same,” presenting a caller lens done which to admit nan underwater realm.
The show besides shines a spotlight connected nan adjacent generation. This summertime nan Junior Contest has been getting kids hooked connected underwater photography. It has 2 categories: nan “Jellyfish” group for kids 8 to 12, and nan “Seahorse” group for teens 13 to 17.
A Commitment to Ocean Conservation
The Monaco Underwater Photography Festival goes measurement beyond astonishing water shots. Its main ngo is to nexus each stunning image to a telephone for water action. The show helps support Monaco astatine nan beforehand of nan marine conservation movement. Looking aft nan ngo is CESMM, nan Monegasque Federation of Underwater Activities, which has dispersed nan connection astatine schools and events. They person already tally complete 300 free intro dives for kids and families astatine nan Rainier III pool, getting residents and visitors alike comfortable pinch marine life up adjacent and helping to spark a lasting emotion for nan sea.
Event Highlights: What You Need to Know
If you’d for illustration to dive into Monaco’s ocean-saving tone and spot nan sparkling Mediterranean up close, people your almanac for these main events:
Thursday, September 4: Festival Kick-Off.
Friday, September 5: International Challenge—day dives followed by a groundbreaking nighttime dive for illustration nary different successful nan world.
Saturday, September 6: National Contest—two dives, each day.
Sunday, September 7: Awards ceremonial astatine 10 a.m., held successful nan Conference Hall of nan Oceanographic Museum of Monaco.
The last ceremonial takes spot successful Monaco’s Oceanographic Museum, perched dramatically connected a cliff. Here you tin bask spectacular ideas successful architecture arsenic good arsenic fascinating marine displays that explicate really scientists are fighting to protect water life. The depository itself becomes portion of nan message, reminding everyone astir Monaco’s untiring ngo to safeguard Earth’s astir precious water.
A Must-See astatine nan Monaco Underwater Photography Festival
Beyond nan sparkling Mediterranean, Monaco pulls travelers successful pinch luxury boutiques, Michelin-starred meals, and nan unforgettable buzz of its opulent casinos and hotels. The mini principality perfectly pairs taste refinement pinch stunning scenery. The aforesaid bluish waters that glimmer successful nan sun besides induce you to dive and meet colorful Mediterranean marine life. If your plans return you to nan Riviera successful early September, don’t miss nan Monaco Underwater Photography Festival. This vibrant arena fuses art, stunning photographs, and a beardown connection astir protecting nan water into 1 unforgettable taste adventure. It’s a uncommon chance to bask productivity while championing marine conservation.