Beautiful photographs taken half underwater by professional and amateur photographers. Some accidental, some intentional, all astounding. Prepare to be amazed as your enter the gallery – these inspiring images will take your breath away.
All of these images were taken as you see them – none have been artificiality created – although some were planned in advanced. It takes skill to achieve this standard of photography and often special equipment. Either way, it needs to be done right and with expertise, it is the only way to capture an image similar to the ones you will see here in this gallery.
The time and patience taken by professional photographers preparing, waiting for and capturing these photographs will change the way you look at the world. For some it meant devoting their time and energy, for others, it was all about being there at the right moment.
The next pages are full of even more magical scenes.
Swimming Iguana
An Iguana peeps his nose above the surface. In the Galapagos islands these reptiles thrive – years of evolution have turned them into a water-loving reptile.
Island life
Clear blue sea and clear blue skies, the recipe for a happy life, complete with some playful sharks just below the surface. Just don’t fall in!
Wish you were here
The blue-green colors of the Caribbean mirrored in the beauty under the water. The song Wish you were here was written about this place.
A model model
Being a model isn’t all about glamour. Sometimes you need to get up close and personal with a couple of stingrays. It is probably worth it for the chance to spend time soaking up the sunshine in a tropical paradise.
Eat up
A whale shark pops up to the surface to grab his next meal. Sadly these gentle animals are an endangered species.
Sky's the limit
A model taking part in an underwater photo shoot is immersed in her undersea world, oblivious to the storm threatening to break above. Of the many photographs taken, this one was the best.
Rest
Long lazy days in the water, nothing to do except kick back, relax, and just float the strain away. Be sure to watch out for that next wave!
Blue-ish
Bluebottle jellyfish hitch a ride on the tide in order to escape from a bay. The carefully angled light provides a spectacular blue effect.
Crocs
Peeping out of the surface looking for his next meal, this crocodile is hoping to sneak up on his food. Crocodiles are reptiles but they are also one of the oldest species on earth, closely related to dinosaurs and birds.
Any fun yet?
When you become one with your surroundings everything else is forgotten, it is pure symbiosis.
Water pig
Forget swimming with dolphins – in the Bahamas, you can swim with these delightful pigs. Spending the day with these cute animals can turn anyone into a water baby.
Bff's
The Caribbean – clear waters, hidden coves and beaches, what else could you ask for on your summer holiday? A great friend to share it with, of course.
Dinner is awaiting
A penguin sits on the ice oblivious to the krill sitting nearby just beneath the surface. Penguins like to dine on krill, squid and fish. This must be a brave krill.
Wedding Bells
The company love-water-photo takes amazing underwater wedding photos just like this one, perfect for an unusual reminder of your special day.
Going anywhere?
Diving – becoming one with the sea, feeling it holding your body in its embrace, feeling the water on your face. No wonder you just want to stay in.
Kingfisher
A kingfisher doing what he does best – catching fish! Impressive, deadly and beautiful.
Majestic giant
A giant whale approaches the surface looking for a meal. Hopefully this will not include the nearby boat.
Love Birds
This image won the 2018 British Underwater Photographer of the Year contest. It is easy to see why. The beauty of these majestic birds shines through.
Pink king
This smiling face belongs to an Amazon river dolphin. Although these dolphins are gray at birth as they grow and mature into adults they turn this lovely shade of pink.
Budget photograph
This image was captured with equipment found in the home. It shows that anyone can take amazing half-submerged photographs. Time to start looking in the attic!
Titanic
Penguins enjoying a relaxing time on the tip of the iceberg, the rest lurks under the waves.
Surfer girl
Guaranteed to make you smile, this image just shouts happiness! Sun, sea, sand, the perfect combination – let yourself feel the joy in this picture!
Cute & cuddly
This inquisitive baby seal is interested in the camera, and makes us go all squishy inside.
Set them free
Let’s face it, baby animals are just cute, and this little guy is no exception. This baby turtle breaks out into the ocean, hopefully to return as an adult.
(Don't) Go Under
Beauty and the Beast - the sunset and the shark. Stunning!
True freedom
The beauty of nature and swimming free – the practice of joy.
Up, Up and away
A hungry whale shark breaks his journey for a quick meal before heading on his way.
Different Worlds
The ocean – ever changing beauty on the surface, but it is never as beautiful as the sights, sounds and creatures that live beneath the surface.
Nice Sharky
Sharks are majestic and beautiful creatures but they can be dangerous, especially if they are in need of a quick snack.
Friends at sea
Everything you need in life – the sea, the sun and good friends. What more could you need?
Life wins everywhere
There is life everywhere on Earth, you’d be amazed at what you can find.
Different Angle
The beautiful colors of the undersea world, Mother Nature’s Palette – how much happier and calmer would we be if we spent more time underwater?
Night Time
Once the sun goes down the underwater nightlife gets started. Let those neon lights shine on!
Flower girl
This underwater garden displays its hidden beauty.
All you see
Behind the scenes – sometimes capturing the perfect photo takes a little extra work.
Get your Crocs on
Waiting for his next visitor, this crocodile is ready to greet all comers with a smile.
Pet Shark
Two sharks hang out beneath the waves – playing, or waiting for their next meal?
Urban fish
Under water life can be found in the strangest places – even large cities.
Hands free
Love the water? Our oceans and the creatures who live there are being destroyed by billions of tons of waste. Recycle!
Living floor
If you want to visit this undersea garden you really need to learn to scuba dive.
Social medium
These fish are looking spooky in magnificent, magical monochrome.
Bath time
Even if we are an elephant, we all like to be pampered – save water and bath with a friend.
Diff'rent Strokes
This little guy seems rather displeased at being photographed. Let’s hope he is not a snapping turtle!
Fishing fish
The art of the hunter – making sure the next meal arrives on time.
Reef life
This underwater coral reef garden rivals that of its neighbor on land.
Sky and sea
Sunset shadows and mirrored sharks – amazing.
Jelly sea
Sometimes in the water is not the place to be – the boat is a better place to sit and watch these jellyfish pass by.
Clear sub
There are always undiscovered havens to explore, and scuba diving takes you to many hidden treasures.
River fish(ing)
A fish hides from the approaching hunter – but is he just hunting for photographs?
Half dive
Taking the plunge! Rhapsody in blue.
Jellies in love
Jellyfish taking time out for love – well we all like a romantic trip to the ocean.
Swarming
Fine dining – Pelican style. This lucky guy has happened upon a huge feast just waiting to be scooped up!
Number 7
He may be small but he is vital part of our oceans’ ecosystem – there are 7 species of sea turtle – The green, loggerhead, Kemp's ridley, olive ridley, hawksbill, flatback, and leatherback. Now say that backward. sadly 6 of these are being threatened at the hands of humans.
Close to home
There is always something new and exciting to see under water – so keep your eyes open all the time!
Half Submerged
Just in the nick of time! What an amazing image! Nothing beats swimming in the ocean.
Swimming home
If you can’t make it to the ocean try some pool life – human made water worlds can be great fun.
Pelican Atack
All is calm underwater – yet in a few moments the circling Pelican will bring death and destruction beneath the surface. It is nature’s way.
Nice pup
A shark displays his fearsome jaws – undoubtedly a shark has his finer qualities, but they try to keep these well hidden.
Sub-kids
Kids find hours of amusement around the water; being near it, being on it, or simply being underneath it.
Different View
Whenever you think the sea is calm be sure to take a look at the hive of activity that is going on just beneath the surface.
Rock & water
Everything has an impact – these tiny fish gradually shape the limestone monolith on land.
Night light
Neon jellyfish, beautiful and inviting, yet deadly. Stay on the boat and watch from afar.