Connecting you to America's Underwater Treasures

2026 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest 

Celebrate the beauty, wonder, and diversity of America's

national marine sanctuaries through your lens!

NOAA’s Office of National Marine Sanctuaries is opening the 2026 Get Into Your Sanctuary Photo Contest, inviting photographers, divers, boaters, surfers, paddlers, beachgoers, students, scientists, and coastal communities to share images from national marine sanctuaries and other ocean and Great Lakes places.

This year’s contest introduces four new categories. The photo contest runs through Labor Day, September 7, 2026, making it a great summer opportunity for anyone exploring the coast, Great Lakes, or national marine sanctuaries to share their perspective. 

Show the world what the ocean and Great Lakes mean to you.

• Life in Motion challenges photographers to capture natural wildlife behavior, from feeding and hunting to schooling, caregiving, and symbiotic relationships.
• Sanctuaries and You highlights the ways people experience sanctuaries through diving, boating, paddling, research, education, and everyday moments on or near the water.
• The Water’s Edge explores the boundary where land and sea meet, including shorelines, tidepools, coastal landscapes, and split-level perspectives.
• Ripples From the Past focuses on maritime heritage, including shipwrecks, aircraft, lighthouses, historic bridges, and cultural landmarks.

Winning photographs will be announced in October 2026. Winning photos reveal a moment of connection, behavior, or wonder in a way that feels both visually compelling and authentic to the natural world. As you prepare your entry, keep these qualities in mind. Here’s what our judges are looking for: Strong composition and lighting Unique perspective or subject Storytelling or emotional impact Adherence to responsible photography practices

Please practice responsible recreation when you are out enjoying national marine sanctuaries and taking your photos. Explore information about fishing and boating best practices, tidepool etiquette, tips for being a smart diver, and more on our the Plan Ahead section of our website.

Thank you for participating and we are excited to review your submissions! Please make sure to review the contest rules.

For questions, please contact earthisblue@noaa.gov.

#GetIntoYourSanctuary      #ILoveMySanctuary    #RecreateResponsibly