Monaco’s summer serenity was briefly interrupted by a spectacle of creativity last weekend. Between September 4 and 7, the azure Mediterranean and the hallowed halls of the Oceanographic Museum transformed into a vibrant stage for underwater artistry. At its helm: the Monaco Underwater Exploration Club (CESMM), under the honorary presidency of Prince Albert II. The event united three competitions: the 20th National Underwater Photography Contest, the 2nd International Challenge, and the Junior “Underwater Eyes” Contest, all woven under the motto “To know better is to protect better.”
A Dawn Descent Under the Mediterranean Sky
On a golden Friday morning, nine diver-photography teams slipped into the crystal-clear waters off Monaco’s Fontvieille harbour. Amid the salty air and expectant hush, each participant meticulously prepared, strapping tanks, sealing camera housings, double-checking gear. Among them, Monaco resident Bassem Jammour, carefully tested his rig to six bars to ensure water-tight integrity.
At the signal of a boat’s klaxon, they plunged into a submerged world shimmering under the peaceful sea. At several metres beneath the waves, the weight of 15-kg camera rigs vanished. As light refracted in the sea’s depth, the art of seeing—not just diving—came alive. Coral sprouted like sculptures on ancient rock, and schools of saupes performed ballets of colour in the current.
Nightfall: An Unprecedented Challenge
This year’s contest was notably marked by a dramatic first: a competitive underwater night dive, where photographers descended into the deep under artificial beams of light. At night, everything changes. It becomes more intense, highlighting the shift from familiar blues to a luminous, otherworldly tapestry.
From Youthful Eyes to National Pride
On Saturday, many teams vied for national honours. Simultaneously, the Junior Contest welcomed aspiring young photographers, many between ages 8 to 17, eager to merge art with conservation, and to cultivate an early sense of guardianship for the sea.
The Grand Reveal at the Oceanographic Museum
On Sunday, the suspense lifted. In the serene surroundings of the Museum, Prince Albert II, alongside CESMM president Roger Mullot, unveiled the winners.
In the International Challenge, Monaco shone brightly, securing second place overall behind France and ahead of Italy. Local talents Bassem Jammour and Anne Rodelato were celebrated with the Fish Prize, while France and Italy excelled in other special categories.
The 20th National Contest also rewarded technical mastery and creativity, with standout performances across categories such as ambiance, macro, and artistic “bubble” imagery. Meanwhile, the Junior Contest “Underwater Eyes” highlighted rising stars including Charlene Barois and Shannon Tissot.
2nd International Challenge
Finale: Art, Advocacy, and Aquatic Inspiration
This three-day celebration of underwater photography blended passion with purpose. It was not only an exhibition of technical prowess or aesthetic finesse, but a festival of oceanic awareness. As the motto declared: knowing the ocean more deeply fosters stronger protection of its fragile world.
This Event Resonates
Monaco’s transparently blue waters offered an ideal canvas for photographers to capture life moving in and out of focus.
From seasoned veterans who emphasized emotion over perfection, to young visionaries exploring “eyes beneath the sea,” the event bridged generations through image.
With Prince Albert II’s presence, the event reaffirmed Monaco’s commitment to marine conservation and cultural excellence.
The night dive added thrilling novelty, reminding us that underwater environments shift and surprise in every light, or absence of it.
Through lenses and hearts aligned, the participants, and the Principality, echoed a future where art under the sea helps secure the health of our oceans above it.
