The 2026 edition of the *Seas & Scenes: Love the Caribbean Photo Contest* has officially opened its submission window, calling on amateur and professional photographers from the Caribbean and across the globe to turn their lenses toward the region’s dramatic coastal landscapes, rich cultural traditions, and diverse underwater ecosystems. Running from August 1 through August 31, this month-long competitive event is open to creators of all skill levels with no entry fees required, making it accessible to anyone passionate about capturing the Caribbean’s one-of-a-kind charm.
Participants are permitted to submit up to five original, unpublished photographs to compete for a slice of the more than $3,000 in total prizes spread across 12 distinct award categories. Organized by the regional non-profit Environmental Protection in the Caribbean (EPIC), in collaboration with local publication Caribbean Compass magazine, the contest carries a core mission beyond celebrating photographic talent: it aims to highlight the Caribbean’s extraordinary natural and cultural heritage while fostering wider public engagement with marine and land conservation efforts across the region.
This year’s competition structure includes three primary juried categories that cover the breadth of Caribbean life: *Caribbean Life & Nature*, which captures everyday moments and endemic wildlife; *Sailing, Yachting & Life on the Water*, which centers the region’s deep ties to maritime activity; and *Environmental Impact & Stewardship*, which spotlights conservation work and ongoing environmental challenges facing Caribbean communities. Complementing these judged categories is a popular *Audience Choice* award, which invites members of the public to cast up to five votes per day to select their favorite entry.
Reflecting the contest’s rapid growth in popularity and regional reach since its launch, the 2026 edition features an expanded panel of judges with diverse expertise, including professional photographers, conservation scientists, sailing industry leaders, veteran journalists, and Caribbean cultural specialists.
In a statement announcing the opening of entries, EPIC Executive Director Tabitha Stadler emphasized the event’s community-driven, mission-focused roots. “We wanted this to be a mission-driven contest that celebrates the beauty, diversity, and cultures of the Caribbean,” Stadler said. “It’s exciting to offer it again, because it feels like we are knitting together a community of people who care about conserving these places for future generations.”
The contest’s inaugural 2025 edition exceeded organizational expectations, drawing more than 300 submissions from photographers based in 31 different Caribbean countries and territories. The first competition also sparked widespread public engagement, generating more than 2,800 public votes for the Audience Choice award and bringing international attention to the region’s unrivaled natural landscapes, vulnerable wildlife, and vibrant living cultural traditions.
For 2026, the competition has secured backing from lead sponsors DSL Yachting and IGY Marinas St. Maarten, with additional prize donations from a network of local businesses and regional partners that share EPIC’s commitment to promoting and protecting the Caribbean’s natural and cultural assets.
Photographers interested in entering the contest, members of the public who wish to vote in the Audience Choice category, and anyone seeking more detailed information about competition rules can visit the official event website at epicislands.org/photo-contest-2026.