Murcia’s top diving spots to host the 2026 Regional Underwater Photography Championships

Mazarron has presented the 2026 Regional Underwater Photography Championships, as well as the Underwater Photography in Apnea, two events organised by the Federation of Underwater Activities of the Region of Murcia and which will see dozens of photographers participate. The competitions will bring together these athletes and photographers in some of the most idyllic diving locations of the region, including Piles II and Bajo de Dentro, El Arco and Cala Cerrada and Pico del Aguila.

50 athletes to participate in this unique and stunning competition

Some fifty total athletes will participate, taking to different locations in the Region of Murcia in a competition that will also award places for the Spanish national championships of underwater photography.

The images captured during the dives will be judged by a national jury based on various criteria, including technical quality, creativity, and ability to capture the richness of the marine fauna, flora, and landscapes. The top three teams will qualify for the Spanish Championship, which will be held in Menorca from September 15 to September 20.

The Region of Murcia’s nationally-acclaimed seabeds and marinas

The competition will not only be a fun opportunity for these photographers and athletes to compete and take stunning photographs, but it will also be a shining chance to showcase the great natural areas and prestigious heritage of the Region of Murcia, which boasts more than 250 kilometres of coastlines between the Mediterranean and the Mar Menor.

The region also claims some of the most renowned seabeds in the country, and many of its beaches and marinas boast a blue flag, an international symbol of water quality, sea life health, and careful maintenance of the areas. It is one of the most decorated areas of Spain in this regard.

Specifically, the Region of Murcia’s coastline has two marine reserves of reference, Cabo de Palos-Islas Hormigas and Cabo Tiñoso, which are protected areas that have great ecological importance, and which are privileged settings for diving and underwater activities, like underwater photography. Their biodiversity, posidonia meadows and underwater landscapes make it a first-class attraction in Spain.