Sea life photography: Best underwater pictures from Ocean Art 2018 competition showcase the beauty of untouched marine wildlife

The winners of an ocean photography competition have showcased the beauty of untouched marine wildlife in a stunning photoseries.

The Ocean Art Underwater Competition 2018 featured majestic whales, rays, and seals, as well as less familiar looking creatures the lurk further beneath the surface.

A snap of three Giant Devil Rays performing a 'ballet', taken by Duncan Murrell, won Best of Show in this year's competition.

Ocean Art said the competition had received "thousands of entries" from 70 countries around the world, which were whittled down to 16 winners in different categories.

Prizes worth a total of $80,000 were offered to winning photographers, with cruise trips and diving experiences up for grabs.

Scott Gietler, publisher of Underwater Photography Guide and Ocean Art judge, said: “This year’s outstanding underwater images in the Ocean Art Underwater Photo Competition continue to raise the bar for underwater photographers.

"Myself and the other three judges were honoured to be viewing such amazing results of the dedication and drive of the human spirit.”