National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest 2015

The travel arm of the National Geographic Society received more than 17,000 entries, with one image making it to the top spot: a spectacular photo of divers suspended in the water as they swim near a humpback whale. It was shot by Anuar Patjane Floriuk, from Mexico, near Roca Partida, an island off the west coast of Mexico.

Titled "Whale Whisperer", Floriuk told National Geographic: “The photo wasn’t planned … I was taking photos near the head of the whale, and all of a sudden she began to swim toward the rest of the diving team. The divers gave the whale and her calf space, and I just clicked at the moment when the flow and composition seemed right.”

Grand Prize – "Whale Whisperer" by Anuar Patjane Floriuk

Anuar Patjane Floriuk / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via natgeo.com

Second Place – "Gravel Workmen" by Ahmed Al Toqi

"Three gravel workmen are looking through the window glass at their work place." – Ahmed Al Toqi

Ahmed Al Toqi / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via natgeo.com

Third Place – "Camel Ardah" by Ahmed Al Toqi

"Camel Ardah, as it is called in Oman, is one of the traditional styles of camel racing between two camels controlled by expert men. The faster camel is the loser, so they must be running at the same speed level in the same track." – Ahmed Al Toqi

Ahmed Al Toqi / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via natgeo.com

Merit – "Kushti, Indian Wrestling" by Alain Schroeder

"Kushti is the traditional form of Indian wrestling. Wearing only a well-adjusted loincloth (langot), wrestlers (Pelwhans) enter a pit made of clay, often mixed with salt, lemon, and ghee (clarified butter). At the end of a workout, wrestlers rest against the walls of the arena covering their heads and bodies with earth to soak up any perspiration and avoid catching cold. This relaxation ceremony is completed with massages to soothe tired muscles and demonstrate mutual respect." – Alain Schroeder

Alain Schroeder / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via natgeo.com

Merit – "Romania, Land of Fairy Tales" by Eduard Gutescu

White frost over Pestera village in Romania.

Eduard Gutescu / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via natgeo.com

Merit – "White Rhinos" by Stefane Berube

"The night before this photo, we tried all day to get a good picture of the endangered white rhino ... In the morning I woke up to all three rhinos grazing in front of me." – Stefane Berube

Stefane Berube / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via natgeo.com

Merit – "Highlanders" by Bartłomiej Jurecki

"Traditional haymaking in Poland. Many people continue to use the scythe and pitchfork to sort the hay." – Bartłomiej Jurecki

Bartłomiej Jurecki / National Geographic Traveler Photo Contest / Via