The University of Miami has just handed out its 2012 amateur photography award for underwater photography, and the winning snapshot was taken here in the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Photographer Ximena Olds took the winning photograph of a tiny sea slug. Its iridescent orange and blue body contrasts beautifully with the bright green of the sea grass it sits upon. Its tiny face appears to be looking right at the camera.

The goal of the contest is to get people to see the ocean through new eyes, and this photo certainly does the trick.

It also suggests an excellent vacation plan.  The U.S. Virgin Islands are an excellent place for snorkeling, so why not plan to stay at one of the excellent St. John vacation rentals, and make sure to pack an underwater camera?

The best news is that now there are all kinds of quality underwater cameras that are cheap and easy to use.  Ranging in price from about $100 to $400, these digital underwater cameras are as easy to use and maintain as your everyday camera.

Head to Trunk Bay and snorkel or scuba around the world famous underwater trail which makes part of the Virgin Islands National Park, and take lots of photos around the protected and colorful coral reefs. There are also excellent places to snorkel around Leinster Bay and Haulover Bay in St.  John.

Come on down the U.S. Virgin Islands, pick among the many St. John vacation rentals, grab a digital underwater camera, and see if maybe you can snap a prize winning photo of while you and your family are playing under the waves.