Yamaha Marine expands its Yamaha Blue Life series with a new feature highlighting photographer and freediver Ben Yavar, whose lifelong connection to the water has evolved into a career built around exploration, photography and the underwater world. “Ben Freediver” shares Yavar’s journey from a childhood fascination with the ocean to leading freediving and photography expeditions around the world.

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“Ben’s story reflects what Blue Life is all about: the connections, experiences and sense of discovery that draw people to the water,” said Frank Wilhelm, Advertising and Digital Marketing Manager, Yamaha Marine U.S. Business Unit. “His photography gives others an opportunity to experience a world they may never see firsthand. Yamaha is proud our outboards play a role in helping Ben pursue those experiences and share them with others.”

Originally from El Monte, Chile, Yavar developed an early fascination with the ocean that led him from snorkeling and spearfishing to underwater photography. After moving to Australia and becoming a scuba divemaster, his travels throughout Asia deepened his passion for marine photography and eventually led him to freediving.

Today, Yavar is a freediving instructor who leads expeditions combining freediving, photography and exploration. He frequently creates images alongside his wife, Jay, capturing the relationship between people, marine wildlife and the natural world. His work has earned awards and international recognition, including his recent selection as a finalist for Ocean Photographer of the Year.

Yavar’s expeditions often require long days on the water and travel to remote locations in search of marine wildlife. His dive boat, powered by Yamaha outboards, provides the dependable transportation he needs to reach those locations and focus on his photography.

“When you are in the ocean for six hours at a time, you need something that is going to work,” Yavar said. “Engines are a big part of any expedition and exploration. The fewer things you have to worry about, the better.”

Through his photography, Yavar hopes to introduce others to the underwater world and inspire greater appreciation for the ocean and its wildlife. “It’s amazing what showing one or two images can create for someone,” he said. “You never know what it might spark.”

To view the new “Ben Freediver” Yamaha Blue Life feature, click here.

For more information about Ben Yavar and his photography, freediving courses and expeditions, visit benjaminyavar.com.

Yamaha Marine products are marketed throughout the United States and around the world. Yamaha Marine Engine Systems, based in Kennesaw, Ga., supports its 2,000 U.S. dealers and boat builders with marketing, training and parts for Yamaha’s full line of products and strives to be the industry leader in reliability, technology and customer service. Yamaha Marine is the only outboard brand to have earned NMMA®’s C.S.I. Customer Satisfaction Index award every year since its inception. Visit www.yamahaoutboards.com.

This document contains many of Yamaha’s valuable trademarks. It may also contain trademarks belonging to other companies. Any references to other companies or their products are for identification purposes only and are not intended to be an endorsement. Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. is not affiliated with or responsible for the operations of Ben Yavar.

REMEMBER to always observe all applicable boating laws. Never drink and drive. Dress properly with a USCG-approved personal floatation device and protective gear.

© 2026 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

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