Ines Goovaerts
AWARD-WINNING PHOTOGRAHPER
TRAVEL GUIDE
STORYTELLER
Ines Goovaerts is a passionate freelance award-winning nature photographer & tour leader with a deep love for the ocean and its inhabitants. From having a look at her work, you can tell she has a soft spot for cetaceans and megafauna.
With extensive experience in marine tourism, she has guided numerous adventurers through unforgettable underwater encounters, fostering connections between people and the natural world. Combining her artistic vision with a commitment to tell the ocean’s story through visuals, Ines aims to capture imagery that both inspires and educates. Her expertise and enthusiasm make her a valuable addition to the Insider Divers team as a travel guide, ready to lead fellow explorers to some of the world's most spectacular underwater destinations.
AWARDS
-
Finalist / National Geographic Photo Contest 2024 / category: “nature”
-
Finalist / Ocean Geographic Pictures of the Year Competition 2024 / category: “Animal Behaviour” & “Coral Reefs of the World”
-
2nd place / Underwater Photography Guide Ocean Art 2023 / category: “Wide Angle”
-
3rd place / United Nations World Oceans Day 2023 photo competition / category: “No Time to Waste”
-
3rd place / Underwater Photographer of the Year 2020 / category: “Up&Coming”
A CHAT WITH INES
When did you start exploring the ocean and how did your passion develop from there?
I began exploring the ocean shortly after graduating from uni in 2014. I travelled to Australia and started working as a photographer on one of the whale watching vessels in the Great Barrier Reef. I was immersed in the marine environment daily, and my love for the ocean only grew stronger from there.
What was your best moment in the wild thus far?
Most definitely my most recent encounter while on expedition in Magdalena Bay, Baja California Sur, Mexico. I was photographing a bait ball being hunted by marlin and sea lions, a spectacle on it’s own, when suddenly a Bryde’s whale exploded onto the scene, nearly devouring the entire bait ball in one massive gulp, right in front of my camera.
What do you like about being a group leader?
What I enjoy most about being a group leader is the opportunity to show people the beauty of the underwater world and the natural world in general. Helping others reconnect with nature and its remarkable inhabitants is incredibly rewarding, especially in a time when that connection is often overlooked.
The most important things you are trying to achieve for your guests?
My key goals are to provide guests with unforgettable experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for the underwater world. I aim to create a safe and welcoming environment where everyone feels supported, whether they’re seasoned divers or exploring the ocean for the first time. Beyond the adventure, I hope to inspire a lasting connection with marine life and a greater understanding of the importance of protecting our oceans.
portfolio
