Grant Thomas is an international award-winning photographer, videographer, travel guide and writer who has been travelling the globe for over 10 years, capturing some of mother nature's finest moments. He is originally from the UK but moved to Asia to work as a scuba diving instructor.
He now works as a freelance photographer and travel guide, leading a variety of tours and workshops to encounter and photograph animals such as humpback whales and orca. His work has taken him around the world from the warm tropical waters of Indonesia to the glacier covered landscape of the Arctic.
Specialising in wildlife and underwater photography, he strives to document the world's spectacular beauty in order to share his experience and vision of our planet today. In 2018, Grant was named British Underwater Photographer of the Year and is currently a brand ambassador for Ikelite underwater systems and Cressi.
Awards
- Winner Underwater category NATURE TTL Photographer of the Year 2021
- British Underwater Photographer of the Year 2018
- Grand Prize winner Ocean Conservancy 2019
- 1st place People and the Ocean category Ocean Conservancy 2018
- 1st place DEEP Indonesia over-under category 2019
- Grand Prize winner DEEP Indonesia 2019
- 1st place Wide angle British waters Underwater photographer of the year 2018
- Winner World Oceans Day Human interaction category 2018
- 1st place advanced category DIVE Pacific magazine 2018
- Grand Prize winner Ocean Conservancy 2018
- 1st place People and the Ocean category Ocean Conservancy 2018
- Deep Indonesia 1st place in the Divers category 2018
- 1st place advanced category DIVE Pacific magazine 2018
Portfolio
Reviews
Trip itself was full of WoW and OMG expressions.
Insider Guides were working very hard to ensure we will get the experience we all were looking for-The Bait Ball. And we Did it! Swimming with Orcas is addictive 😅 that's for sure.
Equipment was professional as well as the team. Everyone was respectful towards the animals comfort space.
Norwegian fjords are stunning and we also managed to see the northern lights. If you are concern about water temperature- don't be. Its warmer than the air. Plus excitment and adrenaline rush keeps you warm. Professional photographer, Tobias and Evan managed to capture memories of a lifetime.
My dreams came true. Thank you!
Couldn't have wished for a better first liveaboard. Give me all the reefs and fish and mantas!
The organization in advance was great and the group leader was very helpful and knowledgeable throughout the trip. Sharing his amazing photos with us including the best pics I've ever had of myself diving is a lovely addition. Crew and boat facilities were great as well. Had the best time in Raja Ampat, I'm so full of memories, impressions and experiences, I can't believe it was only 10 days because it certainly feels more like 100 in the best way possible 😍.
Looking forward to go on more Insider Divers trips in the future.
An unforgettable Norway adventure — smooth planning, a warm M/V Freya, great meals, magical humpback and orca encounters.
Perfect weather, cosy wetsuits, a bait ball under a rainbow, and even the Northern Lights
Q&A
When did you start exploring the ocean and how did your passion develop from there?
My parents were both Scuba divers so growing up I was very fortunate to spend a lot of time around and in the water. From as far back as I can remember I always had this burning curiosity to know what actually existed below the surface.
What was your best moment in the wild thus far?
One moment I will never forget, which was when I was looking directly into a humpback whale's mouth as it nearly swallowed me while it was feeding on a bait ball of herring in Norway.
What do you like about being a group leader?
I love the opportunity I get to meet people from all around the world and share stories and experiences of our travels and adventures. I also get great satisfaction and joy from introducing people to the spectacular wildlife and nature we have on our planet.
The most important things you are trying to achieve for your guests?
My aim is to ensure that my guests come away from each trip, feeling even more inspired about the natural world and with memories that will last a lifetime.