Jesse Alpert was born and raised in Bridgeport, Connecticut and started diving at the age of 12. He continued his study of the underwater world at the University of Miami, where he earned a B.S. in Marine Science and Biology in 2013.
After university he moved permanently to the Republic of Palau to begin his professional diving career. There he worked on blue-chip documentary productions as a safety diver and dive safety officer, which eventually led him deeper into photography.
In 2021 he started his own photography and videography business in Palau and has since been pursuing new underwater documentary work. He is especially known for photographing fish spawning, one of the natural spectacles Palau is famous for.
Awards
- Honorable Mention, Ocean Geographic 2023
- Honorable Mention, Ocean Geographic 2019
- Honorable Mention, UPY 2019
- Photographer of the Week, Dive Photo Guide, May 2020
Reviews
Just amazing. The liveaboard in the central atolls offered amazing dive highlights (Mantas day and night, turtles, rays, sharks, whaleshark, vibrant reef life).
The extensions in Hanifaru (magical Manta madness) and Fuvamulah (Tiger Sharks) offered great to additions.
Organization, trip lead during the tour and the photos and videos after were splendid as always with Insider Divers.
I went on a live aboard trip with Insider Divers in Komodo National Park and the experiences was great.
From the beginning everything was well organized regarding paperwork, pick ups and any special requirements. Once on the boat the group leader was always making sure the group had a good experience and enjoy every part of the trip. He took really nice photos of me that I will treasure.
I definitely recommend this company.
Great trip in Komodo with Insider Divers
I went on a liveaboard in Komodo last May and was very pleased of my diving holidays!
Logistic was impeccable from beginning to end. Very serious operation & organization. Taking care of each and every one needs and making sure that groups were done accordingly to level/ interest (photographers). Nice presentations about photography, mantas.. Extensive explanations about dive sites to make the most of it.
A really nice experience and would love to join an Insider Divers trip again. Thanks!!
Q&A
When did you start exploring the ocean and how did your passion develop from there?
2003, age 12. My parents wanted me to try some unique activities outside of normal sports. Diving was the one that stuck, and I kept going with it through university until my career led me here. I loved the idea of my job being the one thing I loved to do all the time.
What was your best moment in the wild thus far?
Diving the Sailfin Snapper spawning aggregation in Peleliu. It's a treacherous dive site and we did one-hour dives at 40 metres with one hour of decompression drifting in the blue. The current is wailing and you are surrounded by 30,000 to 50,000 fish, with 20+ oceanic blacktips and bull sharks hunting them.
When the fish spawn, it gets so loud it sounds like a train is passing by. Truly a heart-pumping experience and still one of my favourite dives of the year.
What do you like about being a group leader?
I enjoy managing the specifics of the trip and problem-solving as a team with co-leaders, resorts or vessels to provide outstanding experiences for myself and my guests. I also enjoy the opportunity to meet amazing and interesting people as I travel the world.
The most important things you are trying to achieve for your guests?
I want guests to come away with a strong set of photos and videos and feel excited to share their experiences with friends and family. I also want every guest to feel like their specific needs and wishes were catered for, and to be confident that we can deliver that experience every time.