Marine & Wildlife Filming
Nature documentary production throughout Iceland.
Marine and wildlife filming in Iceland captures some of the most dramatic natural environments in Europe. Productions can film humpback whales in Húsavík Bay, Atlantic puffins on the Westman Islands, Arctic foxes—Iceland's only native land mammal—in the Westfjords, and the iconic Icelandic horse on highland farms. The North Atlantic, Arctic and Greenland Sea provide outstanding opportunities for cetacean and seabird work, with the Reynisfjara black sand beach and Snæfellsnes Peninsula offering unique coastal locations.
We work with experienced Icelandic wildlife cinematographers and coordinate permits through the Environment Agency of Iceland (Umhverfisstofnun), Vatnajökull National Park and the Icelandic Transport Authority's Maritime Division. Our team handles vessel charters from Húsavík and Snæfellsnes, dive operators in Silfra fissure, and access to Þingvellir, the Westfjords and other remote regions so your crew can focus on filming.
Capabilities
Wildlife Services
Specialist marine and wildlife cinematography for documentaries and productions.
01
Marine Filming
- Underwater cinematography
- Surface filming
- Whale and seabird documentation
- Coastal environments
- North Atlantic and Arctic
Ocean Expertise
02
Wildlife
- Bird cinematography
- Mammal documentation
- Remote camera traps
- Hide photography
- Animal behavior
Natural Behavior
03
Production
- Specialist crews
- Remote filming
- Long-lens work
- Slow-motion capture
- Macro photography
Expert Teams
04
Locations
- Westfjords
- Snæfellsnes Peninsula
- Húsavík Bay
- Westman Islands
- Vatnajökull National Park
Icelandic Habitats
Natural History Expertise
Capabilities
Our Process
Species Research
Understanding your target species, behaviors, and optimal filming conditions.
Location Planning
Identifying the best Icelandic locations and seasons for your wildlife subjects.
Production
Patient filming with specialist equipment to capture natural behaviors.
Post & Delivery
Processing footage with appropriate grading and sound design.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What marine filming can you do in Iceland?
Iceland sits at the meeting of the North Atlantic, Arctic and Greenland Sea, making it one of the world's premier whale watching and marine filming destinations. Húsavík Bay is the cetacean capital, with humpback, minke, blue and orca sightings; Snæfellsnes offers dramatic coastal scenery; and the Westfjords provide remote and pristine waters. We coordinate vessel charters and ICETRA Maritime permits for all coastal regions.
What wildlife is available in Iceland?
Iceland's wildlife is uniquely shaped by its isolation. The Arctic fox is the only native land mammal; Icelandic horses—descended from Viking-era stock—live on highland farms; and Atlantic puffins gather in massive colonies on the Westman Islands and other coastal cliffs. Humpback whales are abundant in summer, and reindeer can be found in the eastern highlands.
Do you have specialized wildlife crews?
Yes, we work with experienced Icelandic wildlife cinematographers who know the Westfjords, highland routes and coastal seabird colonies intimately. Many have credits with international natural history broadcasters working on Arctic and sub-Arctic productions.
What about permits for protected species and parks?
Filming inside Vatnajökull, Þingvellir and the Westman Islands bird sanctuaries requires authorisation from the relevant park commissions and the Environment Agency of Iceland. Marine wildlife filming requires environmental permits, particularly during seabird nesting season (May to July). Lead times of 2-4 weeks are typical, longer for national parks.
Can you provide underwater filming?
Yes, we offer professional underwater cinematography with RED, ARRI and Sony cameras in housings. Our divers are experienced in cold North Atlantic and Arctic conditions, and the famously crystal-clear glacial water of Silfra in Þingvellir National Park—one of the only places on Earth where you can dive between two tectonic plates.
What's the best season for wildlife filming in Iceland?
Atlantic puffins nest from May to August on the Westman Islands; humpback and other whale activity peaks June through September in Húsavík Bay; Arctic foxes are filmable year-round but most striking in winter coats; and Icelandic horses make for stunning footage in autumn and winter highland conditions.
Planning Wildlife Filming?
Tell us about your wildlife project and we'll help capture Iceland's natural beauty.