SCENE 01 / MARINE WILDLIFE
Marine & Wildlife Filming
Nature documentary production throughout Iceland.
Here is how this works in practice. 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 give outstanding chances for cetacean and seabird work, with the Reynisfjara black sand beach and Snæfellsnes Peninsula offering unique coastal locations.
Here is the short of it. We work with skilled Icelandic wildlife cinematographers and set up 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
Knowing 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 pro gear to capture natural behaviors.
Post & Delivery
Processing footage with appropriate grading and sound design.
On Location
Our marine wildlife crews film the productive cold waters around Iceland — whales off the north coast, seabird colonies, seals at the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon and the life of the North Atlantic.
Here is how this works in practice. We deliver marine wildlife filming with crews who pair natural-history camera skill with seamanship in genuinely cold, demanding waters. Our teams work from chartered vessels and small boats, run long-lens stabilised systems for whales and seabirds, and deploy splash housings and underwater rigs for over-and-under and subsurface coverage. Iceland's marine environment is rich but unforgiving: the North Atlantic stays cold year-round, weather and swell change fast, and our crews plan shooting around viable sea conditions and the long patience wildlife work demands.
Here is the short of it. Cold-weather discipline runs across — warmed batteries, condensation control, weather sealing against salt spray. We set up vessels, skippers and marine logistics, and our crews work to responsible practice that keeps a safe, non-disruptive distance from animals. We integrate marine coverage with the wider production and plan for the seasonal patterns of Icelandic wildlife. We staff from the skilled Reykjavík crew base and bring in extra natural-history camera pros and long-lens systems from the UK and mainland Europe under ATA carnet for larger shoots.
Here is the breakdown. The waters around Iceland are top wildlife area. A subarctic island where cold, nutrient-rich currents meet, it supports whales — humpback, minke and others, well known off the north coast around Húsavík — vast seabird colonies including puffins, and seals, with seals often hauled out among the ice of the Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon. The country's fast-changing maritime weather is the central operational factor for any boat-based shoot. The country's wildlife and its habitats are covered.
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Filming is conducted responsibly with attention to minimising disturbance. Activity in covered areas is set up with the Environment Agency of the country. The country's whale-watching sector reflects a strong wildlife-protection ethic. Eligible marine-crew and gear spend can count toward the country's production reimbursement of 25 per cent, rising to 35 per cent for qualifying projects, administered by Film in the country.
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 top whale watching and marine filming destinations. Húsavík Bay is the cetacean capital, with humpback, minke, blue and orca sightings. Snæfellsnes gives dramatic coastal scenery. And the Westfjords give remote and pristine waters. We set up vessel charters and ICETRA Maritime permits for all coastal regions.
What wildlife is available in Iceland?
Here is the breakdown. 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 skilled Icelandic wildlife cinematographers who know the Westfjords, highland routes and coastal seabird colonies intimately. Many have credits with global natural history TV networks working on Arctic and sub-Arctic shoots.
What about permits for protected species and parks?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. Filming inside Vatnajökull, Þingvellir and the Westman Islands bird sanctuaries needs authorisation from the relevant park commissions and the Environment Agency of Iceland. Marine wildlife filming needs site-level permits, specific during seabird nesting season (May to July). Lead times of 2-4 weeks are typical, longer for national parks.
Can you provide underwater filming?
Here is how the picture comes together. Yes, we give pro dive shooting with RED, ARRI and Sony cameras in housings. Our divers are skilled in cold North Atlantic and Arctic conditions. 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.
Related Services
Productions in Iceland that need this often pair it with Night Vision Filming, Thermal Imaging, and Underwater Lighting for full coverage. Most projects also draw on Underwater Camera Operators and Documentary & Docuseries Production.
On Set
Planning Wildlife Filming?
Tell us about your wildlife project and we'll help capture Iceland's natural beauty.