Underwater Filming Services
Certified dive shooting for marine, pool, and aquatic shoots across \t\t\t\t\tPortugal, from the Azores to the Algarve coast.
Here is how this works in practice. An underwater camera operator captures footage beneath the water's surface, combining diving expertise with pro cinematography skills. From the volcanic underwater landscapes of the Azores—one of Europe's top dive destinations—to the sea caves of the Algarve coast, they manage waterproof housings, underwater lighting, and the unique challenges of shooting in aquatic environments. This includes visibility, currents, and communication. Dive shooting demands specialized training that goes far beyond standard camera operation.
Here is the short of it. We connect you with certified underwater camera operators who hold pro diving credentials alongside film production experience. Our network has pros equipped for Portugal's Atlantic coast, the Azores archipelago, Berlengas marine reserve, Algarve caves, and pro pool facilities at Tóbis Studios in Lisbon, set to delivering cinematic underwater footage safely and efficiently.
ACT 01
Capabilities
Underwater Production Solutions
From Atlantic coast marine cinematography to controlled pool environments, we deliver professional underwater footage with safety and cinematic quality as priorities.
01
Ocean & Sea
- Atlantic filming
- Atlantic coast production
- Marine wildlife documentation
- Shipwreck cinematography
- Coastal underwater sequences
Marine Excellence
02
Pool & Tank
- Controlled pool environments
- Studio tank filming
- Fashion and commercial
- Music video production
- Athlete performance capture
Controlled Settings
03
Narrative Production
- Feature film sequences
- TV drama underwater scenes
- Stunt coordination support
- Actor safety management
- Surface-to-underwater shots
Cinematic Storytelling
04
Commercial & Corporate
- Product underwater shots
- Tourism promotion
- Sports equipment demos
- Spa and wellness content
- Aquatic brand campaigns
Brand Content
ACT 02
Why Us
Why Choose Our Underwater Filming Services
01.
Certified Professionals
All underwater camera operators hold pro dive certifications with specialized training in dive shooting and production safety.
02.
Cinema-Grade Equipment
Pro underwater housings for cinema cameras including ARRI, RED, and Sony with calibrated dome ports and underwater monitors.
03.
Safety First
Full safety protocols, qualified safety divers, and emergency procedures for all underwater production work.
04.
Location Expertise
Experience filming across Portuguese waters—Atlantic coastal, lakes, rivers, and studio tanks with local permit knowledge.
On Location
PADI/CMAS-certified dive cinematography from Azores volcanic seamounts to Nazaré giant-wave winter Atlantic and Berlengas marine reserve
Here is how this works in practice. Our underwater camera ops pool combines pro dive certifications — PADI Divemaster/Instructor, CMAS three-star, HSE SCUBA/SURFACE commercial, IANTD/TDI tech/trimix. With cinema-grade housings and full surface support teams. Filming area covers the Azores archipelago (Princess Alice Bank and Dollabarat seamounts for mola, blue sharks, dolphins, and whales — one of Europe's top dive destinations), the Berlengas marine nature reserve off Peniche, Algarve limestone sea caves and grottoes at Benagil and Marinha, the Nazaré canyon and 86ft Garrett McNamara world-record giant-wave winter Atlantic surf system, Madeira's subtropical Gulf Stream waters with the Garajau marine reserve, mainland Atlantic coast at Sesimbra and Sagres, the Lisbon Oceanário tanks, and Estoril/Cascais pool stages plus Tobis Portuguesa controlled tanks.
Here is what we have to work with. Gear standard has Gates and Nauticam housings for ARRI Alexa Mini LF and Alexa 35, RED Komodo/V-Raptor, Sony Venice 2 and FX6/FX9, Phantom Flex 4K high-speed for surfing/water FX, with dome ports, surface monitors via fiber tether, Aquatica HMI/LED underwater lighting, and Hydroflex pole-cam systems.
Here is the short of it. Reference work flows from Frankie (Ira Sachs 2019 Sintra coast), Glória (Netflix 2021 Portuguese first), 1899 (Netflix 2022 Bo Odar/Friese Atlantic crossing), and surf documentary work around Nazaré with Garrett McNamara's 2011 world-record big-wave runs. Permits route through ICNF (Instituto da Conservação da Natureza e das Florestas) for marine reserves and natural areas, Capitanias do Porto maritime authorities for vessel and dive operations, DGRM (Direção-Geral de Recursos Naturais) for fisheries-zone work, and Camara Municipal local councils for beach access.
Here is the layout. Safety stack: ANEPC emergency preparedness, IPMA weather and sea-state forecasting, INEM medical response with hyperbaric chamber standby at Hospital da Marinha or Hospital de Santa Maria, ACT workers' safety, Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa support, and TAP Air Portugal aeromedevac routes. Operators deploy under STE (Sindicato dos Trabalhadores de Espetáculos) technician scales with reciprocal IATSE Local 600 plan for US underwater DPs.
ACT 03
FAQ
Professional Underwater Operations
What certifications do your underwater operators hold?
Here is the breakdown. Our underwater camera operators hold pro PADI, CMAS, or equivalent certifications appropriate for the filming depths and conditions. Many hold pro dive shooting certifications and have HSE or equivalent commercial diving qualifications for complex shoots.
What camera systems can you use underwater?
Here is what that looks like on the ground. We operate underwater housings for ARRI Alexa Mini, RED Komodo/V-Raptor, Sony Venice/FX6, and Blackmagic cameras. Housing selection depends on your camera package, needed features, and depth needs. We also use specialized underwater cinema cameras.
Can you film with actors underwater?
Here is how the picture comes together. Yes. We work with trained water safety coordinators and give actor coaching for underwater work. Non-diving actors can be filmed in controlled shallow water with safety divers. Complex underwater stunts need specialized planning and safety planning.
What locations in Portugal are suitable for underwater filming?
Portugal gives varied underwater filming locations: Algarve coast (clear water, marine life), Atlantic north coast (dramatic conditions), lakes and rivers (freshwater environments), and many studio tanks and pools for controlled shoots.
How do you handle underwater lighting?
We use specialized underwater LED and HMI lights in waterproof housings. For pool and tank work, above-water lighting can penetrate effectively. Deep or murky water needs dedicated underwater lighting packages planned during pre-production.
What are the safety requirements for underwater filming?
All underwater work needs risk assessments, dive plans, certified safety divers, surface support, and emergency protocols. We comply with Portuguese diving rules and film industry safety standards. Complex sequences may need hyperbaric chamber standby.
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ACT 04 — On Set
Plan Your Underwater Production
Tell us about your underwater sequences and we'll set up certified operators, gear, and safety planning.