Marine & Wildlife Filming

Portugal faces the open Atlantic and adds Madeira and the Azores—two of the world's premier locations for filming sperm whales, blue whales, fin whales, common and bottlenose dolphins. The Algarve and Cascais offer year-round dolphin work with sheltered coves; Nazaré is famous for its giant winter waves; and Madeira has crystal-clear water and exceptional underwater visibility. We coordinate vessel charters and Capitania permits via the SAM system.

Portugal is one of Europe's best wildlife destinations. Iberian wolves survive in the northern mountains, the critically endangered Iberian lynx is being reintroduced in protected reserves, and the country sits on a major migratory bird flyway. Coastal estuaries like the Tagus and Sado host millions of waders and waterbirds, and Atlantic dolphins are filmed off Lisbon, the Algarve and Madeira.

Yes, we work with experienced Portuguese wildlife cinematographers who know the Algarve, Madeira, the Azores and the northern mountain wolf range intimately. Many have credits with international natural history broadcasters working on Atlantic and Iberian ecosystems.

Filming inside Peneda-Gerês, Sintra Cultural Landscape and other protected areas requires authorisation from DGPC and Parques de Sintra Monte da Lua. Coastal filming requires permits via the Capitania Online+ platform with a 3-weekday minimum lead time. The Portugal Film Commission facilitates the process and permits are typically free or low-cost.

Yes, we offer professional underwater cinematography with RED, ARRI and Sony cameras in housings. Our divers are experienced with the cool Atlantic conditions of mainland Portugal and the warmer, exceptionally clear water of Madeira and the Azores, working safely with dolphins, whales, sea turtles and reef life.

Whale and dolphin sightings in Madeira and the Azores are best April to October, with peak diversity in summer. Iberian lynx fieldwork is best in spring; wolf activity in northern Portugal peaks in winter; and migratory bird gatherings in the Tagus estuary are strongest October to March. We advise on optimal windows for each species.