Patrick Dykstra

Well known among the nature documentary field, Patrick Dykstra is a TV presenter, BAFTA award-winning wildlife cameraman, and expedition leader.

Patrick won a BAFTA for his cinematography work on the BBC’s Blue Planet 2 and went on to host his own eight part television series titled Chasing Ocean Giants that has aired in over 150 countries on the Discovery Channel and continues to be aired and streamed on the Discovery+ streaming service. The eight-part series follows Patrick’s journey across the globe to assist some of the world’s leading scientists in discovering mysteries of the ocean. During the production, the team filmed numerous world-firsts and provided a valuable platform for the scientists with whom they worked. Patrick has also filmed major nature programs for Netflix, National Geographic, AppleTV+, Discovery, BBC and others. A feature film about his friendship with a sperm whale titled “Patrick and the Whale” (WT) has just been released in September 2022.

Here's what Patrick himself has to say about our long-running partnership:

"Working with NWS really changed my life. Knowing that you can fill basically any trip that I can dream up and run is incredibly liberating. I probably wouldn't have been able to work on Blue Planet 2 or other projects if it wasn't for this support. NWS are awesome. I look forward to more great trips going forward."

He is a certified rebreather scuba diver, wingsuit skydiver, hang-glider and para-glider pilot and is passionate about wildlife conservation. He ensures he obtains the correct permits and works with sustainable local companies when running safaris. He was at the forefront of blue whale exploration and documentation in Sri Lanka and worked on important research surrounding the behaviour of killer whales in Iceland. Patrick has led trips with NWS in Sri Lanka, Dominica, and Norway.

Prior to his work in natural history, Patrick spent eight years as a corporate lawyer working at one of the world’s most prestigious international law firms. Since leaving the corporate world Patrick has visited 102 countries and has filmed in some of the harshest environments including Yemen’s tribal areas, diving under Antarctic ice and at the top of Congo’s erupting volcanos. When not on the road Patrick is at home in Bristol, UK with his two dogs.

Patrick Dykstra now works with Natural World Safaris all over the globe, from the frigid fjords of Norway with its population of orcas and humpback whales to the tropical waters around Dominica, home to families of sperm whales. Patrick and his team work to get you in the right place at the right time to encounter incredible marine life. He will also offer guidance on how to use your underwater photography equipment to best capture these huge creatures on camera.

Patrick is an enthusiastic adrenaline junkie who is a pleasure to work and travel with. We have been running safaris with him for more than three years now, and we look forward to many more!