The settlement developed around the geology exploration point founded here in 1968. The name "Iskateley", which means "Explorers", was given to the settlement in 1974, and in 1986 it was granted an urban-type settlement status. Until 2005 Iskateley was administratively subordinated to the city of Naryan-Mar. In 2008 it became the administrative center of Zapolyarny District.