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Ethical whale watching and drone rules in Trincomalee

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S
Sarah K.•16395 rep•2

We are heading to the East Coast to see blue whales How close can I legally fly my drone to the whales without violating safety rules

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beacheswildlifesafetyphotographytrincomalee

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

You cannot legally fly a drone over marine mammals in Sri Lanka at all without an explicit, specialized permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The high-pitched frequency of drones causes extreme distress to whales when they surface to breathe. The Navy monitors the waters in Trincomalee closely. Ethical boats will strictly forbid you from launching it from the deck.

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Gayan D.•10670 rep•1

Just use a good telephoto lens (300mm to 600mm). The ethical boats stay 100 meters away, which is close enough for great shots without a drone.

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Amali P.•11380 rep•1

I saw someone try this and the Coast Guard boat actually pulled up and gave them a severe warning. Don't do it.

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M
Mateo R.•10035 rep•2

Understood. I will leave the drone in my hotel and just bring my zoom lens.

13
S
Sarah K.•16395 rep•2

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