Legal drone distance for blue whale photography in Trincomalee

Asked about 6 hours agoViewed 408 times
N
Noah D.1735 rep2
asked about 6 hours ago

We booked an ethical whale watching tour in Trinco How close are we legally allowed to fly a drone to photograph the whales without breaking the rules

28
asked about 6 hours ago
N
Noah D.1735 rep2

8 Answers

Accepted Answer

You cannot 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 Trinco closely. Ethical boats will strictly forbid you from launching it from the deck.

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answered about 6 hours ago
D
Dr. Nimal.880 rep1

Just use a good telephoto lens. 300mm to 600mm. The boats get close enough that you do not need an aerial view.

50
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answered about 6 hours ago
E
Emma L.1515 rep2

Also landing a drone on a moving boat is a great way to lose your drone in the ocean.

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answered about 6 hours ago
E
Emma L.1515 rep2

Great idea, I will just bring my GoPro and a pole mount instead.

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answered about 6 hours ago
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Noah D.1735 rep2

I saw a guy try to launch one and the boat captain threatened to turn the boat around and end the tour for everyone.

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answered about 6 hours ago
B
Bhante S.1710 rep1

Thank you for being a responsible tourist. The blue whales need all the peace they can get.

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answered about 6 hours ago
D
Dr. Nimal.880 rep1

Understood. I will respect the rules and keep the drone packed away.

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answered about 6 hours ago
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Noah D.1735 rep2

If you want underwater shots, strapping a GoPro to a pole over the side is totally legal.

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answered about 6 hours ago
B
Bhante S.1710 rep1

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