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Legal drone distance for blue whale photography in Trincomalee

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N
Noah D.•10735 rep•2

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

34
wildlifephotographytrincomalee

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

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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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D
Dr. Nimal.•9060 rep•1

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

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E
Emma L.•9530 rep•2

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

40
E
Emma L.•9530 rep•2

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

35
N
Noah D.•10735 rep•2

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

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D
Dr. Nimal.•9060 rep•1

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

15
B
Bhante S.•9610 rep•1

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

15
B
Bhante S.•9610 rep•1

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

1
N
Noah D.•10735 rep•2

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