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Legal safety distance for drone photography during whale watching

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E
Emma W.•5590 rep•2

We are in Trincomalee for whale watching How close can I legally fly my drone to the blue whales without causing a safety issue

4
wildlifesafetyphotographytrincomalee

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

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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 Trinco closely. Ethical boats will strictly forbid you from launching it from the deck.

29
D
Dr. Pathum.•4480 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.

28
S
Samanthi D.•5900 rep•1

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

23
N
Noah L.•3095 rep•2

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

18
E
Emma W.•5590 rep•2

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