Safe distance for drone photography during East Coast whale watching

Asked about 19 hours agoViewed 2449 times
O
Oliver B.8590 rep2
asked about 19 hours ago

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

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asked about 19 hours ago
O
Oliver B.8590 rep2

8 Answers

Accepted Answer

You cannot legally fly a drone over whales at any distance in Sri Lanka without a specific permit from the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC). The high-frequency buzz causes massive distress to marine mammals. Ethical boat captains in Trincomalee will refuse to let you launch from the deck, and the Navy actively monitors the harbor and ocean. Bring a good telephoto lens instead.

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answered about 19 hours ago
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Dr. Nimal.7770 rep1

Is a 300mm lens long enough if the boats stay 100 meters away

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answered about 19 hours ago
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Oliver B.8590 rep2

Yes, blue whales are massive. 300mm is a great focal length for getting the tail fluke on a full-frame camera.

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answered about 18 hours ago
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Dr. Nimal.7770 rep1

Keep a polarizing filter on the lens to cut through the ocean glare.

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answered about 18 hours ago
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Bhante S.5040 rep1

Great advice. I will respect the rules and leave the drone at the hotel.

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answered about 18 hours ago
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Oliver B.8590 rep2

I saw someone try this and the Coast Guard boat actually pulled up and gave them a severe warning.

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answered about 19 hours ago
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Emma L.7180 rep2

Make sure to shoot at a fast shutter speed, the boats rock constantly.

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answered about 18 hours ago
E
Emma L.7180 rep2

Also, landing a drone on a moving boat in the ocean swell is extremely dangerous for the people on board.

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answered about 19 hours ago
B
Bhante S.5040 rep1

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