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Safe distance for drone photography during East Coast whale watching

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O
Oliver B.•10330 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

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beacheswildlifesafetyphotographytrincomalee

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

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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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Dr. Nimal.•9200 rep•1

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

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Bhante S.•6520 rep•1

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

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Oliver B.•10330 rep•2

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

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O
Oliver B.•10330 rep•2

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

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E
Emma L.•8975 rep•2

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

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E
Emma L.•8975 rep•2

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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D
Dr. Nimal.•9200 rep•1

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

10
B
Bhante S.•6520 rep•1

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