OneCeylon
wildlife
All questions

Safe drone photography rules for wildlife and whales

Seen by 1,664 travellers
Jump to the accepted answer
O
Oliver B.•8650 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

31
wildlifesafetyphotographytrincomalee

8 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted answer

Outdated Information: This answer is over 6 months old. Prices, schedules, or availability may have changed. Please verify current information before making travel plans.

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. Bring a good telephoto lens instead.

9
S
Suresh K.•8665 rep•2

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

49
O
Oliver B.•8650 rep•2

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

43
A
Amali D.•8065 rep•2

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

43
O
Oliver B.•8650 rep•2

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

36
S
Suresh K.•8665 rep•2

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

35
S
Sophia M.•7630 rep•2

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

33
A
Amali D.•8065 rep•2

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

9
S
Sophia M.•7630 rep•2

You must be logged in to post an answer.

Log in to answer

Related questions

Browse all questions