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Safe drone photography rules for wildlife and whales

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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

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wildlifesafetyphotographytrincomalee

8 Answers from travellers

✓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. Bring a good telephoto lens instead.

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Suresh K.•8665 rep•2

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

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Oliver B.•8650 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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Amali D.•8065 rep•2

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

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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.

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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.

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Sophia M.•7630 rep•2

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

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Amali D.•8065 rep•2

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

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Sophia M.•7630 rep•2

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