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We can all agree that spending your time doing something you like is amazing. What is even better is when you manage to capture those moments and show them to other people. You can do just that with the help of drone technology.
That being said, some drones cannot be used in every situation, and because of that, today, we will talk about the best drones for marine use and water sports. In this review, we will try to help you find the best drone for your needs so the next time you go and have fun in the water, you will not have to worry about your drone getting wet and breaking down.
Now, without wasting any more of your time, let’s dive right into the review and find the best drone for you.
The 5 best drones for sailing, kayaking, boating
Sailing, kayaking, and boating are most certainly one of the best hobbies that you can do in your spare time to relax and unwind. Moments you can have in the vast waters while sailing or going down a river in your boat or kayak can be so relaxing and mesmerizing.
You will most certainly enjoy your time just by drifting in the water or even if you are a fishing enthusiast. That being said, wouldn’t it be a waste and a shame not to record those magical and exciting moments.
Given the circumstances, the best option you have for recording those moments is drones. With drones, so many new opportunities and angles are presented to you. Taking a photo of yourself from the sky or even capturing a video is a piece of cake, while the results will surely leave you wanting to do it again.
For that reason, we have seen a sky-high demand for drones in the last couple of years as before, only the richest of people and the military had access to drone technology. As of today, you will not have to sacrifice your entire life savings to acquire a drone; there are drones that go as low as a couple of hundreds of dollars which will do the job quite well.
With everything we have said so far, here are the five best drones for sailing, kayaking, and boating.
First off, we have the Mavic Air 2. With a flight time of up to 32 minutes, you are guaranteed to have enough time to capture the perfect shot. Additionally, it has a 4k camera and a follow-me option which will make operating the drone that much easier.
Next up, we have the DJI Mini 2. With the similar flight time as the Mavic Air 2, about 30 minutes, you have plenty of time to capture that perfect shot you wanted which is guaranteed to look good as it also possesses a 4k camera while also being extremely light, coming in at 8oz.
Then there is Mavic 2 Zoom. Same as the other drones, it also has up to par flight time of 33 minutes, so you will not have to worry about that as well as a 4k camera ensuring quality pictures and videos. What makes it a great option is that it also has a follow option like the Mavic Air 2 in addition to the quality zoom option.
Coming up next is the SwellPro. With the flight time of 17 minutes, it does not compare well with the other drones we just mentioned in that aspect, but what makes it a great option, apart from the 4k camera, is that it is completely waterproof.
Because of that, you do not have to worry about your drone landing in the water if it runs out of battery or needs to make an emergency landing for some other reason.
Lastly, we have the PowerEgg X. The flight time comes up to 30 minutes on a single charge which compares well with the other drones. In addition, it is also completely waterproof, and it goes without saying that it has a 4k camera.
All of the drones we just mentioned as most certainly a great option and will absolutely do a solid job for you.
If you plan to wet it, go with the waterproof drones like:
SwellproSplashDrone 4
Swellpro SplashDrone 4 is most certainly a great option when it comes to waterproof drones. If this is what you are looking for in a drone, then you can put your search to an end as it does not get better than this.
Being waterproof, the drone is made out of quality plastic that is durable and will most definitely protect the interior of the drone in the unfortunate event of crashing. In addition, the drone is completely waterproof as it is fully sealed.
Swellpro SplashDrone 4 also has a floating platform, so you can easily land it in the water without any worries.
When it comes to the motors, apart from them being waterproof, they are also coated with an anti-corrosion layer. In the case of the camera, you can rest assured as it possesses a 4K camera that allows you to take photos and videos in high resolution.
The camera is mounted on a 3-axis gimbal, making sure that there are no problems with the shaking or distortion whatsoever. It is also important to mention that the gimbal also works underwater, so not being able to take those underwater quality photos is a thing of the past.
The SwellPro SplashDrone 4 is capable of FPV function. The range of the FPV is very long, more than 3 miles, due to the Wi-Fi image transmission, and with the help of your smartphone, you can always see what the drone sees.
With the battery it possesses, you have 30 minutes of flight time, giving you more than enough time to capture a perfect photo. The charging time of the battery is also great, from 0% to 100%, it takes only 90 minutes.
Feature overview ✍️
- Waterproof
- 4K camera
- Fast charging
Pros ✅
- Waterproof
- Functions at long range
- High quality made
Cons ❌
- Expensive
Amazon.com SwellproSplashDrone 3 Auto and SplashDrone 3 Fishing Drone
Swellpro SplashDrone 3 is a completely waterproof drone due to the 3mm reinforced ABS fuselage covering the inner parts of the drone, which are also resistant to corrosion and can be used in the fresh waters as well as salt waters. So the fear of getting your drone too close to water is completely unnecessary as with this drone, you are welcomed as well as motivated to try it out.
Being able to withstand water depths of up to 2′ as well as the surface of the drone being buoyant, allowing it to take off from the surface of the water, makes it perfect for any water activity that you want to do.
Swellpro SplashDrone 3 has the MIL-STD 810 certification indicating that the drone is capable of flying even in bad weather such as rain and even snow. What is amazing is that the drone has four really strong 620kV motors and the propellers that are made out of carbon fiber, allowing it to endure heavy rain as well as gusts of wind as strong as 18 mph.
The camera on this drone is not something that should be ignored. With the two-axis 14MP gimbal camera that is capable of taking still shots in addition to the 4K videos at 25 frames per second no matter what conditions.
When it comes to the camera control, you are presented with several options. You can either control the camera with the remote controller that has been provided with the drone that has a 5″ built-in FPV display, or if you prefer to do things over your smartphone, you can also connect with it or with the tablet, which needs to be GPS- enabled.
As expected, there is an option for manual control as well as a great variety of autonomous flight modes to pick from, giving you plenty of choices and making your life easier. In an unfortunate case of emergency, the flight controller possesses an option that will alert you where the drone has landed or, if it is possible, it will bring the drone back home.
Feature overview ✍️
- 4K resolution
- Waterproof
- 14MP camera
Pros ✅
- Super resistant
- Can be used in bad weather
- Can be used in both salt and fresh water
Cons ❌
- Shorter battery life
If you just want to film your adventures on water, go with the:
DJI Mavic 3 – best for boating
If you plan to record your boating adventures, look no further than the DJI Mavic 3. With its outstanding performance, it secured its place as the best and most desirable, becoming the flagship drone for the company.
It comes with a dual-camera system with Hasselblad four-thirds sensor camera as well as an amazing 28x hybrid zoom camera, all on the same gimbal. The Hasselblad camera has a 20MP resolution that will surely provide you with quality pictures, and the secondary camera with 12MP.
DJI Mavic 3 has the capability of recording videos of 5.1K resolution at 24/25/30/38/50 frames per second in addition to the 4K resolution at 24/25/30/48/50/60/120 frames per second.
Furthermore, the flight time of the DJI drones kept getting better and better over the years, so with the DJI Mavic 3, you will not have to worry about that as you get a whopping 46 minutes of flight time on a single charge.
Another thing that adds to the quality of the DJI Mavic 3 is its improved object-tracking. According to the DJI, the drone has gotten better at following its targets no matter how they move; in addition, there is a much better response for the faster targets.
The drone is capable of tracking you even if it loses the line of sight for a moment, so if something like a tree comes in between you and your drone, do not worry, as it will remain to track you.
Feature overview ✍️
- 4K and 5.1K resolution
- 20MP camera
- Improved object-tracking
Pros ✅
- Outstanding performance
- Amazing camera quality
- Solid fps
- 46 minutes of flight time
Cons ❌
- Expensive
DJI Air 2S – best for kayaking
The DJI Air 2S, which was introduced at the beginning of 2021, is one of the tiniest and lightest drones available with a one-inch sensor, weighing in at an astounding 21oz. This is all extremely intriguing, but it doesn’t stop there.
With the capacity to capture videos at up to 5.4k resolution as well as 4K at up to 60 frames per second, this drone provides a significant level of quality to its user.
The DJI Air 2S is one of the most portable drones out there. With the folded size of 7.1 x 3 x 3.8in, you can easily take it with you without wasting any space, and the unfolded not being that bigger at 7.2 x 3 x 10in.
The unfolded size represents just the added length of the propeller arms being extended and the body of the drone remains the same size meaning it is very small, both folded and unfolded.
Operating the drone does not prove a challenge whatsoever. With its front, rear, top, and bottom obstacle sensors, you can feel safe and without stress while you operate the drone. These sensors use binocular zooming technology in order to spot as well as recognize objects that are further away in order to operate more effectively.
Additionally, there is APAS, also known as Advanced Pilot Assistance System, that allows you to set the drone to stop automatically or even fly around without any input necessary from you while avoiding obstacles, effectively allowing for a smooth flight so you can focus on kayaking.
Feature overview ✍️
- 5.4K resolution
- Advanced Pilot Assistance System
- Flight time of 31 minutes
Pros ✅
- Extremely light
- Easily carried
- Solid flight time
- Great camera
Cons ❌
- Fixed-size controller
DJI Mavic 2 Pro – best for kitesurfing
The DJI Mavic 2 Pro was the first consumer drone with a one-inch sensor and customizable aperture when it was released in late 2018. The Hasselblad L1D-20c camera that comes with the Mavic Pro 2 has a full-frame equivalent focal length of 28mm, ISO 100-12,800 for stills and ISO 100-6400 for video and a full-frame equivalent focal length of 28mm.
Adding to the camera’s remarkable capabilities, it has an aperture that can be adjusted from f/2.8 to f/11, which is ideal for managing exposure when taking both stills and video. However, this is especially beneficial for video since it allows you to make quick exposure adjustments without having to land the drone and replace the ND filter, which is necessary with drones with a fixed f/2.8 aperture.
These capabilities make the Mavic 2 Pro an attractive choice for everyone, especially for kitesurfing, as you can fully commit to it and enjoy it without any worries when it comes to the performance of your drone.
That being said, you do not have to be a professional drone pilot to use the Mavic 2 Pro, as the drone possesses GPS tracking, clever safety measures, collision avoidance, and geofencing, even inexperienced drone pilots can have an amazingly smooth flying experience.
Feature overview ✍️
- Video resolution up to 4K
- Frame rate up to 120fps
- Camera 20MP
- Battery 3850 mAh LiPo 4S
Pros ✅
- Amazing camera
- Solid flight time
- High resolution
- Good fps
Cons ❌
- On the pricey side
DJI Inspire 2 – best overall
The DJI Inspire drone brand was the first to offer a 4K camera, 360-degree spinning gimbal, and HD transmission system, all accessible via an app for easy control. What makes DJI Inspire special is that it is compatible with the Zenmuse X5 and Zenmuse X5R cameras.
Because of these cameras, the DJI Inspire 2 has earned a position among the finest and has become a fixture in the photography and filmmaking industries, making it an amazing overall drone.
The DJI Inspire has all-new image processing capabilities, allowing it to record up to 5.2k in Apple pores and cinema DNG raw. It also has quick acceleration and can go from zero to 50mph in around 5 seconds, with a peak speed of 58mph. This enables you to shoot videos of fast-moving objects with ease.
Thanks to a twin battery configuration, the DJI Inspire 2 can fly for up to 27 minutes with the X4S, giving you more time to snap photographs or record videos without the need for frequent battery recharging.
The DJI Inspire 2 is unaffected by cold weather since it includes self-healing technology that allows it to function in low temperatures without difficulty. It also features sensor redundancy and two orientations to assist avoid any obstructions that may be in its path. It also has a redesigned flight autonomy that was specifically created for the DJI 2 Inspire.
Feature overview ✍️
- Video resolution up to 6K in CinemaDNG, up to 5.2k in Apple ProRes
- Frame rates 5.2K 30fps, 4K up to 60fps.
- Camera 4/3 24MP
- Battery 6000mAh 2S LiPo with up to 27 minutes flight time
Pros ✅
- Can operate under low temperatures
- Great camera
- Amazing video quality
- Easy to use
Cons ❌
- Pricey
Parrot Anafi – best for surfing
Anafi is unquestionably one of the best drones for surfing on the market. Its 4K HDR camera is capable of capturing professional-grade aerial video. Anafi is a standout performance in the aerial photo/video segment because of its high resolution, excellent color reproduction, and smooth finish. Fortunately, Parrot didn’t skimp on the rest of the hardware.
It does not get simpler than this. If you are in need of a one-of-a-kind drone that is more than capable of doing the job, then look no further as you will find everything you need and more with the Parrot Anafi drone.
What makes it so distinctive is the design that resembles an insect and its cameras that can pan 180 degrees vertically. The drone has a flight time of 25 minutes which is enough time to capture some amazing shots and videos.
Feature overview ✍️
- 4K camera
- 2700mAh LiPo battery
- 2.4 mile range
Pros ✅
- Amazing camera
- Long range
- Solid flight time
Cons ❌
- No obstacle avoidance
DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0 – good option if you have a lot of room since it is not folding
Lastly, we have the DJI Phantom 4 Pro V2.0. If you already know a thing or two about drones, then there is no need to say that the phantom is one of the best out there. With the 20MP camera, you are assured of the best quality pictures and videos.
Additionally, it can record in 4K at 60 fps as well as 1080p at 60 fps. The camera is supported by a 3-axis mechanical gimbal providing stability in order to capture those perfect shots.
The flight time of the Phantom 4 Pro is 30 minutes, while the maximum distance is a whopping 4.3 miles, giving you all the freedom in operating the drone. In addition to all this, the drone comes with autonomous flight modes, making a pilot’s life extremely easy and without worries.
Feature overview ✍️
- 20MP camera 4K up to 60 fps
- 3-axis gimbal
- Intelligent flight modes
- Auto takeoff and landing
Pros ✅
- Solid flight time
- Simple to use
- Quality made
- Great features
Cons ❌
- Very large
Do you need a waterproof drone to film water sports?
When it comes to filming water sports, it is not necessary that you have a waterproof drone. That being said, it certainly helps to have a waterproof drone as you will eliminate unnecessary worries and can focus on what you need to do.
How to take off from a boat with a drone
Try to avoid metal surfaces as they can cause compass errors, keep your distance from the drone in case something goes wrong if you plan to take off the drone from your hand, and make sure that it is above your head to avoid injuries.
Lastly, get the drone in the air as fast as possible by starting the motors and pushing the throttle in the full-up position, so the drone achieves a high position fast.
How to fly a drone from a kayak
If you are alone, you will probably need to release the drone from your hand unless there is a wide flat area in front of you. When you are done filming, you will most likely need to air-grab the drone, this can prove quite a problem if your drone is too big, making it impossible to catch safely.
That being said, there are smaller drones that can be air-grabbed without any problems, so it is advised that you buy a smaller drone for this situation.
What Should I Look For When Buying The Best Drone for Boating?
There are a lot of things you need to look for and consider before you buy a drone for boating. You need to consider the following: weight, dimensions, camera, video and image resolution, internal storage, obstacle sensing, max flight time, wind resistance, max transmission range, and a couple of other things.
So, in general, you need to carefully consider many factors before you decide to buy yourself a drone for boating.
Why Would You Want a Drone for Sailing?
There are several reasons you might want a drone for sailing. One of the most common is that you can take amazing pictures and videos from the sky, which normally you would not be able to take without a drone. But, you never know, it might also prove quite useful where you least expect it.
