Most consumer drones available today aren’t waterproof. That includes major brands like DJI, Parrot, and Ryze. That means flying in the rain isn’t a great idea and accidentally landing in the water can result in instant death for the drone.
While drones are durable and can handle some adverse weather, they weren’t created for flying in the rain or getting dunked into a pool, for example. So the best policy for most drone owners is to stick to dry weather and keep their drones away from any bodies of water.
Is Rain Bad for a Drone?
Rain equals moisture and since drones aren’t generally waterproof, that moisture can seep into the electronics of the drone, causing irreparable damage. Drones should be able to withstand some water up to a small degree, but anyone who cares about their equipment would rather land their drone and head inside once the drops start falling.
Are There Waterproof Drones?
Yes, there are some water-resistant drones on the market, such as the Splash 3 by Swellpro as well as fully waterproof drones like the Parrot Hydrofoil MiniDrone and the PowerDolphin.
The difference between these two categories is that water-resistant drones can handle some light rain and snow without too much worry, while waterproof drones can be fully submerged into the water without getting damaged.
Why Do People Buy Waterproof Drones?
Waterproof drones aren’t all that popular as of yet, but they can be used for a wide range of applications. They can be used by first responders or photographers during heavy rain or other bad weather conditions, by people who would like to use them for underwater photography, or by drone pilots who want to get shots of water sports.
Right now, these drones are a tad more expensive due to not being as popular, so they likely won’t be a first option for the general drone owner.
Be careful when looking for a new drone to make sure it matches your needs. If you want a drone that can withstand some rain then a water-resistant drone should be fine. But if you plan on getting the drone submerged in water then make sure it’s waterproof.
Is there a drone that can land on water?
Yes, many of the drones that are marketed as waterproof are also capable of landing and even gliding on the water. Some of the Swellpro and many of the SplashDrone drones can land on/in the water without a problem.
Although landing them without a hitch and taking off again can be a little tricky, so be sure to practice in the pool or shallow waters first before attempting deep water. You don’t want to brave deep and choppy seas just to fish your expensive (and possibly sinking) drone out of the dark water.
Are Drones Prohibited Over Lakes and Seas?
It’s fine to fly over most lakes and the open sea isn’t technically under anyone’s jurisdiction. Even so, there can be issues when flying over water – such as when flying too close to an oil rig out at sea. So be sure to look up any laws or rules in the area you plan to fly in before setting off.
