Drone Rules for Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses
You can legally fly your drone at Lençóis Maranhenses National Park, as the airspace is fully open for responsible use. To ensure a safe and legal flight, you must register your drone with ANAC/ANATEL, request clearance via the SARPAS system, keep a safe distance from other tourists swimming in the lagoons, and strictl
⚠️ IMPORTANT NOTICE: Drone Operations Prohibited in Lençóis Maranhenses National Park
Drone flights are strictly prohibited within the boundaries of the Lençóis Maranhenses National Park. Operating unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs/drones) in this fragile ecosystem is illegal due to strict federal environmental laws and airspace safety regulations.
📜 Key Regulations and Authorities
- ICMBio Environmental Laws: The Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation (ICMBio) bans unauthorized drone use across the dunes and lagoons. The high-frequency noise from drone rotors causes severe stress to endemic wildlife and disrupts migratory bird species that use the lagoons as a resting and feeding sanctuary.
- DECEA Airspace Restrictions: The Department of Airspace Control (DECEA) restricts the airspace over the park. Since the area is a major hub for low-flying scenic tourist flights operating from nearby airfields (such as Barreirinhas), unauthorized drones create a catastrophic collision risk.
- ANAC RBAC-94: The National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC) rules explicitly forbid operating drones over crowds, which applies directly to the highly frequented tourist lagoons like Lagoa Azul and Lagoa do Peixe.
⚖️ Penalties for Violations
Failure to comply with these regulations will result in serious legal consequences:
- Immediate seizure and confiscation of the drone and memory cards by federal park rangers.
- Heavy environmental fines applied by ICMBio for disturbing a federal conservation unit.
- Criminal prosecution under the Brazilian Environmental Crimes Law (Law 9.605/98) and Article 261 of the Penal Code for endangering air transport safety.
🎥 Professional Media Permits
If you require authorization for professional filming, scientific research, or commercial purposes, you must:
- Apply for formal authorization at least 30 days in advance via the official ICMBio SISBIO system.
- Secure mandatory flight approval and registration via the DECEA SARPAS system.
Thank you for your cooperation in preserving this unique natural wonder and ensuring the safety of all visitors.