Drone Rules for São Joaquim National Park
You can legally fly your drone at São Joaquim National Park, as the airspace is entirely open for responsible use. To ensure a legal and safe flight, you must register your drone with ANAC/ANATEL, request flight clearance via the SARPAS system, keep a safe distance from tourist viewpoints, and strictly avoid disturbing
The airspace over the magnificent São Joaquim National Park is open to responsible drone flight operations under strict eco-tourism and safety parameters. Located in the mountainous region of Santa Catarina, the park features deep canyons, Araucaria forests, and stunning geological formations. Since it experiences sudden weather shifts and shelters endangered wildlife, drone pilots must coordinate their flights to ensure safety and environmental preservation.
Regulatory Framework & Permissions: Drone operations are allowed for recreational and environmental capturing. Operators must have their equipment properly registered with ANAC and ANATEL, and all flights must strictly comply with DECEA regulations (ICA 100-40) for unmanned aircraft.
Flight Authorization & Coordination: Standard flights within open tourist zones do not require a specialized environmental permit, but you must submit your flight intent and obtain standard clearance through the SARPAS portal. For professional, commercial, or institutional media creation, you must apply for advance written authorization directly from the ICMBio park administration.
Geofencing & Flight Conditions: The park's coordinates are not blocked by permanent firmware-level Red Zones by major drone manufacturers, meaning your aircraft will unlock and take off normally. However, pilots must be extremely cautious of the local weather; the region is notorious for strong mountain wind gusts and rapid fog accumulation (viração), which can cause immediate loss of aircraft control.
Environmental Restrictions: To maintain your permission to fly, you must respect the park's fragile ecosystem. It is strictly forbidden to fly close to or harass local wildlife, especially birds nesting in the canyon cliffs. Additionally, drones must maintain a safe distance from tourist viewing decks—such as the Pedra Furada lookout—to protect visitor privacy and safety.
Legal Penalties: Operating a drone recklessly, disturbing wild animals, or flying without SARPAS clearance will lead to immediate flight termination by park rangers. Violations are subject to equipment confiscation, heavy administrative fines under Brazilian environmental laws, and prosecution under Article 261 of the Brazilian Penal Code for endangering airspace safety.