Drone Rules for Praia Do Português(Félix)
Open with Limitations (No Coordination Required up to 40 meters / 130 feet) Praia do Português (also known as Prainha do Félix) in Ubatuba, SP, is located within the open regulatory airspace under DECEA's ICA 100-40 framework. Drone operations are permitted without prior DECEA coordination.
Praia do Português is an ultra-compact, hidden paradise measuring only about 30 to 50 meters in length. Tucked away on the northern coast of Ubatuba, it is separated from the main Praia do Félix by a jagged rocky coastline and a natural wall of stones that acts as a barrier against the open ocean. When the tide is right, it forms a breathtaking, crystal-clear emerald pool shaded by coconut trees and native Atlantic Forest. Because this niche location sits entirely outside the restrictive flight corridors of any commercial airports, it falls under the standard 40-meter low-altitude operational framework.
However, its extreme physical constraints make piloting a drone here a highly technical exercise. Because the beach is incredibly narrow, even a small group of visitors will take up the entire strip of sand. Under ANAC regulations, you must maintain a horizontal safety buffer of 30 meters (100 feet) from any non-consenting individuals. During mid-day hours, finding a legal takeoff spot on the sand that maintains this distance is virtually impossible. Pilots should aim for early morning flights when the beach is empty. Additionally, the high rocky cliffs and dense tree canopy immediately framing the sand can cause sudden wind shear and heavily degrade GPS satellite signals, making strict visual line of sight (VLOS) and manual flight stabilization awareness critical.