Waterproof flying drone
Can you really land a drone on the sea and take off again without damaging it? With a properly designed waterproof drone, the answer is yes! And for sailors, this opens up some amazing possibilities for aerial photography, filming and even fishing.
In this episode of The Low Cost Sailor, we head offshore into the beautiful Bay of Biscay, on the northern coast of Spain, in search of Atlantic bonito (tuna). But things don’t go quite as planned. Between mysterious fishing curses, spectacular sailing conditions and plenty of laughs, we end up fishing something rather different out of the sea: our flying drone!
Luckily, we’re flying the SwellPro Spry+, an amphibious drone designed to float, land on water and take off again. And that’s exactly what makes this little machine so interesting for sailing enthusiasts.
Watch the Video: Sailing, Tuna Fishing and a Waterproof Drone
Why Waterproof Drones Are So Useful for Sailing
Flying a conventional drone from a sailboat can be stressful. Unlike flying from solid ground, you’re dealing with a moving platform, waves, wind, rigging and very limited space for takeoff and landing.
And there’s another problem: if a conventional drone falls into salt water, the consequences can be expensive.
A waterproof flying drone designed for marine use can make things considerably easier. Depending on the model, these drones offer several advantages:
- Water landings: some models can land directly on the sea and remain afloat.
- Water takeoff: suitable models can launch again from the water’s surface.
- Water-resistant construction: helps protect the drone from splashes and accidental immersion.
- Easier recovery: a floating drone is much easier to locate and retrieve than one that sinks.
- Marine photography: aerial footage offers a completely different perspective of your boat and surroundings.
Of course, not every waterproof drone can take off from water. Some are merely splash-resistant, while others are specifically designed for amphibious operation. Always check the manufacturer’s specifications before attempting a water landing.
The SwellPro Spry+: Our Original Waterproof Flying Drone
The drone featured in our video is the SwellPro Spry+, a compact waterproof quadcopter that was an especially interesting option for recreational sailors.
Unlike most conventional camera drones, the Spry+ was designed to operate around water. It could float, land on the sea and take off again, making it particularly appealing for filming from a boat.
As you’ll discover in the video, these capabilities are not just theoretical. Our drone ends up in the water, and we get to experience the practical advantages of having a flying camera that doesn’t immediately sink!
Important 2026 update: The SwellPro Spry+ featured in this older video has been discontinued. Fortunately, there are newer alternatives available for sailors and water sports enthusiasts.
Best Alternatives to the SwellPro Spry+ in 2026
If you’re looking for a waterproof drone for sailing, kayaking, fishing or filming from a boat, here are three interesting alternatives worth considering. They have different capabilities and price ranges, so the best choice depends on what you want to do.
1. HOVERAir AQUA: A Floating Camera Drone with Automatic Tracking
The HOVERAir AQUA takes an interesting approach to filming water sports. Instead of concentrating on traditional manual piloting, it offers automatic subject tracking, making it appealing to sailors who want to record themselves without constantly operating a remote controller.
This compact 4K camera drone is designed to float and operate from the water, combining water takeoff and landing capabilities with intelligent filming features.
For solo sailors, kayakers and other water sports enthusiasts, automatic tracking could be particularly useful. However, always check how the tracking system performs with moving boats, changing backgrounds and different sea conditions.
👉 Discover the HOVERAir AQUA on the official website
2. SwellPro SplashDrone 4+: A More Advanced Marine Drone
The SwellPro SplashDrone 4+ is a larger and more advanced waterproof drone designed for marine applications.
Its waterproof construction, flotation capabilities and marine-oriented features make it an interesting option for more demanding aerial photography and filming over water.
It’s a different category of drone from our original Spry+, with a higher price and a more substantial setup.
👉 Explore SwellPro’s waterproof drone range
3. SwellPro Fisherman FD3: A Waterproof Drone for Fishing
If you’re more interested in fishing than filming, the SwellPro Fisherman FD3 offers another approach.
Designed for drone fishing, it combines waterproof construction and water takeoff capabilities with features such as bait delivery. A camera-equipped version is also available.
For anglers who want to explore new fishing techniques, it’s an interesting alternative, although it is not necessarily the most practical choice for casual sailing videos.
👉 See the SwellPro Fisherman FD3
Note: Product availability, specifications and prices can change. Check the manufacturer’s latest information before purchasing. The alternatives listed here are not necessarily products we have personally tested.
Tips for Flying a Drone from a Sailboat
Even with a waterproof drone, flying from a sailboat presents some unique challenges. Here are a few practical considerations:
- Check the wind: conditions at mast height may be very different from those at deck level.
- Plan your recovery: even a floating drone can drift away quickly in wind and current.
- Keep clear of rigging: sails, shrouds and stays create obstacles that don’t exist when flying from land.
- Understand return-to-home: a drone returning to its original GPS coordinates may be a problem if your boat has moved.
- Watch battery levels: always allow a generous safety margin for recovering the drone.
- Check local regulations: drone operation at sea is still subject to applicable aviation and airspace rules.
- Rinse and maintain carefully: follow the manufacturer’s instructions after exposure to salt water.
Our 360° Camera: Another Great Tool for Sailing Videos
Another interesting piece of equipment we use for our videos is a 360-degree action camera. It allows us to capture unusual perspectives and experiment with different camera angles when filming our sailing adventures.
Combining a 360° camera with a drone can produce some spectacular footage, although additional payloads should only be fitted when the drone’s specifications and safe operating limits permit them.
Tuna Fishing in the Bay of Biscay: Our Budget Fishing Gear
Of course, this episode isn’t just about drones. We’re also out sailing and trying to catch Atlantic bonito in the Bay of Biscay.
Now, we certainly don’t claim to be expert fishermen. In fact, if you watch the video, you’ll understand why we sometimes wonder whether our fishing adventures are cursed!
But we do enjoy trying, and we don’t believe you need to spend a fortune on fishing equipment to have fun aboard.
Affordable Fishing Lures
One of our surprisingly successful purchases was an inexpensive fishing lure from China. Sometimes the cheapest equipment produces the biggest surprises!
🎣 Budget fishing lure on AliExpress
We also use other lures when targeting bonito and similar fish.
🎣 Fishing lure for bonito on Amazon
Affordable Fishing Rods for Sailing
For occasional fishing from our sailboat, we prefer affordable and practical fishing rods. We’re not professional anglers, and our philosophy is simple: spend less, enjoy more!
🎣 See the affordable fishing rods we use
A Beautiful Sailing Adventure… with a Few Surprises!
Beyond the fishing equipment and waterproof drone technology, this episode is really about enjoying a day at sea.
There are beautiful views of the Cantabrian coast, open-water sailing, a few unexpected moments and our usual sense of humour.
And if our mysterious fishing curse continues, perhaps the drone will be the only thing we manage to catch!
Watch the full adventure above, and tell us in the comments: Would you dare to land your drone directly on the sea?
Special Thanks to Our Sailing Friends
A big thank you to the sailing creators and friends who appear in this episode:
- Ángel Viana — Bahía las Islas
- Jorge — Sailor Yorch
- Tomás Ruiz — Navegar a Vela
- Sergi — Bricolaje Náutico
- Paula — Allende los Mares
- Pedro — Alegría Marineros
If you’re interested in more ambitious sailing adventures, you can also explore Allende los Mares’ Antarctic sailing expeditions.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waterproof Drones
Can a drone land on water?
Yes, but only certain drones are specifically designed for water landings. Models such as the SwellPro Spry+ and newer marine drones feature waterproof construction and flotation systems. Ordinary camera drones should not be landed on water.
Can a waterproof drone take off from the sea?
Some waterproof drones can take off directly from the water’s surface, provided the conditions are within the manufacturer’s operating limits. Water takeoff capability should never be assumed simply because a drone is advertised as waterproof.
What is the best drone for filming from a sailboat?
It depends on your priorities. Compact drones with automatic tracking can be convenient for hands-free filming, while larger waterproof marine drones may offer more specialised capabilities. Consider water landing, moving-boat tracking, wind resistance, camera quality and ease of recovery.
Is the SwellPro Spry+ still available?
The original SwellPro Spry+ shown in our video has been discontinued. If you’re looking for a new waterproof flying drone, explore the newer alternatives described above.
More Sailing Adventures and DIY Projects
At The Low Cost Sailor, we share affordable boating ideas, sailing adventures, DIY projects and practical equipment reviews to help you enjoy life on the water without spending a fortune.
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