Drone Tenerife: Canary Islands from the Air

Tenerife from the air: coastlines, volcanic landscape and the Atlantic, shot in 2015 on the largest of the Canary Islands. An early VR-Copter project with DJI Phantom 2, Zenmuse H3-2D gimbal and GoPro HERO4 in 4K.

Project details

Location: Tenerife, Canary Islands (Spain)
Project: Landscape film Tenerife
Client / production: VR-Copter own production
Services: Aerial filming in 4K
Shoot date: 2015

Brief and execution

Tenerife packs extreme contrasts into a small space: black lava coasts, green valleys in the north, barren plateaus and the Atlantic all around. From the air these transitions become visible.

It was shot in 2015, before today’s EU drone rules. The project shows where VR-Copter comes from: compact gear, lots of experience with wind and light on islands – and an eye for the images that are now shot with cinema drones in 6K and 8K.

Equipment and permits

DJI Phantom 2 with Zenmuse H3-2D and GoPro HERO4, 4K.

Pilot and camera: Jochen Riehm.

FAQ

Can you fly a drone in Tenerife?

Yes, under EU rules and Spanish law (AESA). Around Tenerife North and South airports and in Teide National Park, restrictions or permit requirements apply. We check the zones before every shoot.

How do you deal with strong wind on islands?

With reserves: powerful drones, short flight times, take-off points in the lee and a plan B for the shoot day. On the Canaries, wind and clouds often change within an hour.

What does a drone shoot in the Canary Islands cost?

A shoot day with a drone crew starts at €1,300 net, with Inspire 3 and cinema setup from €2,400 net, and as a combined drone, FPV and car-to-car package from €3,900 net – each including pilot, equipment, insurance and permit coordination.