Cameras, Phones and Drones at Nude Beaches: The Rules
By Reto Pascal Wyss, NudistMap · Updated
The rule at every nude beach and naturist resort is the same: do not photograph other people. Landscape and selfie photos with nobody else in the frame are usually fine at public beaches and banned at most resorts, drones are banned almost everywhere, and in a growing number of countries photographing a nude person without consent is a criminal offence.
What is the photography rule?
Other people are never in your photos without their express consent. Not in the background, not far away, not "just the beach". This is the rule that makes nude beaches possible: people go because they trust that nothing follows them home. A camera pointed along the beach ends that trust, which is why regulars react fast and why resorts expel guests for one photo.
At public beaches a photo of the sea, the cliffs or yourself with nobody behind you is normal. At most resorts and clubs cameras and phone cameras are banned in all common areas, with designated photo spots or a club photographer for events. Read the rules at the gate.
Is it illegal to photograph people at a nude beach?
Increasingly yes. Germany made it an offence in 2021 to photograph a person's intimate areas without consent, and photographing an identifiable person in a situation that exposes them to view can breach personality rights; France's privacy law covers images of people in private settings and is used against beach photographers; Spain treats a nude image as intimate personal data; several US states and Canada have voyeurism statutes that apply where a person has a reasonable expectation of privacy, which courts have applied to upskirt and some beach cases. Where no statute applies, the land manager's rules do, and at designated beaches those usually ban photography of others.
Report photographers to the lifeguard, ranger or the beach users' association; many regulars will also ask the photographer to delete the images, and police attend when asked at designated beaches.
What about drones, selfies and GoPros?
Short answers:
- Drones: banned over people at nearly every beach by aviation rules alone, and specifically banned at naturist sites. A drone over a nude beach will be reported.
- Selfies: fine at a public beach with an empty background; usually banned at resorts outside your own room or pitch.
- Action cameras while swimming or surfing: point them at the water and accept that regulars will ask what you are doing.
- Children: never, not even your own, at a resort or on a public beach where others are in frame. Many families take their nude-beach photos at a private spot.
- Sharing: a photo you did take with consent for yourself is not consent to post it. Ask again.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take a selfie at a nude beach?
At a public beach, yes, if nobody else is in the frame. At most resorts, only in your own accommodation. Check for people behind you first.
What happens if someone photographs me?
Tell the lifeguard, ranger or nearby regulars; at designated beaches staff will intervene and police can be called. Depending on the country the photographer may have committed an offence. See safety at nude beaches.
Why are the photos on NudistMap all empty beaches?
Because we apply the same rule: our images show landscapes, signs and buildings with no identifiable people, and every image is checked before it is shown. See the content policy.
Are drones allowed at nude beaches?
No. Aviation rules ban flights over uninvolved people, and naturist beaches and resorts ban drones outright.