Wildlife Photo Tour to Kerkini, Greece for Dalmatian Pelicans - Private
Slow mornings, golden light, and pelicans at arm’s length. A photography escape designed entirely around you
Some places reward patience. Lake Kerkini is one of them.
Here, misty mornings melt into glass-smooth water, Dalmatian Pelicans drift past at eye level, and the only thing setting the pace is the light. Not the group, not the clock, not the bus schedule.
This private wildlife photo tour is built for photographers who want time, space, and comfort. From 3 days / 2 nights up to 5 days / 4 nights, everything is flexible and personal: private transfers, private boats, private shore sessions, and complete freedom to follow the best moments as they happen.
No rush. No crowds. Just you, your camera, and one of Europe’s most iconic bird photography locations.
Availability:
January and February
Tour Length & Flexibility
This private experience can be tailored to your rhythm and goals:
- 3 days / 2 nights — perfect for a focused pelican shoot and a quick photographic recharge
- 4 days / 3 nights — the sweet spot: balanced pace, multiple sessions, time to breathe and experiment
- 5 days / 4 nights — ultimate comfort and creativity, with extra sessions, rest time, and more chances for special light and behavior
Who This Tour Is For
- Wildlife photographers who value time and comfort as much as results
- Beginners wanting unforgettable close encounters
- Experienced photographers chasing refined compositions and behavior
- Anyone who believes photography works best when nothing is rushed
The price of this tour is:
| No of pers / No of days | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Single suppl. |
| 3d/2n | 2500 | 1200 | 900 | 800 | 700 | 650 | 100 |
| 4d/3n | 3300 | 1700 | 1300 | 1050 | 950 | 850 | 150 |
| 5d/4n | 4000 | 2200 | 1700 | 1300 | 1200 | 1050 | 200 |
| 3d/2n | 4 photo sessions | ||||||
| 4d/3n | 6 photo sessions | ||||||
| 5d/4n | 8 photo sessions | ||||||
Booking request form
- Please fill the form for a booking request. One of our agents will process your request and answer to you (usually in less then 24h). Please check also the SPAM folder for your email.
- Bookings can be done until November 01, of the previous year.
- Bookings are based on a 30% deposit.
Included in this price:
- ENGLISH guidance – specialized photographer guide (during the tour);
- Photography sessions according to the table;
- Accommodation in 3* level local guesthouse (private bathroom);
- Brunches and dinners (see Itinerary);
- Transport from/to Thessaloniki and during the tour.
Additional costs:
- for 1,3 or 5 persons group, a single room is included;
- if you request more single rooms, please see the cost in the table.
The price does not include:
- Drinks;
- Other meals then described as included;
- Insurance of any kind (travel, goods, etc.);
- Flights fare;
- Personal expenses.
Children policy:
- Minimum age to participate is 12;
- Children over 12 years are charged as adults;
- Responsibility of children’s supervision during trips belong to parents.
Cancellation policy:
- More then 90 days before the program you can postpone the trip (you will receive a voucher available 2 years);
- Less then 90 days before the trip, the deposit is non refundable.
Itinerary
4d/3n example, think of it as a framework, not a cage. We adapt daily based on weather, light, and bird activity.
Day 1 – Arrival & first encounter
- Private pickup from Thessaloniki Airport or city (latest at 13:00)
- Transfer to Lake Kerkini
- Check-in, short briefing, and gear discussion
- Afternoon private boat session: first intimate encounters with Dalmatian Pelicans, perfect for portraits and environmental shots
- Greek dinner
Day 2 – Full pelican immersion
- Early-morning private boat session
- Soft light, calm water, pelicans feeding and interacting close to the boat
- Brunch and rest, back at the accommodation
- Optional light walk or downtime (because good photos also need good coffee)
- Late-afternoon shore session
- Pelicans flying, preening, and crossing dramatic mountain backdrops under warm light
- Greek dinner
Day 3 – Refine, repeat, perfect
- Morning boat session – revisit the best behaviors, refine compositions, work on flight or close portraits
- Relaxed midday break
- Afternoon shore or boat session, depending on conditions and your photographic priorities
- Wide shots, reflections, silhouettes, or minimalist compositions
IF: you consider you have enough Pelicans pictures, we can visit a stone quarry for different species of birds (Blue Rock Thrush, Western Rock Nuthatch etc).
Day 4 – Final light & farewell
- Optional sunrise session for last chances and personal favorites
- Breakfast, checkout
- Private transfer back to Thessaloniki or onward to your next destination
Photo gear and personal gear
- Camera, lenses for boat sessions, from 10 to 50 mm for wide shots and 70-200 for close-up or flight shots. Tele lenses for the rest of the birds and shore sessions, memory cards and batteries. Waterproof bags for sensitive gear.
- Proper clothes to the season/area. Please bring clothes in colors close to rocks (brown, sand, khaki, dark green), avoid ANY other colors.
Conservation Efforts
The Dalmatian Pelicans at Lake Kerkini face unique challenges, especially in winter. Due to the fish staying in deep water, pelicans struggle to catch food on their own. Conservationists and local communities provide supplemental feeding during this time to ensure their survival.
By participating in this tour, you contribute to awareness and support for these incredible birds and their ecosystem.
Destination
Kerkini Lake, North Greece.
35m altitude, artificial lake.
Climate
Winter temperature vary from -5 to +15 Celsius degrees.
On water
Boat activity, please make sure all your gear is proper protected.
Warnings
Morning can be chill, please bring proper clothes and footwear.
Contact
Email: office@ilgotours.com
Phone: (Voice, SMS, WatsApp):
+40 740 357 073
* For bookings or requests, we always prefer to communicate by email. Thank you!
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Booking request form
Please fill the form below for a booking request. One of our agents will process your request and answer to you (usually in less then 24h). Please check also the SPAM folder for our email.