We’re delighted to share that the first Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini photography holiday for January 2027 is now fully booked. Demand for this winter classic continues to be exceptionally strong, reflecting just how reliable & rewarding Lake Kerkini is for pelican photography.
Due to that demand, we’ve added a second set of dates: 12th – 16th January 2027, once again based at Lake Kerkini in northern Greece & led by Alison. Bookings are now open, & full details can be found here – Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini Photography Holiday
Why Lake Kerkini Continues to Deliver
Lake Kerkini remains one of Europe’s most dependable locations for photographing Dalmatian Pelicans, particularly in winter. The combination of predictable behaviour, calm water, & dramatic scenery creates opportunities that suit photographers working at every level.
Timed for mid-January, this four-night photography holiday includes three full days in the field, allowing us to work patiently with light, behaviour, & conditions as they unfold. A smooth transfer from Thessaloniki places you straight into the heart of the action during the peak winter period.
While the Dalmatian Pelican is very much the star of the show, Lake Kerkini’s rich wetland ecosystem supports a wide variety of additional birdlife, ensuring plenty of variety alongside our primary subject.
Throughout the trip, Alison provides experienced guidance in the field, offering practical, calm support that helps you refine technique, timing, & composition while staying focused on the birds & their behaviour.
A Photography Holiday Refined Over a Decade
We’ve been leading photography holidays to Lake Kerkini since 2014, working with the same local boatman from the very beginning. That long-standing relationship is central to the success of this trip, allowing for precise positioning on the water, respectful distances, & consistently strong photographic opportunities.
The itinerary is deliberately simple & photography-led, with time prioritised where it matters most: on the lake & at the shoreline.
Morning Boat Trips
Morning sessions focus on calm conditions & soft winter light. These early outings are ideal for photographing Dalmatian Pelicans gliding across still water, interacting socially, or lifting into flight against the backdrop of the surrounding mountains. Low angles, reflections, & clean backgrounds are a regular feature of these sessions.
Each outing is led jointly by Alison & experienced local guides, with careful attention paid to light direction, positioning, & ethical working distances.
Afternoon Boat Trips on the Southern Lake
Afternoons often explore the southern areas of Lake Kerkini, including Pelican Island. As the light softens later in the day, conditions become ideal for more atmospheric images, with backlighting, reflections, & subtle colour across the landscape.
These sessions provide further opportunities to photograph pelicans feeding, moving, & interacting, supported throughout by local knowledge & experienced guidance.
Shoreline Feeding Sessions
Shoreline feeding is one of Lake Kerkini’s defining photographic experiences. Pelicans gather along the water’s edge, allowing close, eye-level photography in a controlled & respectful setting. The birds’ familiarity with traditional fishing activity creates exceptional opportunities for portraits, behavioural images, & interaction shots that are difficult to replicate elsewhere in Europe.
About the Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini
The Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is the largest pelican species & among the heaviest flying birds in the world, with wingspans approaching four metres. In winter, adults display striking silver-white plumage &, as the breeding season approaches, vivid orange-red throat pouches.
Lake Kerkini has become one of the species’ most important wintering sites in Europe. Ongoing conservation work, including habitat protection & nesting support, has helped stabilise & increase local populations over recent decades.
Lake Kerkini regularly hosts two pelican species: Dalmatian Pelican & Great White Pelican, with the former being the primary & most reliable subject for visiting photographers.
Provisional Itinerary (12th – 16th January 2027)
- Day 1 – Assemble at Thessaloniki Airport, transfer to Kerkini, overnight in Kerkini
- Days 2-4 – Morning boat photography of Dalmatian Pelicans, afternoon shoreline sessions, overnight in Kerkini
- Day 5 – Transfer back to Thessaloniki Airport
As with all our wildlife photography holidays, this itinerary should be considered provisional & may be adjusted to reflect weather, light, & photographic opportunities.
Why This Is a Great Photography Holiday to Join Us On
- Morning & afternoon boat trips focused on Dalmatian Pelicans
- Iconic shoreline feeding sessions for close, eye-level photography
- A highly experienced local boatman we’ve worked with for many years
- Snow-capped mountains providing a striking natural backdrop
- Single-occupancy accommodation included at no extra cost
- Led by Alison, with experienced local support throughout
- Planned for January, the optimum time for photographing Dalmatian Pelicans in winter & early breeding plumage
With the first 2027 departure already full, places on the 12th – 16th January 2027 dates are expected to fill quickly. If Lake Kerkini has been on your wish list, this new departure offers an outstanding opportunity to experience one of Europe’s most celebrated winter wildlife photography destinations.
Photography Galleries from our Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini photography holidays
These galleries showcase imagery closely connected to the locations & experiences featured during our Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini photography holidays.
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