Join us for an immersive winter photography experience focused on the Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini, one of Europe’s most reliable & rewarding pelican photography destinations. Led by Alison, this four-night photography holiday takes place in Kerkini, Northern Greece, with three full days dedicated to photographing Dalmatian Pelicans on one of the most important wetlands in Europe.
Timed for 12th – 16th January 2027, the itinerary includes a smooth transfer from Thessaloniki to Lake Kerkini, placing you directly into the heart of the action during the peak winter period for pelican photography. The focus throughout is on time in the field, working patiently with light, behaviour, & conditions as they unfold.
While this photography holiday is centred on the Dalmatian Pelican, Lake Kerkini’s rich wetland ecosystem also supports a wide variety of additional birdlife, offering further photographic opportunities alongside our primary subject.
Throughout the trip, Alison will provide experienced guidance in the field, offering practical photographic support & helping you refine technique while working with pelicans against the striking backdrop of the lake & surrounding snow-dusted mountains.
We have been leading photography holidays to Lake Kerkini since 2014, working with the same local boatman from the very beginning. This long-standing relationship ensures precise positioning, respectful distances, & consistently strong photographic opportunities.
Morning Boat Trips
Morning boat trips on Lake Kerkini are carefully arranged for photographers, taking advantage of calm water, soft winter light, & predictable pelican behaviour. These early sessions are ideal for capturing clean, low-angle images of Dalmatian Pelicans gliding across still water, interacting socially, or lifting into flight against the mountain backdrop.
Led jointly by experienced local guides & Alison, each outing prioritises positioning, light direction, & ethical working distances, allowing you to focus fully on composition & timing.
Afternoon Boat Trips on the Southern Lake
Afternoon sessions typically explore the southern areas of Lake Kerkini, including Pelican Island. As the light softens & warms later in the day, conditions often become ideal for more atmospheric images, with reflections, backlighting, & subtle colour in the surrounding landscape.
These outings provide further opportunities to work closely with Dalmatian Pelicans as they move, feed, & interact on the lake, supported throughout by experienced guidance & local knowledge.
Shoreline Feeds
Shoreline feeding sessions are one of the defining photographic experiences of Lake Kerkini. Here, Dalmatian Pelicans gather in numbers 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 behavioural images, portraits, & interaction shots.
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 reaching up to four metres. Adults display striking silver-white plumage &, during the breeding season, vivid orange-red throat pouches.
The species favours shallow lakes & wetlands, & Lake Kerkini has become one of its most important wintering sites in Europe. Conservation efforts across the region, including habitat protection & nesting support, have helped stabilise & increase local populations in recent decades.
How many pelican species can be seen on Lake Kerkini?
Lake Kerkini regularly hosts two pelican species: the Dalmatian Pelican & the Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus). On rare occasions, additional species such as Pink-backed Pelican have been recorded, but the Dalmatian Pelicans of Lake Kerkini remain the primary & most reliable subject for visiting photographers.
Encounters with these species sit comfortably within the NaturesLens winter photography portfolio, representing the unique photographic rewards that winter conditions can offer. Browse additional cold-season departures on our winter wildlife photography tours page.
