Hide Polykarpi

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A traditional Kastorian fishing boat, rebuilt as a floating photographic hide - drifting silently into the reedbeds of Polykarpi.

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From €130 per session

Polykarpi, Kastoria · Western Macedonia

HIDE POLYKARPI

A traditional Kastorian boat rebuilt as a floating hide

Polykarpi on the lake of Kastoria is primarily a winter and spring destination — though the hide's secret weapon is its narrow hull, cut from a traditional Kastorian fishing boat. It slips into the tightest corners of the lake, bringing you face-to-face with birds and other wildlife even through the summer months. 51 bird species have been photographed from the boat to date (April 2026).

After dark, the same boat becomes a night-filming platform. Otter, wildcat and wolf have all been recorded on video from the water — and on rare evenings, bear.

Capacity: 4 guests+ guide
Best season: Oct–Junewinter & spring
From the hide: 51 bird spp.+ 4 mammal spp.
Session: Dawn–dusknight filming

Target species

Pygmy Cormorant · Great White Egret · Night Heron · Common Kingfisher · Little Bittern · Great Crested Grebe · Ferruginous Duck · Water Rail · Bearded Tit · Penduline Tit · Bluethroat · Eurasian Otter · Wildcat · Wolf · Bear

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The vessel

A TRADITIONAL KASTORIAN FISHING BOAT, REBUILT AS A FLOATING PHOTOGRAPHIC HIDE - DRIFTING SILENTLY INTO THE REEDBEDS OF THE LAKE

"The Kastorian boat has been moving across this lake for two hundred years. The wildlife already knows its silhouette."

The hull is a Kastorian flat-bottomed lake boat — long, narrow, and designed for the shallow, silty waters along the reed beds. The deck was reinforced, a cabin for photographers was built and installed, and it was covered with waterproof canvas. Three windows were created on each side of the boat, covered with transparent camouflage fabric, while the floor was strengthened to withstand tripod use. The original bow and stern remained unchanged.

The boat can navigate even in very shallow water, allowing access to areas close to the reeds. The cabin comfortably accommodates four photographers, with fixed padded benches. An outboard motor is used for longer movements across the lake, while our guide is always ready to use the oars for any delicate maneuvers that may be required.

The boat can be used both as a floating hide and as a stationary hide, wherever conditions are suitable.

Two boats in one

BY DAY, A FLOATING HIDE.
BY NIGHT, A FILMING PLATFORM.

Dawn → dusk · photography

BY DAY

Eye-level work with waterbirds along the reed line.

We begin approximately 60 minutes before the first light of sunrise, navigating the boat to a carefully selected location where we remain quiet and ready. As soon as the first light appears, the photography session begins. The telephoto lens position is set quite low, almost at eye level with the subjects. Light conditions are always under our control, as the guide can reposition and rotate the boat at any time. During bright afternoons, we move into the shade.

Most visitors choose to stay for the entire day. However, the boat can also be used for half-day sessions. If you wish to remain on the boat for the whole day, please let us know in advance so we can arrange lunch and drinking water for you.

51 Bird species photographed
from the boat to date

After sunset · video

BY NIGHT

Thermal and infra-red work along the wooded shore.

The boat can also be used at night. In place of photographic cameras, thermal scopes and infrared video recording equipment take over. At night, the boat accommodates two visitors along with its operator. It is often used as a stationary hide, especially during nighttime sessions.

Surrounded by darkness, with the sounds of the night all around us and the anticipation of encountering one of the lake’s elusive creatures, the experience becomes truly magical. Wolves, otters, and wildcats are all possible sightings. Bears are rare, but they have been observed as well.

4 Mammal species filmed
after dark this season

Cast of the lake

WHAT YOU MAY MEET

A working list of species photographed or filmed from the boat.

Waterbirds

Cormorant Pygmy Cormorant Great crested Grebe Black-necked Grebe Dalmatian Pelican Great White Pelican Grey Heron Great White Egret Little Egret Purple Heron Night Heron Little Bittern Squacco Heron Glossy Ibis Eurasian Spoonbill Mute Swan Shelduck Gadwall Teal Pintail Garganey Shoveler Red-crested Pochard Pochard Ferruginous Duck Tufted Duck Goldeneye Goosander Water Rail Coot Common Moorhen

Others

White Stork Kingfisher Yellow-legged Gull Black-headed Gull Little Gull Sandwich Tern Common Tern Bluethroat Water Pipit Grey Wagtail Yellow Wagtail Cetti's Warbler Moustached Warbler Sedge Warbler Reed Warbler Great Reed Warbler Common Chiffchaff Bearded Tit Penduline Tit Great Tit Blue Tit Corn Bunting Reed Bunting Jay Magpie Hooded Crow

Raptors

Marsh Harrier Hen Harrier Common Buzzard Goshawk Sparrowhawk Kestrel

Mammals · night

Eurasian Otter European Wildcat Grey Wolf Brown Bear Red Fox European Badger Beech Marten Least Weasel

A typical day

WHAT YOUR DAY ON THE BOAT LOOKS LIKE

No surprises. We agree the plan the evening before, and follow the light from there.

Meeting point

One hour before sunrise, we meet at a prearranged location. While enjoying a morning coffee, you can discuss any questions and final details with our guide. The guide will then lead you to the point of interest, where our traditional boat is moored, well before the sun rises.

Settled in position

The boat is anchored bow-and-stern with the sun behind. Bitterns begin calling from the reedline. Kingfishers usually come to the prepared perch within the first half hour. Swans, ducks and herons will start to approach the boat as the sun rises. As the distances between the boat and the birds are often very close, you should also have a lens with fewer mm in your bag.

To leave or not to leave?

Depending on the program you have selected, our guide will meet you halfway through the day either to help you leave the boat and escort you back to the meeting point, or to take you on a boat ride across the beautiful Lake Kastoria so you can continue your photography session. The lake is also an excellent location for landscape photography!

Evening light

If you choose to stay in the boat, the afternoon light will reward you! The last hour before sunset is usually the best time of the day for wildlife portrait photography. Especially when you have a Common Kingfisher diving for fish in front of you, a Great Crested Grebe nest nearby, or a Western Marsh Harrier hunting for its last meal of the day!

Extra & optional

The boat can also be used as a hide for nighttime wildlife observation. After sunset, as darkness settles over the lake, mammals begin their movements along the shoreline—often passing very close to the boat. Using our specialized night-vision binoculars and spotting scopes, you can turn night into day and witness remarkable wildlife encounters that few people ever get to see. A truly unique and unforgettable experience!

WHAT IS INCLUDED

Professional Guiding & SupportA resident lake naturalist will accompany you throughout the entire session if you choose the boat-based photography experience. If you prefer to photograph independently, our guide will escort you from the meeting point to the hide boat, which will already be positioned in the optimal location, and will return later to pick you up.
Night Wildlife SessionFor guests who choose the night observation experience, our guide will escort you to the boat and help you get set up with the provided night-vision equipment, including binoculars and a spotting scope. During your stay, the guide will remain available to assist you remotely or in person whenever needed, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.
Breakfast & Refreshments A breakfast box and morning coffee are provided to help you make the most of the early hours, when wildlife activity and photography opportunities are at their peak.
Permits & lake feesAll required permits and lake access fees are included in the price of your trip.

OPTIONAL GEAR RENTAL

Canon lens EF 600mm/f4 L USM · €60 / day
Canon lens EF 70-200mm/f2.8 L ULTRASONIC · €40 / day
Canon body EOS7D Mark II · €30 / day
KENCO 1.4x Teleplus Pro300 · €10 / day
Canon body EOS7D Mark II · €30 / day

You forget you are in a boat. The reeds close behind you, the kingfisher comes to the perch, and the only sound is the shutter — and even that, the bittern doesn't seem to mind.

guest, March 2025

The practical

GETTING TO POLYKARPI

Polykarpi · Lake Kastoria

Nearest town: Kastoria · 8 km
restaurants, hospital, banking
Nearest airport: Kastoria Airport “Aristotelis” (KSO) - 10 km
Thessaloniki SKG · 215 km
By road: 2h 30min from Thessaloniki on the Egnatia A2 motorway
Lodging: There are many places to stay in the area. We recommend our partner “Orologopoulos Mansion”, Doltso, Kastoria”.
Mobility: The boat is accessible via a dirt path of approximately 80 meters. Please inform us of your mobility needs before booking.
Languages: Greek · English