{"id":229311,"date":"2026-05-12T17:13:24","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T17:13:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/?page_id=229311"},"modified":"2026-06-20T19:24:43","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T19:24:43","slug":"hide-polykarpi","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/hide-polykarpi\/","title":{"rendered":"\u039a\u03b1\u03c4\u03b1\u03c6\u03cd\u03b3\u03b9\u03bf \u03a0\u03bf\u03bb\u03c5\u03ba\u03ac\u03c1\u03c0\u03b7"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"et_pb_section_0 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-tours-hero\" id=\"polykarpi-hero\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_0 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_0 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_0 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-hero-crumb preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>Home \u00b7 Hides \u00b7 Lake Kastoria<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_1 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-hero-title preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><h2>Hide Polykarpi<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_2 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-hero-lede preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>A traditional Kastorian fishing boat, rebuilt as a floating photographic hide - drifting silently into the reedbeds of Polykarpis.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_1 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-subnav\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_1 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_1 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_0 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-subnav-inn\">\n  <span class=\"we-subnav-which\"><b>Hide 01 of 02<\/b> \u00b7 Active hides<\/span>\n  <ul class=\"we-subnav-links\">\n    <li><a href=\"#about\">About the hide<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#species\">Species<\/a><\/li>\n    <li><a href=\"#day\">A day inside<\/a><\/li>\n   \n    <li><a href=\"#reserve\">Reserve<\/a><\/li>\n  <\/ul>\n  <span class=\"we-subnav-price\">From <b>\u20ac130 <\/b> per session<\/span>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_2 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-overview\" id=\"About-the-hide\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_2 et_pb_row et_flex_row we-hide, we-no-gap\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_2 et_pb_column et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_1 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-hide-mosaic\">\n  <div class=\"we-ph tall\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_20231103_065912-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Hide Kastorias on Lake Kastoria\" style=\"object-position: 25%\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"we-ph\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/kingfisher.png\" alt=\"Kingfisher at Lake Kastoria\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"we-ph\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0F1A3655_filtered-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Hide Kastorias exterior\">\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"we-ph\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0F1A0307-1_filtered-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Description 4\" style=\"object-position:35%\">\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-ph tall\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/0F1A6245-1_filtered-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Description 5\" style=\"object-position:75%\">\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-ph\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/IMG_20220928_082033-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Description 6\" style=\"object-position:20%\">\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_3 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_12_24 et_flex_column_12_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_2 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-hide-copy\">\n  <span class=\"we-hide-loc\">Polykarpi, Kastoria \u00b7 Western Macedonia<\/span>\n  <h3>HIDE POLYKARPI<\/h3>\n  <span class=\"we-hide-sub\">A traditional Kastorian boat rebuilt as a floating hide<\/span>\n  <p>Polykarpis on the lake of Kastoria is primarily a winter and spring destination \u2014 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).<\/p>\n  <p>After dark, the same boat becomes a night-filming platform. Otter, wildcat and wolf have all been recorded on video from the water \u2014 and on rare evenings, bear.<\/p>\n  <dl class=\"we-hide-specs\">\n    <div><dt>Capacity<\/dt><dd>4 guests<small>+ guide<\/small><\/dd><\/div>\n    <div><dt>Best season<\/dt><dd>Oct\u2013June<small>winter &amp; spring<\/small><\/dd><\/div>\n    <div><dt>From the hide<\/dt><dd>51 bird spp.<small>+ 4 mammal spp.<\/small><\/dd><\/div>\n    <div><dt>Session<\/dt><dd>Dawn\u2013dusk<small>night filming<\/small><\/dd><\/div>\n  <\/dl>\n  <span class=\"we-hide-species-label\">Target species<\/span>\n  <p class=\"we-hide-species\">Pygmy Cormorant \u00b7 Great White Egret \u00b7 Night Heron \u00b7 Common Kingfisher \u00b7 Little Bittern \u00b7 Great Crested Grebe \u00b7 Eurasian Otter \u00b7 Wildcat \u00b7 Wolf \u00b7 Bear<\/p>\n  <div class=\"we-hide-actions\">\n    <a href=\"\/product\/hide-kastorias\/\" class=\"btn-primary\">book the hide<\/a>\n    <a href=\"\/contact\" class=\"btn-secondary\">Ask us anything<\/a>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_3 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-vessel\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_3 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_4 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_3 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-vessel-grid\">\n\n  <div class=\"we-vessel-ph\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/DJI_0088-scaled.webp\" alt=\"The hide nestled in the reeds\" style=\"object-position: 15%;\">\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-vessel-copy\">\n    <span class=\"we-vessel-num\">The vessel<\/span>\n    <h2>A TRADITIONAL FISHING BOAT, REBUILT<\/h2>\n    <p class=\"we-vessel-pull\" style=\"font-size:17px\">\"The Kastorian boat has been moving across this lake for two hundred years. The wildlife already knows its silhouette.\"<\/p>\n    <p>The hull is a Kastorian flat-bottomed lake boat \u2014 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.\n    <\/p>\n    <p>\nThe 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.\n    <\/p><p>\nThe boat can be used both as a floating hide and as a stationary hide, wherever conditions are suitable.\n<\/p>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_4 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-modes\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_4 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_5 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_3 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-h2 preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span class=\"we-chapter-num\">Two boats in one<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>BY DAY, A FLOATING HIDE.<br \/>BY NIGHT, A FILMING PLATFORM.<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_5 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_6 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_4 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-modes-grid\">\n\n  <div class=\"we-mode we-mode-day\">\n    <span class=\"we-mode-when\">Dawn \u2192 dusk \u00b7 photography<\/span>\n    <h3>BY DAY<\/h3>\n    <p class=\"we-mode-lede\" style=\"font-size:16px;\">Eye-level work with waterbirds along the reed line.<\/p>\n    <p>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.\n<\/p>\n    <p>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.<\/p>\n    <div class=\"we-mode-stat\">\n      <em>51<\/em>\n      <span>Bird species photographed<br>from the boat to date<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-mode we-mode-night\">\n    <span class=\"we-mode-when\">After sunset \u00b7 video<\/span>\n    <h3>BY NIGHT<\/h3>\n    <p class=\"we-mode-lede\" style=\"font-size:16px\">Thermal and infra-red work along the wooded shore.<\/p>\n    <p>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.\n<\/p>\n    <p>Surrounded by darkness, with the sounds of the night all around us and the anticipation of encountering one of the lake\u2019s 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.\n    <\/p>\n    <div class=\"we-mode-stat\">\n      <em>4<\/em>\n      <span>Mammal species filmed<br>after dark this season<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_5 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-species\" id=\"species\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_6 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_7 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_4 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-h2 preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span class=\"we-chapter-num\">Cast of the lake<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>WHAT YOU MAY MEET<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_5 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-note preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>A working list of species photographed or filmed from the boat. <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_7 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_8 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_5 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-species\">\n  <div class=\"grid\">\n    <div class=\"col we-sp-collapsible\">\n      <h4>Waterbirds <\/h4>\n      <input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"sp-more-water\" class=\"we-sp-toggle\">\n      <div class=\"names two\">\n        <span>Cormorant<\/span>\n        <span>Pygmy Cormorant<\/span>\n        <span>Great crested Grebe<\/span>\n        <span>Black-necked Grebe<\/span>\n        <span>Dalmatian Pelican<\/span>\n        <span>Great White Pelican<\/span>\n        <span>Grey Heron<\/span>\n        <span>Great White Egret<\/span>\n        <span>Little Egret<\/span>\n        <span>Purple Heron<\/span>\n        <span>Night Heron<\/span>\n        <span>Little Bittern<\/span>\n        <span>Squacco Heron<\/span>\n        <span>Glossy Ibis<\/span>\n        <span>Eurasian Spoonbill<\/span>\n        <span>Mute Swan<\/span>\n        <span>Shelduck<\/span>\n        <span>Gadwall<\/span>\n        <span>Teal<\/span>\n        <span>Pintail<\/span>\n        <span>Garganey<\/span>\n        <span>Shoveler<\/span>\n        <span>Red-crested Pochard<\/span>\n        <span>Pochard<\/span>\n        <span>Ferruginous Duck<\/span>\n        <span>Tufted Duck<\/span>\n        <span>Goldeneye<\/span>\n        <span>Goosander<\/span>\n        <span>Water Rail<\/span>\n        <span>Coot<\/span>\n        <span>Common Moorhen<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <label for=\"sp-more-water\" class=\"we-sp-more\"><\/label>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col we-sp-collapsible\">\n      <h4>Others<\/h4>\n      <input type=\"checkbox\" id=\"sp-more-others\" class=\"we-sp-toggle\">\n      <div class=\"names two\">\n        <span>White Stork<\/span>\n        <span>Kingfisher<\/span>\n        <span>Yellow-legged Gull<\/span>\n        <span>Black-headed Gull<\/span>\n        <span>Little Gull<\/span>\n        <span>Sandwich Tern<\/span>\n        <span>Common Tern<\/span>\n        <span>Bluethroat<\/span>\n        <span>Water Pipit<\/span>\n        <span>Grey Wagtail<\/span>\n        <span>Yellow Wagtail<\/span>\n        <span>Cetti's Warbler<\/span>\n        <span>Moustached Warbler<\/span>\n        <span>Sedge Warbler<\/span>\n        <span>Reed Warbler<\/span>\n        <span>Great Reed Warbler<\/span>\n        <span>Common Chiffchaff<\/span>\n        <span>Bearded Tit<\/span>\n        <span>Penduline Tit<\/span>\n        <span>Great Tit<\/span>\n        <span>Blue Tit<\/span>\n        <span>Corn Bunting<\/span>\n        <span>Reed Bunting<\/span>\n        <span>Jay<\/span>\n        <span>Magpie<\/span>\n        <span>Hooded Crow<\/span>\n      <\/div>\n      <label for=\"sp-more-others\" class=\"we-sp-more\"><\/label>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"col narrow\">\n      <div class=\"sub\">\n        <h4>Raptors <\/h4>\n        <div class=\"names\">\n          <span>Marsh Harrier<\/span>\n          <span>Hen Harrier<\/span>\n          <span>Common Buzzard<\/span>\n          <span>Goshawk<\/span>\n          <span>Sparrowhawk<\/span>\n          <span>Kestrel<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n      <div class=\"sub\">\n        <h4>Mammals \u00b7 night<\/h4>\n        <div class=\"names\">\n          <span>Eurasian Otter<\/span>\n          <span>European Wildcat<\/span>\n          <span>Grey Wolf<\/span>\n          <span>Brown Bear<\/span>\n          <span>Red Fox<\/span>\n          <span>European Badger<\/span>\n          <span>Beech Marten<\/span>\n          <span>Least Weasel<\/span>\n        <\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_6 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-timeline\" id=\"day\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_8 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_9 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_6 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-h2 preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span class=\"we-chapter-num\">A typical day<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>WHAT YOUR DAY ON THE BOAT LOOKS LIKE<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_7 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-note preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p>No surprises. We agree the plan the evening before, and follow the light from there.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_9 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_10 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_6 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-tl-lines\">\n\n  <div class=\"we-tl-row\">\n    <div class=\"we-tl-when\"><small><\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"we-tl-what\">\n      <h4>Meeting point<\/h4>\n      <p>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.\n<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-tl-row\">\n    <div class=\"we-tl-when\"><small><\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"we-tl-what\">\n      <h4>Settled in position<\/h4>\n      <p>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.<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-tl-row\">\n    <div class=\"we-tl-when\"><small><\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"we-tl-what\">\n      <h4>To leave or not to leave?<\/h4>\n      <p>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!\n<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-tl-row\">\n    <div class=\"we-tl-when\"><small><\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"we-tl-what\">\n      <h4>Evening light<\/h4>\n      <p>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!\n<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  \n\n  <div class=\"we-tl-row\">\n    <div class=\"we-tl-when\"><small><\/small><\/div>\n    <div class=\"we-tl-what\">\n      <h4>Extra & optional<\/h4>\n      <p>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\u2014often 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!\n<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_7 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-inclusions\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_10 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_11 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_7 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-inc-grid\">\n\n  <div class=\"we-inc-yes\">\n    <h3>WHAT IS INCLUDED<\/h3>\n    <ul>\n      <li><b>Professional Guiding & Support<\/b><small>A 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.\n<\/small><\/li>\n      <li><b>Night Wildlife Session<\/b><small>For 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.<\/small><\/li>\n      <li><b>Breakfast & Refreshments<\/b><small> 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.<\/small><\/li>\n     \n      <li><b>Permits &amp; lake fees<\/b><small>All required permits and lake access fees are included in the price of your trip.<\/small><\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-inc-gear\">\n    <h3>OPTIONAL GEAR RENTAL<\/h3>\n    <ul>\n      <li><b>Canon lens EF 600mm\/f4 L USM <\/b><small> \u00b7 \u20ac60 \/ day<\/small><\/li>\n      <li><b>Canon lens EF 70-200mm\/f2.8 L ULTRASONIC <\/b><small> \u00b7 \u20ac40 \/ day<\/small><\/li>\n      <li><b>Canon body EOS7D Mark II<\/b><small> \u00b7 \u20ac30 \/ day<\/small><\/li>\n      \n  <li><b>KENCO 1.4x Teleplus Pro300<\/b><small> \u00b7 \u20ac10 \/ day<\/small><\/li>\n      <li><b>Canon body EOS7D Mark II<\/b><small> \u00b7 \u20ac30 \/ day<\/small><\/li>\n      \n    <\/ul>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_8 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-quote\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_11 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_12 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_8 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><blockquote class=\"we-quote-block\">\n  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 \u2014 and even that, the bittern doesn't seem to mind.\n<\/blockquote>\n<span class=\"we-quote-who\">guest, March 2025<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_9 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-practical\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_12 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_13 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_8 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-h2 preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span class=\"we-chapter-num\">The practical<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>GETTING TO POLYKARPIS<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_13 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_14 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_9 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-prac-grid\">\n\n  <div class=\"we-prac-map\" style=\"background-image:url('https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/mountains.png')\" aria-label=\"Map of Lake Kastoria\">\n    <div class=\"we-prac-pin\">\n      <span class=\"we-prac-pin-label\">Polykarpis \u00b7 Lake Kastoria<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <div class=\"we-prac-info\">\n    <dl>\n      <div><dt>Nearest town<\/dt><dd>Kastoria \u00b7 8 km<br><small>restaurants, hospital, banking<\/small><\/dd><\/div>\n      <div><dt>Nearest airport<\/dt>\n<dd>Kastoria Airport \u201cAristotelis\u201d  (KSO) - 10 km <br\/>\n  Thessaloniki SKG \u00b7 215 km<\/dd>\n      <\/div>\n      <div><dt>By road<\/dt><dd>2h 30min from Thessaloniki on the Egnatia A2 motorway<\/dd><\/div>\n      <div><dt>Lodging<\/dt><dd>There are many places to stay in the area. We recommend our partner \u201cOrologopoulos Mansion\u201d, Doltso, Kastoria\u201d.<\/dd><\/div>\n      <div><dt>Mobility<\/dt><dd>The boat is accessible via a dirt path of approximately 80 meters. Please inform us of your mobility needs before booking.\n<\/dd><\/div>\n      <div><dt>Languages<\/dt><dd>Greek \u00b7 English<\/dd><\/div>\n    <\/dl>\n  <\/div>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_11 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-reserve\" id=\"reserve\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_15 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_16 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_11 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><span class=\"we-res-eyebrow\">Reserve the hide<\/span>\n<h2 class=\"we-res-h2\">BOOK A SESSION ON THE LAKE<\/h2>\n<p class=\"we-res-lede\"><\/p>\n\n<div class=\"we-res-pricing\">\n  <div class=\"we-res-p\">\n    <dt>Day session<\/dt>\n    <dd><!-- [we_service_price]: no price found for \"Day session\" --> <small>full day \u00b7 1\u20134 guests<\/small><\/dd>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"we-res-p\">\n    <dt>Day + night<\/dt>\n    <dd><!-- [we_service_price]: no price found for \"Day and night\" --> <small>incl. thermal &amp; IR<\/small><\/dd>\n  <\/div>\n  <div class=\"we-res-p\">\n    <dt>Three-day package<\/dt>\n    <dd><!-- [we_service_price]: no price found for \"Three-day package\" --><small>three days \u00b7 two nights<\/small><\/dd>\n  <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"we-res-actions\">\n  <a href=\"\/product\/hide-kastorias\/\" class=\"btn-primary-red\">reserve now<\/a>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_section_12 et_pb_section et_section_regular et_flex_section we-hd-others\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_16 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_17 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_text_11 et_pb_text et_pb_bg_layout_light et_pb_module et_flex_module we-chapter-h2 preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h19rs5u--default preset--group--divi-text--divi-font-body--h1yjkjr--default preset--module--divi-text--default\"><div class=\"et_pb_text_inner\"><p><span class=\"we-chapter-num\">The other two<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>OUR OTHER ACTIVE HIDES<\/h2>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<div class=\"et_pb_row_17 et_pb_row et_flex_row\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_column_18 et_pb_column et-last-child et_flex_column et_pb_css_mix_blend_mode_passthrough et_flex_column_24_24 et_flex_column_24_24_tablet et_flex_column_24_24_phone\">\n<div class=\"et_pb_code_12 et_pb_code et_pb_module\"><div class=\"et_pb_code_inner\"><div class=\"we-oth-grid\">\n\n  <a class=\"we-oth-card\" href=\"\/hide-lyras\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/0F1A7737_filtered-scaled.webp\" alt=\"Hide Lyras\" style=\"object-position: top\">\n    <div class=\"we-oth-copy\">\n      <span class=\"we-oth-where\">Lyra \u00b7 Evros \u00b7 Thrace<\/span>\n      <h3>HIDE LYRAS<\/h3>\n      <p>Our oldest hide \u2014 a forest blind among the raptors of Dadia. Vultures, eagles, and a bunk room for overnight sessions.<\/p>\n      <span class=\"we-oth-arrow\">Visit the hide \u2192<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/a>\n\n  <a class=\"we-oth-card\" href=\"\/hide-kerkinis\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/hide-kerkinis.png\" alt=\"Hide Kerkinis\">\n    <div class=\"we-oth-copy\">\n      <span class=\"we-oth-where\">Lake Kerkini \u00b7 Central Macedonia<\/span>\n      <h3>HIDE KERKINIS<\/h3>\n      <p>Pelicans against the snow-capped Belasica range, photographed from a low flat-bottomed boat in mid-winter.<\/p>\n      <span class=\"we-oth-arrow\">Opening 2026<\/span>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/a>\n\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"difl_page_category":[],"class_list":["post-229311","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/229311","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=229311"}],"version-history":[{"count":80,"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/229311\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":229794,"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/229311\/revisions\/229794"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=229311"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"difl_page_category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/staging.wildlifexplorers.com\/el\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/difl_page_category?post=229311"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}