Birding in Divjake-Karavasta National Park

Birding in Divjakë-Karavasta National Park is one of the most popular day tours. Divjake-Karavasta is Albania’s most important natural areas and one of the richest wetlands in the entire Adriatic–Ionian region. Covering more than 22,000 hectares of coastal lagoons, pine forests, river mouths, sand dunes, and wet meadows, it is a key stronghold for biodiversity in Albania and a hotspot for birdwatching throughout the year. At the heart of the park lies Karavasta Lagoon, the largest lagoon in Albania and one of the largest in the Mediterranean.

The park is best known for hosting the only breeding colony of the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) in Albania, one of the most charismatic and globally threatened bird species. Around 80 pairs of this species nests here, making the site internationally significant under the Ramsar Convention and the EU Birds Directive. Alongside pelicans, the lagoon system supports thousands of herons, egrets, cormorants, ducks, waders, terns, and shorebirds, offering exceptional birding opportunities in all seasons.

Beyond birds, Divjakë–Karavasta protects a mosaic of habitats, including the beautiful Divjakë pine forest, one of the few remaining coastal pine woodlands in the Adriatic. The area is home to Golden Jackal, Red Fox, European Badger, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The landscapes of the park combine pristine wilderness with traditional fishing culture, creating a unique experience where nature and local life intertwine.

Easily accessible from Tirana, yet wonderfully wild, Divjakë–Karavasta is one of Albania’s must-visit destinations for nature lovers. Its combination of rare species, scenic habitats, and rich birdlife makes it the perfect location for a full-day birdwatching excursion.

Book this Tour

You can book this tour using the booking form below.
Please select your preferred date, then complete and submit the tour booking form.

This tour will operate once a minimum of 3 participants have booked for the same date.
You can check how many bookings have already been made by hovering your mouse over the selected date in the calendar. A small information box will appear showing the current number of bookings.

If you prefer, you may also book this tour as a private departure by paying the equivalent cost for 3 participants.

Thank you, and we look forward to welcoming you on this tour.

For group tours, we depart from Tirana at 07:15. For individual or private tours, we arrange a start time that is convenient for the participants.

The drive to Divjakë–Karavasta National Park takes around 1.5 hours, and we may make a short 10–15 minute stop on the way for facilities or to grab a coffee.

Upon arrival in the national park, we will start the itinerary for the day, which includes exploring a rich mosaic of habitats: the lagoon, the seaside, sand dunes, the Divjakë pine forest, Mediterranean coastal shrubs, as well as agricultural and semi-agricultural areas. This variety of habitats makes the tour highly rewarding in terms of the number of bird species we can observe.

In addition to birdwatching, our approach focuses on showing you the full range of landscapes that define the national park. It is a well-rounded, immersive, and truly enjoyable birding experience.

In the given price is included: 

• Guiding fee
• Transport (pick up and dropp off at the desired location)
• Picnic lunch and snacks
• Water
• Optics (on demand)
• Taxes 

This is an easy tour, suitable for everyone and accessible all year round. It involves mostly driving between key birding locations, combined with short and relaxed walks on flat terrain. No special fitness level is required, making the tour ideal for beginners, experienced birders, families, and travellers of all ages.

In the warm season (April to November), it is recommended to bring:

• sun hat,
• sun cream,
• mosquito repellent, 
• light raincoat if the weather forecast indicates rain,
• windproof jacket.

In December and January, mosquito repellent is usually not necessary.

Footwear: Any kind of comfortable sport shoes or sandals is perfectly fine for this tour. Walking boots are not necessary, but fine to wear too if preffered.