Portugal Adventures

specifically designed for discerning photographers passionate about wildlife, passionate about photography

discover an astonishing array of wildlife from the richest bio-diverse region of europe and be inspired

This photographic adventure will introduce you to 2 of Europe's richest bio-diverse regions, the Algarve and Alentejo. Come experience many unique, intimate and unforgettable photographic encounters. Geoff is a dynamic guide and photographic instructor with many years of experience, providing personalised and tailored services that address the photographic needs of wildlife and nature photographers of all abilities.

Video extract from BBC Natural World - "FOREST IN A BOTTLE - Frogs in the Forest" first broadcasted February 2009 - shows the typical habitat of southern Portugal.

b o o k i n g f o r m click here

Includes 7-nights accommodation in 4-star hotel, all meals and transport throughout including airport pick-up and drop-off - excludes flights to Faro Airport, Algarve, Portugal.

You will be shooting in the open countryside overlooking flower meadows, steppe country and cork oak woodlands of Alentejo and the umbrella pine forests and by the edge of salt lagoons of the Algarve. We time each workshop to coincided with the maximum photographic opportunities and thus avoiding the extreme temperatures of summer. We recommend proper clothing suitable for warm conditions for a comfortable experience.

g r o u p s i z e - strictly limited to 6 participants plus Geoff as your guide.

Day 1 - On arrival at Faro Airport you will be collected and taken to the hotel on the outskirts of the historic Algarve town of Tavira in the middle of the Ria Formosa Nature Reserve. An early evening stroll outside the hotels will provide plenty of opportunity to photograph the flocks of Greater Flamingos, Spoonbills as they descend on the lagoons to taken roost.

Day 2 - Our day starts early within walking distance of the hotel where large numbers of Greater Flamingos, Avocets, Bee-Eaters, Spoonbills, Kentish Plover, Black-Winged Stilt, Sanderling, Ringed Plover, Greenshank, Bar-Tailed Godwit, Crested Lark.

Day 3 - Europe's largest rock garden at Capo de Vincente is home to many Blue Rock Thrush, Black Redstart, Little Bustard, Corn Bunting and Dartford Warbler.

Day 4 - Chameleons, Purple Gallinule and Fan-Tailed Warblers.

Day 5 - The cork forests and steppe plains of Alentejo are home to some of Europe's rarest birds Great Bustard, Little, Bustard, Montague's Harrier, Short-Toed Eagle, Black-Eared Wheatear, Corn Bunting, Cattle Egret, Great Grey Shrike, White Stork and Lesser Kestrel.

Day 6 - Scrubland dominates this region of Europe and allows close encounters with Azure-Winged Magpie, Woodchat Shrike, Hoopoe, Serin, White Stork, and Wryneck. The early evening will be spent photographing an amazing spectacle with dozens of Collared Pratincole as they compete with Noctule Bats for emerging Cockchafers.

Day 7 - The morning will be spent photographing the stunningly beautiful Golden Oriel as they fly from tree to tree on the edge of a disused vineyard

Day 8 - We encourage late afternoon flights from Faro Airport allowing time to get one final session in the morning photographing Greater Flamingo's and Spoonbills.

a c c o m m o d a t i o n - is bed, breakfast and evening meal at the spacious Vila Gale Albacora Hotel set in the centre of the Parque Natural da Ria Formosa. The hotel has unique architectural as well as cultural features, a museum, chapel and the adjoining ancient town of Tavira are merely some of the facilities, which make this property a perfect hotel for serenity and relaxation after a hard days shoot in the field. (A packed lunch and cool refreshments will be provided while out in the field)

t r a n s p o r t a t i o n - transport is provided for the entire duration the tour.

c o m m u n i c a t i o n - please email

or contact the office to discuss with Geoff directly regarding any questions you may have or any aspect of this tour. After all we are here to ensure that your photographic holiday in Southern Portugal is a great experience.

e n v i r o n m e n t a l c o n c e r n s - all human activity has an impact on the environment the more so when we interact with wildlife. From the beginning, the question I have asked myself is how can I minimize the impact while still pursuing those special photographic opportunities as well as sharing them with others? Fifteen years of such encounters have taught me that the critical ingredient to such success is maintaining the small size of observing groups. While travel industry pundits maintain that a group size of 3-6 is too small to be practical, I believe that it is vital not only to the success of the encounter, but to protecting the animals under observation as well. I also believe it is largely responsible for the 70% repeat visit rate of my guests.

a n y o n e m a y e n j o y - you don't have to be a professional photographer armed the the latest mega pixel array of camera hanging off each shoulder to join one of Geoff photo tours or workshops. All you need to bring with you is a passion for nature, with or without a camera, the spirit of adventure and a desire to step beyond the typical experiences offered by the usual travel agency.

"We had the most amazing experience of our lives. We feel so privileged to have been part of this amazing tour and we thank you for being passionate enough about such an amazing part of the world to promote such lovely holidays."

Amanda & David Bishop
Wantage, Oxfordshire

"As a photographer what I value the most in a photographic holiday is a good balance between the personal experience and good photographic opportunities.
In Portugal an amazing experience is guaranteed because it is a unique place with gorgeous sceneries. On my trip with Geoff his excellent knowledge, the effort on putting you in the right place at the right time gave me the balance to have very good photo opportunities."

"Incredible tour - exceeded all expectations! Geoff is a very knowledgeable, experienced and professional. It was a privilege photographing in such an amazing place. The Great Bustard and Chameleon encounters were absolutely phenomenal and the cork oak forests and wide-expanses of wildflowers were just sensational."

Alison Scott
Bramhall, Cheshire

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