6 Days Ebro Delta Guided Bird Watching Safari in Spain

Target species

• Flamingos - thousands of these elegant birds available to see all year round
• Raptors - an amazing abundance of birds of prey like eagles, buzzards, vultures, hawks, falcons, kites, osprey
• Magnificent migrants - spring and autumn offer fantastic views of birds in passage such as the majestic white stork
• Wonderful waders - a fantastic variety of wading birds around shallow bays and saline lagoons at different times of the year
• Herons, bitterns, and egrets - every European variety is present here at different times throughout the year
• Vulture experience in Els Ports - unforgettable sightings of griffon and Egyptian vultures

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival

• You will be collected from the airport by one of the team members and be transferred to your accommodation, Ebro Delta Birding's private self catering villa situated in the countryside, just outside L'Ampolla, on the edge of the Ebro Delta

Day 2: Ebro Delta South

• Ebro Delta South fully guided bird watching tour

Day 3: Ebro River boat tour

• Ebro River by boat full day tour

Day 4: Els Ports Natural Park

• Els Ports Natural Park full day tour including griffon vulture viewing at Mas de Bunyol

Day 5: Ebro Delta North

• Ebro Delta North fully guided bird watching tour

Day 6: Departure

• One of the team members will return you to the airport in time for your flight

Spain's longest river, the mighty Ebro, discharges into the Mediterranean Sea in the North Eastern corner of Spain, approximately 200 kilometers to the south of Barcelona. The villa where you will stay is based in a countryside location, close to the coastal resort of L'Ampolla, on the northern side of the delta. This position acts as a perfect base from which to explore the delta whilst offering easy access to the resort amenities of L'Ampolla.

The sheer variety of different environments within the Ebro Delta is the key to why it attracts such a diversity of bird life. The natural landscape is comprised of saltmarshes, sand dunes, coastal lagoons, riverside woodland, and beaches, creating a mecca for both resident breeders and migratory transients alike.

The fertile, sedimentary deposits of the Ebro have created a unique location suited to the cultivation of rice, which has been grown here since 1860. Today, over 45 million kilograms are produced annually in a cultivated area of over 22,000 hectares. Fourteen different varieties of rice are produced by a cooperative comprising about 2000 members.

Due to its international importance as an area of biodiversity, 320 square kilometers of the delta was declared a natural park by the Catalonian government in 1983. Over 300 different species of birds have been observed in the area. The autumn and winter periods are regarded as the best time of the year for bird watching holidays, in order to see an abundance of species that seek refuge in the delta during the colder months.

Distances

• L'Ampolla - five minutes

During your stay, you will be provided with daily breakfast which will be tailored to your requirements and preferences. For an additional fee, you can also get optional packed lunches for birding tours.

• Barcelona day trip
• Morella day trip
• Penedes / Cava wine tasting
• Priorat and Montsant wine tasting
• Tarragona Roman ruins

• 4 different bird watching tours of the Ebro delta and surrounding area (three by car, one by boat)
• Professional native English speaker guide
• Airport transfers from Reus Air Base (REU) or Barcelona International Airport (BCN)
• Breakfast tailored to clients' preference
• 5 nights accommodation

• Binoculars or spotting scopes
• Drinks (honesty bar at accommodation with reasonably priced alcoholic and non alcoholic beverages)
• Evening meals (self catering facilities available including barbeque at accommodation or full range of restaurants a short taxi ride away, in L'Ampolla)
• Insect repellent, sun cream, sun hat
• Lunches (optional packed lunches available to take on tours, or lunches can be taken in local restaurants at very reasonable prices)

Recommended Airports

• A reservation requires a deposit of 20% of the total price.
• The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
• The rest of the payment should be paid on arrival.