Birding Around the Gulf of Riga and Latvia’s National Parks
An eleven-day Latvia birding tour around the Gulf of Riga, Engure, Kemeri, Slitere and Gauja, with a short extension into southern Estonia.
About this tour
This cross-section of Latvia’s bird habitats begins on the Gulf of Riga and connects internationally important wetlands, coastal migration bottlenecks, fishponds, river valleys, forest and raised bog.
Engure and Kemeri introduce reedbeds and shallow lakes before the route turns to Cape Kolka, Ventspils and Gauja. The northern section crosses briefly into Estonia for Nigula and Kabli, then returns to Riga for a final Daugava or cultural option.
BirdWatch.info has produced an independent English rewrite from the operator’s German programme. Adrian should approve the description, date, price and photo order before it goes live.
Itinerary ▼
Meet in Riga and transfer to a rural base near the gulf.
Explore this Ramsar wetland, coastal meadows, towers and the long-running ornithological field station.
Bird Lake Kaņieris reedbeds and continue through raised-bog and forest habitats.
Follow the western Gulf of Riga to Cape Kolka, a major spring migration concentration point.
Combine a short city visit with productive fishpond birding en route to Gauja.
Walk river and forest trails for woodpeckers, owls, raptors and stream birds.
Move north through reedbeds, lagoons, shore meadows and sandy coastal habitat.
Spend the day in southern Estonia’s raised bog and old forest and visit the Kabli migration station.
Bird coastal grassland and shallow bays while returning south to Riga.
Choose an early Daugava birding session or a Riga city walk, followed by Jurmala.
Transfer to Riga Airport.
Locations & map
- Riga - Latvia (Primary arrival or base city.)
- Gulf of Riga - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Lake Engure Nature Park - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Kemeri National Park - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Slitere National Park - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Ventspils - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Kalnciems - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Gauja National Park - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- North Vidzeme coast - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Nigula Nature Reserve - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Kabli - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
- Jurmala - Latvia (Birding location on the source itinerary; exact meeting coordinates are intentionally omitted.)
Availability & pricing
Included
- Accommodation in the programme - Room basis and hotel selection to be confirmed for the chosen departure.
- Ground transport during the tour - Includes itinerary transfers; ferry or boat travel where explicitly listed.
- Expert German-speaking guide - Throughout the field programme.
Not included
- International or domestic flights - Unless added in writing.
- Travel and medical insurance - Guests should arrange suitable cover.
- Personal expenses - Drinks and services not listed in the final confirmation.
Transport & stays
- Minibus Modern small-group road transport; ferries, bicycles or boats are added where shown in the itinerary. | Meet: Riga | Pickup: Final airport, station or hotel arrangements to be confirmed.
Policies & FAQ
Are bird sightings guaranteed?
No. The guide adjusts observation sites and timing to current weather, access and bird activity.
What language is used on the tour?
The source programme is guided in German. Ask through BirdWatch.info about any additional language support.
Is the displayed price final?
It is the price shown by the operator when this draft was prepared. Availability and final terms must be reconfirmed for the selected departure.