Hutovo Blato Nature Park

Hutovo Blato is a wetland fed by underground karst water rising into a system of lakes and channels behind the Neretva delta, covering some seventy square kilometres of open water, reedbed and submerged meadow, protected as a nature park and a Ramsar site. It is the most important bird area in Bosnia and Herzegovina, with a recorded list past two hundred and forty species and very large numbers of wintering and passage waterfowl, herons, ibis, grebes and raptors using it on the Adriatic flyway. Boat safaris run from the park base at Karaotok through the channels, which is the standard way to see it. A visitor centre and a small museum operate at the base.

What you actually see

• The channels - the boat route through reedbed and open water.
• Wintering waterfowl - the ducks, herons and waders in season.
• Reedbeds and karst springs - the water sources feeding the wetland.
• The visitor base - the centre and museum at Karaotok.

When to go

October to April for the wintering birds, which is the peak; spring passage in March and April is also strong. Summer is hot, the water low and the bird interest much reduced. Early morning is best.

Honest expectations

Boat safaris run to demand and may need booking. Bird interest drops sharply in summer, when many visitors come. Hunting has been permitted in parts of the wetland, which is contested. Mosquitoes are severe in the warmer months.

Nearby

Mogorjelo lies north; Neum is southwest on the coast.