Kolkheti National Park: Boat Tours, Lake Paliastomi and Bird Watching
Kolkheti National Park at a glance
- Where: around Poti, western Georgia
- Covers: the eastern Black Sea shore and the Lake Paliastomi basin
- Main activity: boat tours on Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori river
- Relict forests: reachable only by boat
- Birds: about 194 species; bird-watching towers
- Also: hiking and horse riding
- Getting there: private car with driver from Batumi or Kutaisi
Facts about the park come from Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Georgia Travel, Advantour and Eurasia Travel.
Why visit Kolkheti National Park?
Most travellers know Georgia for its mountains and old churches, but the west of the country hides a very different landscape. Around Poti the land is flat, green and wet: lakes, slow rivers, marshes and dense lowland forest. Kolkheti National Park protects this landscape, and it feels more like a subtropical delta than the Caucasus.
The park is also full of history. This is the ancient land of Colchis, and Poti is believed to stand near the site of the ancient Greek colony of Phasis. A day here combines a quiet nature trip with one of the oldest stories of the Black Sea coast.
It is also a good choice for families and for anyone who wants a slower day after the busy beaches of Batumi. There is no climbing and no long walk: you sit in the boat, watch the water and the birds, and let the guide show you the way through the channels.
Boat tours on Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori river
Lake Paliastomi lies within the boundaries of the park, right next to Poti. Boat tours run on the lake and along the Pichori river, and the visitors centre can help you organise one. This is the best way to see the park: the relict forests along the water can be reached only by boat, so the trip itself is part of the experience.
On the water you glide between reeds and flooded trees, and the only sounds are birds and the boat. Bring a hat and water in summer, and a warm layer in spring and autumn, when the wind over the lake can be cool.
Bird watching
Kolkheti is one of the best places in Georgia for bird watching. About 194 bird species are found in the park, and a few towers have been set up specifically for watching them. Even if you are not a birder, it is worth bringing binoculars: waterfowl can be watched here at any time of year, from the boat or from the towers.
| Activity | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Boat tour on Lake Paliastomi | Open water, reeds and views of the coast |
| Boat tour on the Pichori river | Narrow channels and relict forest, reachable only by boat |
| Bird watching | About 194 species; dedicated towers |
| Hiking and horse riding | Ask the visitors centre what is open on your date |
How to plan your visit
- Start early: mornings on the water are calmer and better for birds.
- Book the boat on the spot or in advance: the visitors centre helps organise tours; ask about times when you arrive.
- Allow time: plan half a day for the park, plus the drive.
- Combine: walk around Poti after the boat tour, or stop at the beaches of Ureki or Kobuleti on the way back to Batumi.
Getting there from Batumi or Kutaisi
The park is just outside Poti. From Batumi the road runs north along the coast past Kobuleti and Ureki; from Kutaisi it crosses the lowlands to the west. With a private car the driver brings you to the visitors centre, waits for free while you are on the boat, and takes you back the same day. Our Batumi to Poti transfer guide describes the coastal route, and the Batumi to Ureki guide covers the beach stop on the way. Coming from the capital, see our Tbilisi to Poti transfer guide.
See live prices for your date on this page; the price is for the whole vehicle and is shown before you book. You pay the driver in cash in GEL, USD or EUR.
See drivers and live prices: Batumi to Kolkheti National Park
Why travel with OrbiTrip
- Free stops on the way: Kobuleti, Ureki, viewpoints or lunch.
- Free waiting: take your time on the boat tour.
- Free cancellation: change plans without penalty.
- Same price day and night: early or late, the price is the same.
- Pay the driver in cash: GEL, USD or EUR, no prepayment.
- Name-sign meeting: the driver meets you with a name sign.
- Child seat on request: mention it when you book.
- Book ahead: at least 90 minutes before pickup.
- Reliability: For a confirmed booking, your driver is guaranteed to arrive; any necessary replacement driver is at the same price and with your agreement.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Kolkheti National Park?
In western Georgia, around the port city of Poti. It covers the eastern Black Sea shore and the Lake Paliastomi basin.
What is the best thing to do in Kolkheti National Park?
Take a boat tour on Lake Paliastomi or the Pichori river. The relict forests of the park can be reached only by boat.
Is Kolkheti good for bird watching?
Yes. About 194 bird species are found in the park, and there are towers set up for bird watching.
How do I book a boat tour?
The visitors centre can help organise boat tours on Lake Paliastomi and the Pichori river. Ask about times when you arrive.
How do I get to Kolkheti National Park from Batumi?
The simplest way is a private car with driver along the coast. The driver waits for free while you are on the boat and brings you back the same day.
How much does the transfer cost?
See live prices for your date on the route page. The price is for the whole vehicle and you pay the driver in cash.
Checked on 1 November 2026. Sources: Wikipedia, Wikivoyage, Georgia Travel, Advantour and Eurasia Travel.
OrbiTrip Georgia — private transfers across Georgia with local drivers. Per-vehicle price shown before booking, no prepayment.