The Grebe floating shelter was developed by nature and wildlife photographers: Extensively tested and adjusted where necessary before launch. This floating shelter is our latest project to further expand our line of professional wildlife and photo shelters!

The floating tent is easy to set up: Inflate both air chambers, then place the mounting plate (or both plates) for your tripod head, insert the two storage bags, assemble the tent frame, and attach the tent canvas to the frame with the loops and Velcro. Your floating shelter is ready to use!

Perfect camouflage

Birds and mammals are generally very shy around humans. By camouflaging yourself and your equipment with this floating photo tent, you can approach animals at the water's surface or its edges without disturbing them. Because they no longer see you as a human, they perceive no danger, and you can often capture beautiful photos up close.

Easy, fast and mobile

The advantage of your own mobile, floating hide is that you can take it with you anytime, anywhere, and deploy it whenever the opportunity arises. The floating photo hide is lightweight and compact, making it easy to take to your favorite local pond, lake, or lake, whether you're traveling further afield or even by plane.

Prepare well

Make sure you are well prepared before entering the water;

• Stay safe, know the water depths.
• What is your goal: which birds or mammals do you want to photograph?
• Are you allowed in the water there? Ask the owner.
• What are the lighting conditions like there?
• Of course, it's advisable and wise to first visit a nature reserve or body of water and prepare well, so that you can start nature photography on the water in a very targeted and safe way.

Entering the water

If possible, find a spot out of sight of people or wildlife, so you don't startle mammals or birds before you begin. Prepare your float tent on dry land; place your camera and lens on the tripod head from the shore for safety. Ideally, enter the water using vegetation or a cove. A reed bed or other bankside vegetation can be very useful for entering the water unnoticed.

The camouflage pattern of the tent itself is our familiar reed pattern, and additional camouflage can be attached, such as branches, reeds, and so on. These extras can be attached using the cords. If done correctly, your shelter will blend in even more with its surroundings. The tent canvas itself is made of a strong, durable material (150D polyester). In rain or showers, you'll stay dry thanks to the 2500mm hydrostatic head.

Imagine: You're waiting in your float tent, perfectly still, well-prepared, and ready for action! Suddenly, a grebe, heron, or beaver appears just as you'd hoped. It's wonderful when you're successful and your target species appears right in front of you. For nature photographers, nothing beats the feeling of capturing beautiful images of birds and mammals, making the wait worthwhile. At that moment, it's reassuring to be able to rely on your equipment!

Photographing from the floating tent

When you enter the tent, you'll see the black coating on the inside, designed to keep it as dark as possible. The viewing windows with insect netting provide ample visibility on all sides to survey your surroundings. One snoot/lens cover is included, providing an additional viewing window (above the snoot). This snoot further camouflages your lens and protects it from water droplets (same fabric as the tent). It's the same one used in our Buteo Mark II, Aquila Mark II, and Falco series. The snoot is therefore interchangeable with these tents. An additional snoot can also be attached to the rear (ordered separately).

The shelter also comes with two small bags for accessories, which can be removed if desired. Two mounting plates are included (for your tripod head); you can attach and use both simultaneously. The photo level at the back of the hide is even lower, allowing you to literally shoot at water level with your lens. A safety net at the front prevents anything from falling into the water.

Using a floating hide is completely different from all the other "normal" hides we offer. You're in the water, and you have the option of moving around to approach birds and mammals. However, it's advisable not to move too much; it's best to let the birds or mammals come to you.

Patience and practice is everything!

Experiences of our specialists

• Light weight so easy to carry (6.1 kg in total).
• Compact size for transport.
• Safe (2 air chambers with valves) + strong materials.
• Strong, high-quality PVC, 1.7 mm thick.
• Strong tent canvas, waterproof (150D), reed pattern.
• Lots of extras, very complete.