Wildlife in The Danube Delta

Where is The Danube Delta?

After the continental journey through several countries and absorbing countless lesser waterways, the Danube empties into the Black Sea south of the Ukrainian border. The Danube Delta, included on Unesco’s World Heritage list, is one of Romania’s leading attractions.

At Tulcea, the river splits into three separate channels: the Chilia, Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe arms, creating a constantly evolving 4187-sq-km wetland of marshes, floating reed islets and sandbars. The region provides sanctuary for 300 species of bird and 160 species of fish.

Birds of Delta of the Danube

Reed marshes cover 1563 sq km, constituting one of the largest single expanses of reed beds in the world. The delta is a haven for wildlife lovers, birdwatchers, fishers and anyone wanting to get away from it all for a few days. There are beautiful, secluded beaches at both Sulina and Sfântu Gheorghe, and the fish and seafood, particularly the fish soup, are the best in Romania.

Much of the delta is under the protection of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Authority, headquartered in Tulcea, with branch offices in the delta, including in Sfântu Gheorghe. There are around 20 strictly protected areas covering about 500 sq km that are off-limits to tourists, including the 500-year-old Letea Forest and Europe’s largest pelican colony.
Visitation is limited in other areas. Note that visitors to the reserve are required to purchase an entry permit from here! Camping in the reserve is only allowed in official camping grounds.

If you want to stay here and fully enjoy the experiences that Delta offers, it is best to go to one of the localities right in the middle of it: Crisan, Mila 23 …

But you must keep in mind that these places can be reached in one way: by boat. Drive to one of the cities of Tulcea or Murighiol and from here use the services of a taxi water company.

What to do in the Danube Delta?

But once you arrive you will see that it was worth every effort.
The amount of activities that exist in the Danube Delta is mindblowing. Among the things you must try in the Danube Delta we mention: bird watching, tour to Letea Forest, visit Enisala Fortress, go to Sacalin Island, fishing, indulge in local traditional food, boat ride on canals and lakes.

In Delta, the birds and the sun put on quite a show. Mosquitoes appear occasionally, but only in June, and they make you think you’re an actor in a horror film. The sunrise show is unforgettable, and the sunset show is also not to be missed. Romantics will benefit greatly, and the most romantic photos will be chosen as ideal for some extra likes on social media. Just kidding, you’ll have some lovely memories of your Danube Delta vacation when you return home.

There are numerous tourist routes in the Danube Delta. Boatmen can accompany you on a stroll through the canals, among the water lilies, or around lakes teeming with pelicans and other birds. Engage them in conversation and ask them questions. Some people aren’t very talkative, but if you know how to approach them, they’ll tell you a lot of stories. Others, on the other hand, function exactly like real encyclopedias. Boat trips to Crisan, Sulina, Sfantu Gheorghe, Murghiol, and Portita are available. After all, the Delta would be like a cake without cream if it didn’t have a boat. It’s good, but it’s not sweet enough.

There is something really special about Delta that, after the first visit, will entice you to come back again and again. It will show you who you are and the slowly life will really relax you.

The best accommodation options in the Danube Delta, prices and availability can be found here!