Danube Delta & Black Sea

Dobrogea, in Romania’s southeast, is home to the Danube Delta, a 2,200 square-mile wildlife sanctuary designated by UNESCO as a Biosphere Reserve. This region also includes the historic port city of Constanța and a series of resorts along Romania’s 152-mile Black Sea coastline.

From the port city of Tulcea, cruises along the Delta’s intricate waterways reveal traditional fishing villages, floating reed islands, sand dunes, and serene canals. These provide shelter to over 300 species of birds, countless fish, and 1,150 plant species. South of the Delta, Constanța serves as a major Black Sea port and tourist hub, with fine museums, historical monuments, grand mansions, and the iconic casino.

Sightseeing Highlights

• Constanța – ancient history, eclectic architecture, and a rich culinary scene.

• Halmyris – ongoing excavations of this Roman city reveal fascinating discoveries.

• Delta Cruises – even non-bird-watchers will be captivated by the scenery, wildlife, and traditional village life; local guides are available to pre-book.

The Danube Delta (Delta Dunării) – UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site

The mighty Danube River travels 1,788 miles from Germany’s Black Forest to the Black Sea, forming one of Europe’s largest and best-preserved deltas along the way. The Delta spans 2,200 square miles of rivers, canals, marshes, tree-lined lakes, and reed islands, making it a haven for wildlife, particularly birdlife.

Travellers can spend several days navigating its maze of waterways, home to the highest concentration of bird colonies in Europe. Birds from as far afield as China and Africa make the Delta their seasonal home. Over 300 species can be spotted, including cormorants, white-tailed eagles, and glossy ibises. Fish and mammals, such as wildcats, foxes, wolves, and occasional deer or boar, also thrive here.

The Delta forms around three main channels of the Danube: Chilia (north), Sulina (central), and Sfântu Gheorghe (south). The Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve hosts over 5,500 species of flora and fauna, the third largest biodiversity reserve in the world, exceeded only by the Great Barrier Reef and the Galápagos Archipelago. Approximately 15,000 people live across 28 villages and one city, Sulina, with more than half of the reserve remaining virtually untouched.

Key Locations in the Delta

• Lacul Roșca – a strictly protected area between Chilia Veche and Periprava, home to Europe’s largest white pelican colony and diverse wildlife, including black-bellied foxes, wild horses, and boars. Access to nearby Letea Forest is permitted only with a guide.

• Sulina Arm – 42 miles from Tulcea to Sulina, the main navigation route for boats and cruise liners.

• Maliuc – near Lake Furtuna, a hotspot for swans, moor hens, wild ducks, and feeding pelicans.

• Crișan – a traditional fishing village and excellent base for lake and canal exploration. Access to Caraorman Forest is permitted only with a guide.

• Mila 23 – a quaint fishing village 23 miles inland from Sulina.

• Sulina – the terminus for Delta cruises; its multicultural cemetery reflects centuries of European, Middle Eastern, and pirate influence.

• Sfântu Gheorghe – stretches 67 miles; famous for traditional cuisine, including black caviar, and long sandy beaches.

• Murighiol – gateway to Uzlina, the headquarters of the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve and Jacques Cousteau Foundation; close to the ruins of Roman Halmyris.

Activities

• Boat excursions through the canals and lakes, witnessing daily village life.

• Bird-watching – over 300 species of migratory and resident birds, including Dalmatian pelican, pygmy cormorant, ferruginous duck, and white pelican.

• Fishing – the Delta’s waters are home to some 160 species of freshwater and saltwater fish.

• Cultural immersion – taste local wines, sample the famous beluga sturgeon caviar, and explore villages with centuries-old traditions.

Danube Delta Essentials
Visitors require permits to enter the Biosphere Reserve; these are included in guided tours, or can be purchased independently from the Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve Administration (ARBDD) in Tulcea. Separate permits are needed for fishing or hunting. Multi-day trips with overnight stays in local villages are strongly recommended, ideally with a guide. Mosquito repellent is essential when exploring the Delta.

We look forward to being of service.