UNIQUE EXPERIENCES IN THE DANUBE DELTA
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See what is available for your group
- Day trip or a longer tour. Choose a day trip from Tulcea, or a tour of several days.
- How many of you. Select the adults and the children in your group. You see only the dates with enough available places for all of you.
- Your dates. For a day trip, pick the day in the calendar. For a longer tour, pick the first day you can start, then the last day you must be back. Gold dots mark group tour departures; adding ±2 or ±3 days usually shows you more of them.
Group tour departure
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This season
Season Offers
Destinations: Dobrogea
Your own birding guide and car among the wintering flocks of Red-breasted and White-fronted Geese, swans and eagles, on the lagoons and fields south of the Danube Delta.
PrivateBirding & PhotoPRIVATE Winter Birding & Bird Photography Day Trip in the Danube Delta, from Tulcea
Destinations: Danube Delta
Wintering birds, frozen reeds and empty channels, with your own boat and a birder photographer guide, when almost nobody else is on the water. Come dressed for real cold.
Destinations: Lake Kerkini
Four nights at Lake Kerkini and six boat sessions at sunrise and in the evening light, with Dalmatian Pelicans flying at eye level. Single room included.
Our tours
Popular tours for 2027
Destinations: Danube Delta
Three nights in Mila 23, in the heart of the Danube Delta, with a day on the lakes and channels, a day trip to Letea Forest and a sunrise tour on the water.
From €470 per person
See the tour: Danube Delta Nature Tour 4d/3n, 2 day trips included, SHARED 2027
Destinations: Danube Delta
Skip the crowds: boat trips at sunrise and in the late afternoon, when the speed boats are gone and the Danube Delta is quiet again.
From €470 per person
See the tour: Danube Delta Summer Nature Escape, Skip the Crowds, 4d/3n, 2027
Destinations: Danube Delta
Four nights in Mila 23 and three days of birding from sunrise, on the lakes, at Letea and at Caraorman, with a specialised guide and at most 8 birders.
From €800 per person
See the tour: Danube Delta Birdwatching Tour 2027: Small SHARED Group, 5d/4n
Destinations: Danube Delta
8 to 10 hours of birding from sunrise, in an open boat built for the Danube Delta, to Mila 23, with a guide who is both a birder and a wildlife photographer.
Destinations: Danube Delta
A day by boat from Tulcea to Letea, with a coffee stop in Mila 23, a safari car to Letea Forest and an optional lunch in a local household.
Destinations: Danube Delta
Four nights in the heart of the Danube Delta, with a last night at Letea from April to June, sessions at sunrise and in the evening light and at most 4 photographers in the boat.
From €1,000 per person
See the tour: Wildlife Photo Tour to the Danube Delta, 5d/4n, 2027 SHAREDChoose your trip
Find your way into the Danube Delta
One day from Tulcea
Day Trips
Shared or private, by boat to Letea, Mila 23, Caraorman or Sulina, and by minivan into Dobrogea, with a guide who knows the way and the stories.
See the day trips
Stay in the heart of it
Multi Day Nature Tours
Two to six nights in Mila 23, a fishing village reached only by water, with boat trips at the best hours of the day and dinners cooked by your hosts.
See the nature tours
From sunrise, with a birder
Birdwatching Tours
Small groups and private tours in the Danube Delta and Dobrogea, with a specialised birding guide, for beginners and seasoned birders alike.
See the birding tours
In the first and last light
Photo Tours
A low open boat and a wildlife photographer guide, hides in Dobrogea, and photo tours to Lake Kerkini, the Balkan Mountains and Transylvania.
See the photo tours
Film crews, projects, agencies
For Professionals
Boats, permits, guides and local access for your production, your photography project or your groups. Everything on request.
See how we work
Before you come
Danube Delta Guide
When to come, how to get here, where to stay, what lives in the Danube Delta, and the birds month by month. Written by the people who guide you.
Read the guide
How we travel
The Danube Delta, without the speed boats
Most visitors see the Danube Delta from a covered speed boat, under a low roof, behind walls of cloudy plastic sheeting. You see almost nothing of the landscape, and the experience is close to zero. Add loud music, a boatman who speaks no English and a race from one stop to the next, and the birds fly away long before the boat arrives. We do it differently, and we are proud of it.
Open boats, at low speed
Our own boats, built for the Danube Delta, with low power engines. Nothing between you and the landscape: you see, hear and smell the Danube Delta all around you.
At the right hours
In summer, from about 9:30, hundreds of speed boats race through the main channels. Our summer trips leave at sunrise or in the late afternoon, when the Danube Delta is quiet again.
The right guide for your trip
Naturalists, specialised birders and wildlife photographers, each on the trip made for them. A nature tour, a birding tour and a photo tour are not the same trip.
Open boat means open. No roof, no shade, no heating. That is what makes it a complete experience. We offer you a fabulous day on the water; your part is to come prepared for sun, wind and rain.
Our guests
What our guests say
An excellent and truly exceptional experience ☺️ We took the 8 am tour, which included stops at Mila23 and Caraorman. The driver/guide, Victor, was incredibly attentive. He provided helpful advice, anecdotes, and stories. He pointed out the birds and animals along the riverbanks and gave us ample time to observe and photograph them. A truly wonderful experience. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
We were very happy with our day trip to the Danube Delta and felt very safe and well looked after. We gratefully followed the recommendation to wear a sun hat with a band (which can be purchased cheaply in the shop before departure), as well as long-sleeved tops and trousers – plus SPF 50 sunscreen! – and strongly advise everyone to do the same. The boat had no roof, which gave us a sensational view of the birds and wildlife. The owner didn't miss a single animal on the trip; he showed us the beauty of the Danube Delta. I would book a tour with him again anytime. Top-notch!
Unique and memorable experience on the water
Excellent, knowledgeable and friendly guide. Full day experience. We saw many birds, plants and beautiful waterways and lakes. The vastness of the delta was awe-inspiring. We enjoyed the visit and substantial homemade traditional lunch on island. Highly recommended, great value for money.
An amazing experience visiting the Danube Delta on a one-day private birdwatching trip. We left Tulcea before dawn on open-topped boat (see picture) until mid-afternoon when birds were less active. We were lucky to get perfect weather, and seeing the sunrise over the Delta was an unforgettable experience. Our guide (and I think co-owner of the business) Ili was incredibly knowledgeable and alert, pointing out new birds all the time as they were seen or heard and taking us to the best spots for species that we had indicated in advance we were keen to see. Ili also was knowledgeable about the history of the Delta and the pressures it is facing from human activity. At times the sheer number and variety of birds was overwhelming, especially in the 2-3 hours just after dawn when passerines were singing everywhere. Ili was also very patient - I am a birdwatcher that is very good with the ears but a bit slower with the eyes and at times I can miss something that is right in front of me! Although I had a small camera with me, our trip was primarily about soaking in the experience of hearing and seeing the wildlife in such a unique environment. If you are primarily a photographer then you need to let the company know in advance and they may take you different spots in the Delta to facilitate that. On this trip you have the option of buying lunch at a local traditional restaurant in the Mila 23 village, and this is the same place that the longer trips use as their base. It is a peaceful, pleasant spot and some people may welcome an hour without the hum of the boat's engine. Communication in advance of the trip with the operator was excellent, Calina was the person who handled this and she was very prompt at getting back by e-mail when we had a query (always a reply within 24 hours). Especially as we had to change the date of our trip a few weeks before we travelled. One important thing to note if doing this trip is that the boat departs from the small pier at "Port Tulcea Aval", and not from the promenade at Tulcea. If you are staying in the main hotels by the promenade this is about a 15 minute walk. Alternatively you can drive to it, and it is 40 lei per day to leave your car there. As we arrived the day beforehand, we checked out the departure point that day so that we did not have to worry about it on the day. From a birdwatching standpoint, other aspects of our travel plans limited the dates we could have taken this trip. If you have a completely free hand as to when to visit, I would suggest two to three weeks earlier than we visited would be even better e.g. mid April to end of first week in May. Overall a fantastic, unforgettable experience.
A very prepared team of guides who explained to us both the fauna, the flora and the different theories by which the Danube Delta was formed, developed. Very friendly people, respectful with a sense of humor. We were initially worried that the boats were not covered, considering that strong sun was announced, but it was ideal so we saw the birds from all sides. To as many tourists as possible!
Highly recommended for the serious birder
We went on a full day trip with guide Marius and boat driver Paul. Started 5:30 am, back by 15:00.
It was above and beyond my expectations, and the knowledge of Marius, from the ID challenges of Caspian Gulls versus Yellow-legged, to finding Syrian Woodpecker (a photo species need I had).
Highly recommended tour
Great tour. You can see the unique nature of the delta. The organization is very committed and extremely well trained. Both in history and biology.
A truly amazing trip
Into the pristine #danubedelta with @discoverdanubedelta today, traveling from #Tulcea to the island of #Letea.
Saw so much #flora and #fauna including #whitetailedeagles, #pelicans, feral #horses, #waterlilies, #ibis, #frogs and #PurpleHerons to name but a few. Our guide, Marius, also saved a #moorhen from a fish trap.
Discover Danube Delta Photo Tour - a must for any nature photographer from amateur to pro
I just returned from the 5d/4n Discover Danube Delta Photo Tour. Actually, I had no big expectations. I booked this trip as a reconnaissance mission to get a feel for the region and maybe find "serious" operator for a future true photography expedition. I couldn't have been more wrong.
From start of the tour, which begun with a transfer by boat from Tulcea to Mila 23 and finish (return to a starting point same boat) I was really surprised by the quality of service. Everything – transfer, boat cruising to channels and accommodation was handled with true professionalism, thanks to our group of 4 could focus entirely on the observation and shooting. Our guide (and at the same time co-owner of the tour operator) Iliutsa has incredible local knowledge, he seems to know every nook, every channel, every bend of Delta. We navigated the waters in a low-profile open boat in two sessions – early morning (5 am) and evening (5 pm) to catch the best light. I need to emphasize that open boat (no roof) is much, much better for good observation and photography, as it gives you 360 degrees view. Yes it is more windy & more cold, but that is a tradeoff which pays at the end of the day with stunning pictures. Our guide ensured we were always in the right place to capture spectacular wildlife moments - from majestic pelicans at sunset and hunting herons to marsh harriers attacking tern nests. The final day surprised us even more, as Iliutsa took us to Letea for a whole day to admire avocets, rare pratincoles, rollers, spectacular wild horses of Letea and the famous old oak tree forest (natilnal reserve Pădurea Letea)
We were accommodated at the Fishermen House in Mila 23. It was clean, cozy, and incredibly welcoming. The meals - mainly local fish made by Ekatereina, the true chef and owner of the Casa Pescarului. Any words cannot describe how delicious it was, you simply have to come to try it At the last dinner we had a chance to watch a wonderful performance of a local folklore choir from the indigenous Lipovan community. Very emotional.
I returned home with gigabytes of images and a really good portfolio that far exceeded what I thought possible for a short trip. To sum up - If you are looking for a photography-focused adventure in the Danube Delta, look no further - this tour delivers on every front. I highly recommend them to any photographer, from amateur to pro.
Pro-tip: take warm and rain clothes, do not underestimate the weather in Delta. In spring it can be very deceptive. Be prepared for every possible conditions.
A wonderful day trip to the Danube Delta. Excellent tour guide. Highly recommended. The diversity of wildlife is fascinating. The large number of pelicans and wild horses were a highlight for me. It's something you simply have to see. I would have gladly given more than 5 stars.
Educational and beautiful
The tour guide had extensive knowledge of ornithology, botany, and mythology. He was able to answer our questions and more. The boat captain was also top-notch. He knows the delta, it is his home, and he steers the boat safely. We saw many birds and also the wild horses. The traditional food in the delta was served by friendly locals and it tasted good. It was a wonderful day and we will recommend this excursion.
Amazing experience
Amazing experience.,well organized ,our guide Mariusz is a great expert on birds, speaking several languages and he was very kind. We will recommended this fantastic experience.
I recently availed the photo tour and was extremely happy with the arrangement. The stay at a comfortable cottage with delicious home made food , the planned boat trips and the sightings which helped us to shoot photos seamlessly. Last but not the least our guide ILI was best. His knowledge about the area, quiet channels and about availability of bird species , their sound and his sharp eyes to spot the birds was excellent. Thank you Ili , Calina and all others for the great arrangement and service.
A 3n/4d package with accommodation at Vila Alexandru și Alexandra was an excellent way to relax on vacation. Guide Iulian led us on wonderful excursions on the Danube canals. We discovered the fauna and flora of the Delta and we had professional explanations. Thank you! I hope to come back!
One of the best things I ever did in my life.
I did the photography tour and everything was just incredible. It's hard going, but totally worth it. It's so beautiful there and the wildlife and birdlife is stunning.
Special thanks to Calina, Marius, and Ionut. You were all amazing and work so hard! The accommodation is beautiful and the staff there are so nice! Thank you to all who made my stay so wonderful!
I hope one day to return to the delta and witness its magic again!
Read more reviews on TripAdvisor and Facebook.
Who we are
A local team, based in Tulcea since 2004
We are guides, birders and wildlife photographers who live and work in the Danube Delta and Dobrogea, in every season. We show you the Danube Delta as we see it: wild, quiet and full of life, away from the crowds. Read more about us or meet the team.
Licensed tour operator
Alternative Travel, operated by SC Dobrogea Misterioasă SRL, with a licence and an insolvency insurance policy renewed every year.
Our own boats and guides
Boats built for the Danube Delta and guides who know where the wildlife is this week, not last year.
Nature comes first
Members of the Ecotourism Association of Romania and of the Rewilding Tourism Network. We never enter nesting areas and never chase wildlife for a sighting or a picture.
Danube Delta guide
Read before you come
Our boats
Why we travel in open boats
What an open boat means for your day on the water, and why it changes what you see and hear.
Places
The trip to Letea Forest
Old oaks between the dunes, the horses of Letea and the long way there, from the river delta to the marine delta.
Birds
Birds of the Danube Delta and Dobrogea
Our list of the species, month by month, to plan your visit or build your target list.
Questions and answers
Frequently asked questions
Where do the tours start?
Almost all our boat trips and tours start at Port Tulcea Aval, Intrarea Marmurei 3, Tulcea. It is not the public harbour and not the town promenade. The page of each tour tells you the meeting hour.
How do I get to Tulcea?
By car, bus or train, or with our transfer from Bucharest or Bucharest airport, on request. If you come by car, there is a guarded car park at the port, paid separately.
When is the best time to visit the Danube Delta?
April to June is the busiest season for birds, with the colonies, the pelicans and the spring migration. In July and August go out at sunrise or in the late afternoon, away from the speed boats and the heat. September and October bring the autumn migration and quiet water. From December to February we run winter birding and photo trips, for those who come dressed for real cold.
What is the difference between a shared and a private tour?
On a shared tour you join other guests on a fixed program and pay per person. On a private tour the boat and the guide are only for your group, and you pay one price for the group.
I am not a birder or a photographer. Which tour is for me?
Choose a day trip or a multi day nature tour. They are made for nature lovers, at a relaxed pace, with a guide who explains the places, the wildlife and the life of the villages. Birding and photo tours have other hours, other routes and other guides.
Are the boats covered?
No. Our boats are open, with no roof, no shade and no heating. Bring a hat, sunscreen and a rain jacket or a rain poncho, and a warm layer for the early mornings.
How do I book?
Open the tour, choose your date and send us a booking request. We send you the confirmation and the payment link. Your booking is confirmed only when the payment shown on the tour page is made. A request is not a booking.
Contact
- Emailcontact@discoverdanubedelta.com
- Phone, SMS, WhatsApp+40 763 869 400
+40 757 894 456 - Meeting pointPort Tulcea Aval, Intrarea Marmurei 3, Tulcea
- For bookings and requests we always prefer email. Thank you!