Duration
Drift Down the Danube Delta by Motorboat
From $700 pp
Bookable From
March to October
Trip Style
Self-Guided
Country
Romania
Physical Rating
Average
Overview
Explore Romania's Danube Delta and discover an aquatic and ecological paradise as you drift down the river in a motorboat.
The Danube Delta is a biosphere reserve home to thousands of spectacular wildlife and plant species. It features immense stretches of sand, reed-covered lakes, willow tree-lined canals, and wild beaches. With its well-preserved traditions and picturesque houses, the Danube Delta has always drawn visitors. Meander along, spotting wild horses and myriad birds, tasting the mouth-watering dishes, and listening to the sound of the omnipresent waves.
On this self-guided tour, you'll be taken by a motorboat, steered by a local fisherman, and have leisure time to canoe, fish, swim in the Black Sea, and soak up the atmosphere of the Delta.
Highlights
- Immerse yourself in the culture of Tulcea, the gateway city to the Delta
- Enjoy the wetlands, culinary delights, and cultural heritage of Crisan
- Admire colonies of birds and aquatic wildlife at the Sulina Branch distributary
- Experience the magic of the "forgotten by God" village of Letea
- Swim in the Black Sea in Sulina
The Danube Delta is the second-largest delta in Europe. The reserve is mostly located in Romania, with 20% of it in Ukraine. It's considered special for its wilderness and for becoming a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Having an intricate pattern of channels and lakes, it is considered the European paradise of flora and fauna with 12,000 kinds of plants and 250 species of migratory birds. Expect to see forests of willow trees and groups of pelicans and egrets.
Seasonal Notes
We recommend taking this trip anytime from March to October.
The Danube Delta is most spectacular in spring, especially in late April and early May. This is the period when nature comes back to life. The first aquatic plants appear, the banks are filled with wildflowers, the reeds regenerate, and the trees turn green. The weather is usually mild. This is a perfect time for nature enthusiasts and those who appreciate the tranquility of the riverbanks.
Note: Springtime can sometimes bring higher water levels and flooding in some areas due to rain and snowmelt.
Summer in the Danube Delta can be hotter and busier with larger crowds. Additionally, the summer months bring longer days so you’ll have plenty of daylight for seeing the incredible sites and cities. Summer months have some of the hottest temperatures ranging from 68-95°F. (20-35°C).
The autumn months bring a special charm to the Danube River. The weather remains pleasant, and you'll witness the region's stunning fall foliage. Temperatures range from 50-68°F (10-25°C). We recommend bringing layers and warmer, waterproof jackets as temperatures can get cooler during the evening and morning times.
Itinerary
Day 1 Tulcea [Romania] (arrival day)
Day 2 Boat ride to explore the south side of the Sulina Branch
Days 3 Boat ride to Letea
Day 4 Visit historic Sulina and the Black Sea
Day 5 Boat ride from Sulina to Tulcea, transfer to Bucharest (departure day)
Route Map
Inclusions & Exclusions
Transfers from and to Tulcea on D1 & D5
4 nights' accommodation: 2 nights in Crisan and 2 nights in Sulina
4 breakfasts, 2 picnic lunches, 2 dinners
2 days of guided motorized boat rides on D2 & D3
1 free day to explore Sulina on foot
International flights
Transfers between Bucharest & Tulcea (on request)
Motorized boat ride or kayak ride in Sulina (on request)
Meals not mentioned
Alcohol & drinks other than water
Personal expenses & souvenirs
Insurance, Visa, Taxes, Tips
Pricing
Prices exclude flights to/from the destination.
Prices are for double room occupancy unless indicated otherwise.
Minimum of three people. Contact us for groups of two or for solo traveler pricing.
Deposit per person
30% of the trip price
Group of 3-6 travelers - price per person
$700
Single Supplement
$135
Optional Add-ons
Prices are in Euros. Pricing in USD will be provided upon inquiry and added to your trip payment link.
One-Way Private Transfers:
- Train transfer from Bucharest to Tulcea: 25 €
- Bus transfer from Bucharest to Tulcea: 33 €
- Private transfer from Bucharest to Tulcea (1-3 people; Inquire for vans for 4-6 people): 290 €
Extra Nights (per person):
- Extra nights in Bucharest or Tulcea (double room): 43 €
- Extra nights in Bucharest or Tulcea (single room): 80 €
Activities (per person):
- Guided kayak ride (3h), in Sulina on D4 (min. 2 people): 35 €
- Motorized boat ride (2h) in Sulina on D4 (min. 2 people): 45 €
Sustainability
We are a certified partner of the Association of Ecotourism in Romania. Our philosophy has always been to encourage traveling as much as possible by non-motorized means and mostly off the beaten path, to try and avoid the mainstream and bring out the authenticity.
Environmental Initiatives
We constantly highlight the need for recycling, the use of biodegradable or reusable objects (food boxes, water bottles, etc.), and local food supply in particular. This walking tour is a low-carbon impact activity that connects you with our nature. You will take a train from Bucharest to get closer to your starting point for the walk.
Economic Initiatives
All our partners are Romanians who work independently for the development of their country, the type of circuit that we carry gives work on average to about fifteen local providers in the region. We help you travel on less-popular roads where your presence will support local communities more.
Sociocultural Initiatives
We are committed to promoting and explaining the cultural and artisanal productions of the regions we visit. Furthermore, we only work with independent artisans & craftsmen whose respect for traditional know-how is wildly recognized.
You'll be staying primarily in guesthouses run by local families we've worked with for years, and eating homemade dishes. Tourism truly helps their families and communities to thrive.
Health & Safety
Be sure you have traveler's insurance.
FAQs
What does the Physical Rating of "average" mean?
This trip is five days long and includes two days of guided motorboat rides, including short walking stretches. There is also one free day to explore Sulina on foot and an option to see or swim in the Black Sea.
A medium or intermediate level of fitness is required.
What are the accommodations like?
You will stay two nights in a guesthouse in Crisan and two nights in a guesthouse in Sulina. The guesthouse accommodations are double occupancy with private facilities.
What do I do with my luggage?
During transfers, you will have your luggage with you.